Hayward Chlorinators: Install & Maintain

Hayward chlorinators have been around since the 70's, in the same design, and one could say it's America's favorite pool chlorinator. If you use Trichlor tablets or sticks, the safest, easiest and most accurate way to slow-dissolve them is with a chlorine feeder. A pool floater can get stuck or flip over, and putting chemicals into the skimmer is a big no-no.

Above ground or inground, all pools that use chlorine tablets should also use a tablet feeder, like the Hayward Chlorinator.

Hayward Chlorinator Installation

The CL-200 model (CL-100 for above ground pools) can be plumbed in-line, which means that the feeder is glued in place on the return pipe, after the filter and any heater, last on the line.

The CL-220 (or CL-110) are for off-line installation. The feeder base is screwed to the floor, and hoses carry water in and out of the feeder, pushing chlorine through injection fittings in the pipes.

In-Line Hayward Chlorinator Install

Hayward CL100/CL200 are designed for permanent installation to PVC pipe or hose. Both feeders have 1.5" female threads to connect to a hose adapter (above ground pools), or a 1.5" male adapter. You can also buy the optional Hayward SxS Unions, connectors to match 1.5" PVC pipe.

In-line chlorinators must be installed after the filter and after any heater. They should be installed at ground level to prevent back flow, and if you have a heater, a one-way check valve should be installed between the heater and the feeder, to prevent damage from corrosive chlorine gas.

Shut off pump and open air bleeder to drain pipes.

Locate section of pipe to cut, measure twice and cut, twice.

Thread 1.5" adapters (2) fully into feeder, sealing with Teflon tape.

Use PVC Primer and Glue to connect pipes to adapters.

Fill with 3in chlorine tablets!

Off-Line Hayward Chlorinator Install

If you don't have the 9" of clear horizontal pipe, close to the ground available to hard plumb the CL200 chlorinator, you can install an Off-Line CL-220 model. No plumbing involved, but you do need a power drill and a 3/8" drill bit for the injection fittings.

Securing a Hayward chlorinator into a concrete floor with anchors and screws is recommended, to hold the body stationary when you remove the lid. An alternate method is to fasten the feeder to a hefty piece of pressure treated lumber that is pegged into the pad.

Secure the CL220 feeder to the pad or hefty length of lumber.

Mark the Inlet and Outlet locations for the hose fittings.

Drill 3/8" hole at marked locations, clean holes of any burrs.

Install hose fitting/gasket and clamp firmly to pipe.

Connect feed hoses, cutting off excessive excess.

Fill with slow dissolving Trichlor tablets or sticks!

Hayward Chlorinator Maintenance

The Hayward Chlorinator is a workhorse and doesn't need too much attention to keep plugging away. Here's some items that may need attention from time to time:

Clogged Chlorinator

A cheap chlorine tablet can leave behind a crusty, goopy residue. Do not use any solvents or chemicals to clean, which can cause a reaction. Use only water to flush out the feeder. For Off-Line models, a new Check Valve & Inlet Fitting (CLX220EA) is in order every few years to keep water flowing properly. Also replaceable is the internal standpipe or feeder pipe (CLX200H).

Stuck Chlorinator Lid

The Hayward Chlorinator has a unique internal o-ring, made of Viton, a chlorine resistant rubber. It can grip very tightly, and if the base is not anchored tightly, be almost impossible to remove. There is an aftermarket lid wrench available, or removal tool.

Lid O-ring Replacement

The Viton Lid O-ring mentioned above? It needs replacement if it becomes distended or pinched. Remove the logo cap to get at the screw to separate the inner top and o-ring from the outer top. Lube your chlorinator lid o-ring (CLX200K) regularly to keep smooth operation.

Hose Replacement

Although the black poly hoses used for the Off-Line CL-220 model are UV resistant, they don't last forever, especially in strong sunlight or freezing winters. Fortunately, you can buy an 8' replacement chlorinator tubing (CLX220J), or the Accessory Pak (CLX220GA) for hose, clamp, nuts and fittings.

Winterizing a Hayward Chlorinator

For safety's sake, please remove all tablets and rinse the inside with clean water thoroughly. Do not replace the lid for storage, chlorine residue may continue to gas off. Store open in a cool, dry area during periods of non-use, or just remove the drain plug and leave it connected for winter.

Pool Chlorinator Troubleshooting Tips

1. Chlorine tablets are not dissolving

For Off-Line feeders, is it installed backwards? Small arrows indicate flow direction.

For Off-Line feeders, check the Inlet/Outlet fittings for a clog of calcium.

Some units have a screen in the bottom, or a standpipe on the side that needs occasional cleaning to remove calcium.

The dial may be at too low of a setting. Turn up the dial.

2. Chlorinator is leaking

Leaking at the top? A lid o-ring may be missing, damaged or out of position.

For In-Line chlorine feeders, replace threaded inlet/outlet ports if leaking.

If the body of the chlorinator is cracked, replace the unit.

For Off-Line feeders, leaks at Inlet/Outlet fittings? Tighten nuts, use Teflon tape.

3. Chlorine tablets are dissolving, but the chlorine level is very low, or non-existent

Check that your test reagents or test strips are fresh, to rule out false readings.

Check that your level of Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) is not higher than 60 ppm.

Check your level of Combined Chlorine is > 0.3 ppm indicating the need for shocking.

The dial may be at too low of a setting. Turn up the dial.

Water pressure may be too low, backwash the filter or clean the pump basket.

Check that the level of phosphates is not higher than 300 ppm.

Pool Chlorinator Safety Tips

Turn off pool pump before opening your chlorine feeder.

When removing the lid, stand aside, hold breath to not inhale chlorine gas.

When winterizing, be sure to remove all chlorine from the chamber.

Only use Slow-Dissolve Tri-Chlor tablets in your chlorine feeder.

Swimming pool chlorinators have made it easier and safer to chlorinate your pool water. They are also affordable and manufactured in different sizes for all types of pools and spas. Above ground pool chlorinators and inground pool chlorinators are available, and installation is quick and easy. If you are feeding chlorine tablets through the skimmer or through a floating chlorine dispenser, there's a better way!

With regular maintenance and a few replacement parts every few years, your Hayward Chlorinator can give a lifetime of service!

In The Swim makes every effort to provide accurate recommendations based upon current ANSI/APSP/ICC-5 2011 (R2022) standards, but codes and regulations change, and In The Swim assumes no liability for any omissions or errors in this article or the outcome of any project. You must always exercise reasonable caution, carefully read the label on all products, follow all product directions, follow any current codes and regulations that may apply, and consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. In The Swim assumes no legal responsibility for your reliance or interpretation of the data contained herein, and makes no representations or warranties of any kind concerning the quality, safety, or suitability of the information, whether express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.