FAQ

General

Maintenance & Help

Contact Information

Who makes the Autochlor range of chlorinators?

Australian Innovative Systems (AIS) is a successful Australian-owned company, with more than 28 years experience in the research and development of state-of-the-art saltwater chlorinators. We specialize in manufacturing chlorinators, chlorine generators and spare parts for the chlor-alkali industry.

Where is the AIS head office located?

Australian Innovative Systems
51 Millennium Place
Tingalpa
Queensland 4173
Australia
Tel: +61 7 3396 5222
Fax: +61 7 3393 3441 E-mail: support@autochlor.com.au

What are the AIS office hours?

Autochlor head office hours are:
8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday except Wednesday
8.00am to 4:30pm Wednesday

Does Autochlor have a service agent in my area?

To find a service agent in your area please click here

Does the Autochlor website have a troubleshooting section?

Yes - To get help troubleshooting a chlorinator problem please click here>

Who do I contact if I am having a problem with my Autochlor chlorinator?

The AIS Service Department
Ph: 61 7 3396 5222
Fax: 61 7 3393 3441
Email: service@autochlor.com.au

How does the Autochlor saltwater chlorinator work?

A small amount of natural salt is dissolved into the pool water. The chlorinator's electrolytic cell is plumbed directly in-line with the pool equipment, typically after the heater. The power control unit is wired to the pool timer so it sanitizes the water when the pump is running. As the water flows through the electrolytic cell, electrolysis separates the salt water into its basic components, sodium and chloride. Pure chlorine gas is produced by this process and goes to work in the pool to oxidize bacteria and sanitize the pool water. Following this process the chloride and sodium re-bond and become natural salt again.

Why is my pool green?

The primary causes of a pool turning green are a lack of chlorine, and/or a lack of circulation. The correct amount of chlorine stabiliser (cyanuric acid) also must be used. In addition the filtration system must be running for at least 6 hours per day during winter, and 8 hours per day in summer

Causes of low chlorine
Insufficient salt will prevent the chlorinator from generating enough chlorine
The chlorinator cell needs to be cleaned on a regular basis
Insufficient chlorinator running time
Breakdown of the chlorinator
Black spot algae will burn up chlorine very quickly

Black spot often grows in areas of poor circulation such as corners, steps and beach entrances

SOLUTION - a SHOCK DOSE OF LIQUID CHLORINE and fix the cause.

Why is my pool cloudy?

A cloudy pool is the first sign of a pool turning green, so any of the above reasons could apply. Also minute particles of dust or calcium could be suspended in the water.

When and how often should I check my pool water?

The most important time to check your pool water is as soon as practical after heavy rain. Saltwater pools should be chemically balanced fortnightly during summer, monthly during winter.

How should I look after my pool during heavy rain?

Run everything as normal, and test the pool after the rain has stopped. A common fallacy is that because salt water is heavier than fresh water. If you turn everything off, the fresh water will float on top, leaving only the rainwater to be drained off. This is not the case and we strongly recommend that you don't try this.

When I need to add Chlorine to my pool what type should I use?

In saltwater pools use only liquid chlorine to super chlorinate. Granular Pool chlorine leaves a residual of calcium behind. That is the white substance that has to be cleaned off the chlorinator cell. It is not helpful to add more calcium to be attracted to the cell? Large doses of calcium chlorine will cause cloudiness.

When water evaporates from my saltwater pool, do I lose salt?

No. Natural evaporation is between 2-5cm per week depending on wind and heat. Salt and stabiliser do not evaporate.

How do I keep chlorine in my pool?

A possible reason is a lack of chlorine stabiliser (cyanuric acid). In very rare instances it could be chloramines.
SOLUTION - Take a water sample to your local Pool Shop for testing

What is wrong with the pool, my children get sore eyes when they swim?

It could be that the PH level is too high or too low, very occasionally if the chlorine is too high. More often than not it is simply that the children have been swimming underwater for long periods with their eyes open. Water is not a natural substance on the eye.

What are the advantages of salt-water chlorination?

Salt-water chlorination makes your pool much easier to maintain, needing much less attention than a chlorine pool. Because the chlorinator is adding chlorine to your pool automatically, twice every day, there is much less chance of anything going wrong, avoiding costly clean up measures. Salt-water chlorination is less than half the cost of a chlorine pool to run. Saves time, saves money, eliminates problems! In addition, the mild salinity of the water does not have a "drying" effect on the skin (as does more salty sea water) and does not turn blond or grey hair green.

What is the difference in running costs between a salt water and chlorine pool?

Salt-water pools cost less than half that of a chlorine pool. Most of the chemical costs with a salt-water pool occur during the wet season when the pool overflows; during the dry season there is very little expenditure on chemicals. The actual amount depends upon the size of the pool, the severity of the wet season, and the situation of the pool.

Will I ever need to add standard pool chlorine again?

From time to time it may become necessary to add some chlorine to the pool. This may be due to heavy rain or if the chlorine level needs to be shocked back up, for reasons listed in previous questions.

Does the salt damage pool equipment?

No. Low levels of salt have relatively insignificant corrosive effects on pool fittings and equipment.

How does the Autochlor system remove calcium build-up on pools??

By extracting excess hardness (calcium etc.) from the water during the electrolytic process. This improves the feel of the water, protects the pool equipment and saves you money.

What if I have an old bayonet cell and housing, can I purchase a new cell?

The older bayonet cells are not compatible with current housing types, however a cell upgrade kit is available.
The kit includes new:
Cell
Housing
Lead Conversion kit.

This new housing can be plumed in place of the old cell housing. To view information on available upgrade kits click here

Why am I not getting 100 % of my power lights on?

One possible cause of only partial lights being displayed is insufficient salt in the pool. The recommended salt level is 4500 to 5500 PPM (Parts per Million). If the salt level is lower than this the chlorinator is unable to draw full power.

How do I clean my cell?

Rinse the cell electrodes in a combination of HCL (Pool acid available at your pool shop) and water. To view the instruction manual for a complete description on how to clean your electrolytic cell click here

How long should I run my chlorinator for?

The running times will vary depending on issues such as pool size, temperature and pool usage. As a guide the following are based on an average pool size of 60 000 litres.
The chlorinator should be run for approximately:
8 hours during Summer
6 hours during Autumn and Spring
4 hours during Winter

I would like to convert to Tariff 33 do I need any special equipment?

A chlorinator connected to Tariff 33 will loose access to power at certain times of the day. For this reason a unit connected to Tariff 33 will need a time clock with a battery backup.

What causes my chlorine level to drop?

Factors that cause the chlorine to drop include:
Exposure to UV light (Sunlight)
Increases in temperature
Daily pool use

Can I get an electronic copy of my chlorinator's user manual?

Yes - To select a copy of you chlorinators user manual click here.

Are there any products that increase the time before cell cleaning?

The reverse polarity range of chlorinators, greatly increase the time between cell cleaning. By changing the polarity the cell cleans itself. Given the right water conditions the cell may only need to be cleaned every six months. This will vary depending on water chemicals.

IMPORTANT: Calcium Build-up and your Salt Water Chlorination System

Please click here to download Word document explaining calcium build-up and cleaning procedure.