INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL

INSTALLATION & OPERATION MANUAL

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Basic safety precautions should always be exercised when using electrical equipment. Shut off all power during installation. Use Copper Conductors only. Do not permit children to use this product. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS A green colored screw is located inside the wiring compartment, against the back panel. To reduce the risk of electric shock, this terminal must be connected to the grounding means provided in the electric supply service panel with a continuous copper wire equivalent in size to the circuit conductors supplying the equipment. One bonding lug is provided on the external surface. To reduce the risk of electric shock, connect the local common bonding grid in the area of the swimming pool, spa, or hot tub to these terminals with an insulated or bare copper conductor not smaller than 8 AWG US. All field-installed metal components located within 10 feet of the pool, spa or hot tub shall be bonded to the equipment grounding bus with copper conductors not smaller than 8 AWG US. NOTICE: This control product is to be used only in accordance with the directions of this manual. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS For assistance please contact Optimum Pool Technologies at (800) 391-9936 Optimum Pool Technologies, Inc. USA 312 N. Cota Street Suite C Corona, CA 92880 Phone: (800) 391-9936 9:00am 5:00pm PST www.optimumpooltech.com 1

GENERAL The M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator is a complete, automatic chlorine generation system for pool and spa sanitation. The operation requires a low concentration of salt (sodium chloride) in the pool water at levels low enough that it normally cannot be tasted. The salt system automatically sanitizes your pool through a process called electrolysis, converting the salt into free chlorine which kills bacteria and algae in the pool. The M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator is designed to handle the purification needs of the average residential swimming pool up to 40,000 gallons (150,000 liters). The actual amount of chlorination required to properly sanitize a pool varies depending upon bather load, rainfall, air temperature, water temperature, pool water exposure to sunlight, pool water surface, and cleanliness. Note: Using this salt cell to generate Bromine is not recommended. OPERATION By familiarizing yourself with the operation of the M-513 Salt Chlorination Generator, you can achieve maximum performance for your pool. When chemical levels are in the recommended range, there are FOUR factors that you can control which directly contribute to the amount of chlorine produced by the M-513 Salt Chlorination Generator: 1. Filter pump running time each day (hours) 2. Salt level of the pool water 3. The Desired Output % setting 4. Stabilizer/Conditioner level of the pool water To find the optimal Desired Output % setting, start at a fairly high setting and work downward. It will take a few days of adjustments to find the ideal setting for your pool. Once determined, it should only take minor adjustments. The M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator control will not produce chlorine at temperatures below 50 F. If your pool water is colder than 50 F, you must chlorinate manually. WATER CHEMISTRY Ideal salt level: 3200 (2700-3400 parts per million [PPM]). Excessively LOW salt levels will reduce efficiency and/or can cause the salt system not to operate at all, making pool water unsafe for bathers. Excessively HIGH salt levels will cause the salt system to shut down as well, making pool water unsafe for bathers. Type of Salt to Use Only sodium chloride (NaCl) that is 99% pure should be used. This is common food quality or water softener salt and is available in 40-80 lb/bag at your local store. DO NOT USE: rock salt, salt with more than 1% yellow prussiate of soda, salt with more than 1% of anti-caking additives, or iodized salt. How to Add or Remove Salt IN GROUND POOLS: Turn the filter pump on and add the salt directly into the pool at the shallow end. ABOVE GROUND POOLS WITH MAIN DRAINS: Add directly in front of the return jet to pool. Run the filter pump for 24 hours with the suction coming from the main drain (use the pool vacuum if there is no main drain) to allow the salt to evenly disperse throughout the pool. ABOVE GROUND POOLS WITHOUT MAIN DRAINS: Add directly into the pool. Brush the salt to speed up the dissolving process to not allow the salt to sit in a pile on the bottom of the pool 2

FOR ANY POOL, DO NOT ADD SALT DIRECTLY TO THE SKIMMERS OR DIRECTLY ONTO THE MAIN DRAIN. THIS WILL SHUT DOWN OR SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE CELL DUE TO HIGH SALT CONCENTRATION AND REDUCED FLOW TO THE PUMP. If added incorrectly, immediately turn off your salt system for 24 hours with the pump and filter operating. This will help to evenly distribute the salt. The salt display may take 24 hours to respond to the change in salt concentration. SALT DOES NOT EVAPORATE FROM POOL The only way to lower the salt concentration is to partially drain the pool and refill with fresh water. IDEAL CHEMICAL LEVELS Salt Free Chl ph Stabilizer Total Alk Calcium Hardness Metals Saturation Index 2700 to 3400 ppm 1.0 to 3.0 ppm 7.2 to 7.6 50 to 100 ppm 80 to 120 ppm 200 to 400 ppm 0 ppm -.2 to.2 STABILIZER (CYANURIC ACID) Always test for stabilizer (cyanuric acid) level, when testing for salt. This test should be done at least once per month. Use the chart below to determine how much stabilizer must be added to raise the level to 80 ppm. CONTROLS Main Switch AUTO: The Main switch should be left in the AUTO position for normal operation. In this position the M-513 Salt Chlorination Generator will produce chlorine according to the Desired Output % adjustment setting. SUPER CHLORINATE: This option will bypass the Desired Output % and operate at 100% output for 24 hours, or the remainder of the system run time. At the end of the super chlorination period, be sure to put the switch back into the AUTO position. OFF: The OFF position prevents the M-513 Salt Chlorination Generator from activating the electrolytic cell. NOTE: In times of servicing, the OFF switch is not to be used. To service the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator, turn power off the circuit breaker. Desired Output Adjustment Knob This setting is used to control the amount of chlorine generated by the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator. Adjust this setting to increase or decrease the chlorine output level. The reading is from 5 percent output to 100% output capacity of the M- 513 Salt Chlorine Generator. Indicator LED POWER: When illuminated, the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator has input power. GENERATING: This LED is on steady during normal operation. When flashing, it is indicating that the pool water is too hot or cold to operate. 3

SUPER CHLORINATE: Illuminated during Super Chlorination. REMOTE CONTROLLED: The part is controlled by a remote control system. NO FLOW: When illuminated, the flow switch has detected that there is no flow and the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator is NOT generating chlorine. A flashing LED indicates that the flow is restored, but there will be a 60 second delay before generation is reestablished. CHECK SALT: When flashing: Low Salt (below 2700ppm) and M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator is generating at low efficiency. When illuminated, the salt level is too low and M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator has shut off. NOTE: Before adding large quantities of salt, it is advisable to have your salt level professionally tested to verify accurate salt level. HIGH SALT: When illuminated, the salt level is too high and M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator has shut off. The pool water must be diluted with fresh water before operation is restored. INSPECT CELL: If flashing, either the cell efficiency is reduced or it is time for regularly scheduled cell inspection. In either case, inspect the cell and clean if necessary. Pressing the diagnostic button next to the display for 3 seconds will stop the flashing LED. When illuminated steady, cell efficiency is greatly reduced and M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator has stopped producing chlorine. Inspect, clean or replace if necessary. Salt Display The Salt Display shows the current salt concentration of the pool water. Readings are in ppm (parts per million). If Metric units (grams per liter) are preferred, push the diagnostic button next to the display once. The display will now show the pool water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. With the temperature displayed, move the main switch from AUTO to SUPER CHLORINATE to AUTO. The temperature display will instantly change to degrees Celsius and the salt display will switch to grams/liter. Repeat this process to switch back to USA units (ppm and Fahrenheit). Diagnostic Displays Sequential pushes of the small diagnostic button next to the LCD display will allow the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator to display the following information: 1. Pool temperature (Fahrenheit or Celsius) 2. Cell voltage (typically 22.0 to 26.0 volts when chlorine is being generated, otherwise 30-35V) 3. Cell current (typically 2.50 to 4.00 amps when chlorine is being generated, otherwise 0 amps) 4. Desired Output % ( 1P 100P depending on knob position) 5. Instant salinity (-xxxx ppm or-x.xx grams/liter) 6. Software Revision On the 7th push of the button the display will revert back to the default salt display. Also if the button is not pushed for 30 seconds, the display will revert back to the standard salt display. INSTALLATION Installation must be performed in accordance with Local NEC codes. Preparing Pool Water: The pool s chemistry must be balanced BEFORE activating the M-513 Salt Chlorination Generator. It is recommended that you consult a pool professional for the initial balancing each season. Mounting the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator Control The M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator is contained in a rain tight enclosure that is suitable for outdoor mounting. The control must be mounted a minimum of 5 ft. horizontal distance (or more if local codes require) from the pool/spa. The control is designed to mount vertically on a flat surface. The enclosure also acts as a heat sink (disperses heat from inside the box), so it is important not to block the four sides of the control. 4

Do not mount the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator in a panel or tightly enclosed space. Plumbing Consult local plumbing codes and ensure that the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator installation does not constitute a cross connection with the local potable water supply. The cell and flow switch are plumbed in the return line to the pool. Install after (downstream) all the pool equipment (filter, heater, solar, etc.). The kit included in the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator provides the necessary plumbing components for: 2 (51mm) rigid PVC piping installation for in ground pools Flow switch: IMPORTANT: To insure proper operation, verify that the arrow on the flow switch (located on top) points in the same direction of water flow. Electrolytic Cell: To install the cell for your Optimum M-513 or other compatible saltwater chlorination system, follow this procedure. IMPORTANT: Before installing your new cell, make sure that the current salt level in your swimming pool is within the saltwater chlorination system s operating range (2700-3400 ppm). If the salt level is too high or too low, see How to Add or Remove Salt. Use the unions provided to install into 2 plumbing. Tighten by HAND for a watertight seal. For pool/spa combination systems with spillover, make sure to configure the cell in the plumbing that will allow chlorination for both the pool and spa during spillover but preventing over chlorination when operating the spa only. Wiring To provide safe operation, the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator must be properly grounded and bonded. Power must be turned off at the circuit breaker before performing any wiring. Be sure to follow Local and NEC electrical codes. Input Power for stand-alone operation: Wire the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator to the LOAD SIDE of the filter pump timer. It is very important that the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator is powered only when the pump is running. Refer to the wiring label on the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator as well as the diagram below to determine correct wiring connections. The M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator is shipped from the factory with the configuration jumpers in a separate bag. Until the jumpers are installed for the desired voltage, the unit should NOT be turned on. 5

Note: Wire the pump directly to the time clock do not use the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator as a junction box. Bonding A bonding lug is attached to the bottom of the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator enclosure (see diagram below). The M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator must be bonded with an 8 AWG copper wire to the pool bonding system. Electrolytic Cell and Flow Switch: The Simple Cell and flow switch cables are terminated with connectors that plug into the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator for easy attachment and removal. The door of the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator must be open to access the cell cable connector. The flow switch plugs into a connector (similar to a telephone jack) located outside, on the bottom of the enclosure. Refer to the diagram below for the location of these connections. RECALIBRATION The Simple Cell should calibrate automatically to display an accurate measure of a pool s salinity. These cells may take up to 48 hours to reach optimal calibration. However, if the cell does not display an accurate reading of pool water salinity after 48 hours, it is suggested that you manually program your control panel to display an accurate reading of swimming pool water salinity by following the procedures below. If the CHECK CELL light is flashing, push and hold the diagnostics button until the light stops flashing. This indication light comes on at routine intervals, such as a newer vehicle s change oil light might come on every 3000 miles. Once this is resolved, make sure that the cell is properly cleaned and that the pool water has been accurately and manually tested 6

at a level within the range of 2700-3400ppm. If the control panel is still displaying a lower salt level than the water is actually at, begin the recalibration process: 1. Turn the main switch from Auto to Off, and then back to Auto 2. Wait for about ten seconds, until you hear a click inside the panel 3. Once you hear the click, immediately push the diagnostics button five times until a negative number is displayed starting high, and automatically scrolling down. 4. As it is scrolling down, once it reaches the number at which you know the pool salt level is actually at, move the main switch to SUPER CHLORINATE, then back to AUTO. This will recalibrate your panel to the accurate salt level. MAINTAINING the M-513 SALT CHLORINE GENERATOR To maintain maximum performance, it is recommended that you remove and visually inspect the cell every 3 months. The M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator will remind you to do this by flashing the Inspect Cell LED after approximately 500 hours of operation. After you inspect the cell (and clean, if necessary) press the small diagnostic button next to the display for 3 seconds to stop the flashing Inspect Cell LED and start the timer for the next 500 hour inspection period. The Simple Cell has a self-cleaning feature incorporated into the electronic control s logic. In most cases this selfcleaning action will keep the cell working at OPTIMUM efficiency. In areas where water is hard (high calcium and/or mineral content) and in pools where the water chemistry has gotten out of balance, the cell may require periodic cleaning. The Inspect Cell LED remains on after a thorough cleaning, the cell may be worn and may require replacement. Servicing and Cleaning the Cell Turn off power to the salt system. Inspect the cell by looking inside or through the clear housing, between the cell plates for any calcium buildup on the plates. Also check for any debris that may have passed through the filter and gotten caught on the plates. If necessary, you can remove the cell to further inspect the cell plates inside the cell. If no calcium deposits are visible, reinstall the cell. If deposits are seen, use a high-pressure garden hose and try to flush the scale off. If this is not successful, use a plastic or wood tool to scrape deposits off of the plates. DO NOT USE A METAL SCRAPER AS THIS WILL SCRATCH THE FINISH AND DAMAGE THE PLATES. Maintain the pool chemistry at the recommended levels to avoid calcium buildup on the cell. Mild Acid Washing Use only in severe cases where flushing and scraping will not remove the majority of deposits. To acid wash: Turn off power to salt system. Remove cell from piping. Use the proper cleaning stand to safely seal one end of the cell. Carefully mix a 4:1 solution of water to muriatic acid (one gallon of water to one quart of muriatic acid). ALWAYS POUR ACID INTO WATER. NEVER POUR WATER INTO ACID. BE SURE TO WEAR PROTECTIVE GLASSES, CLOTHING AND CHEMICAL RESISTANT GLOVES Pour the cleaning solution into the cell just enough to submerge the cell plates. The level of the solution should not submerge the wire harness compartment. Let the cell soak for FIVE minutes. Then rinse with a high-pressure garden hose. Repeat soaking and rinsing as necessary. 7

Place the cell back into the pool s plumbing. Start-up DO NOT turn your salt system on until the pool water chemistry has been balanced to proper levels. TROUBLESHOOTING 1. Power LED not on Check to make sure 120 / 240 VAC input power is connected to the control. Be sure the jumpers are set properly. Verify input voltage with a voltmeter. If there is input power, the fuse may have blown. The board may be protected by a 20 amp mini ATO fuse located on the circuit board above the cell connector. If panel is receiving the proper amount of power, the main circuit board may need to be replaced. 2. "Generating" LED flashing The temperature of the pool water is too high or low to operate. You can override this by switching the main switch to SUPER CHLORINATE. The saltwater chlorination system will run at maximum output for the remainder of the current pump cycle or 24 hours, whichever comes first. 3. "No Flow" LED illuminated or flashing The saltwater chlorination system has sensed a no flow condition and has stopped generating chlorine. Check that the flow switch is plugged into the connector on the bottom of the control unit and that the wire is not cut or damaged. Make sure you have at least 12" of straight pipe before the flow switch. If there is adequate flow and the LED is still on, check that the arrows on the flow switch (on top of hex) are pointing in the direction of flow. If the light is flashing, the flow is established and the saltwater chlorination system will turn on within 1 minute. If the light is illuminated, you may need to replace the flow switch. 4. "Check Salt" LED illuminated or flashing Check salt level in pool/spa. If salt level is low, add salt accordingly. Before adding large quantities of salt, it is advisable to have your salt level checked professionally. 5. "High Salt" LED illuminated Check salt level in pool/spa. If salt level is too high, lower salt level by draining some of the pool water out of the pool and replace with fresh water. Continue until the salinity is at recommended levels. 6. Inspect Cell LED flashing Inspect and clean cell according to directions. When done, press and hold the diagnostic button for 3 seconds to stop the Inspect Cell LED flashing. 7. Inspect Cell LED illuminated Remove and inspect the cell for scale. If the cell is scaled, follow the directions for proper cell cleaning. If the pool has the proper amount of salt and the Inspect Cell LED is still illuminated, the cell may be depleted and needs to be replaced. 8. Possible causes of low chlorine or no chlorine Desired Output% adjustment setting is too low. Chlorinator controller switch in OFF position. Low stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid). Chlorine is being produced but the pool water is unable to hold on to the chlorine, due to low stabilizer. Filter pump switched off or filter pump time too short (8 hours for average size pools, more for large pools). Salt level too low (below 2500 ppm, Low Salt LED on). Salt level too high (High Salt LED on). Low ph. Low ph oxidizes chlorine quickly, making it difficult to maintain desired chlorine levels. Adjust ph levels 8

to re-balance water. Warm pool water increases chlorine demand increase Desired Output% or filter run time. Cold water (below 50F) can cause saltwater chlorination system to stop generating (Generating LED flashing). Excessive calcium buildup on cell. High level of phosphates in pool water. Some yellow algae treatments will use chlorine at a very high rate and deplete the residual free chlorine. Manually shock the pool if indicated in the directions on the algae treatment. It still may be a matter of days before the pool returns to normal and chlorine tests will show the desired 1-3ppm free chlorine reading. 9. PCB displayed, all LEDs illuminated, or all LEDs off. A possible printed circuit board fault has been detected. Call for service. 9

Limited Warranty Optimum Pool Technologies, Inc. warrants its M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of three (3) years for the control panel and six (6) months for the Simple Cell. This warranty is applicable from the initial date of purchase and only for residential swimming pools in the United States. This warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original owner. Scope and Limitations Optimum Pool Technologies, Inc. shall warrant the following M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator CONTROL PANEL components individually, according to the terms defined herein. Main Circuit Board Display Circuit Board Transformer Three (3) year limited warranty schedule for control panel parts: During year one: Full replacement During year two: 30% prorated (based on the MSRP of part being replaced) During year three: 70% prorated (based on the MSRP of part being replaced) Optimum Pool Technologies, Inc. shall warrant the following M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator SALT CELL component according to the terms defined herein: Simple Cell Six (6) month full warranty schedule for salt cell. During the first six months following purchase date: Full replacement Proper warranty services and deployed components are determined based on the analysis and discretion of a qualified Optimum Pool Technician. Unless expressly authorized by a qualified Optimum Pool Technician, this warranty applies to the components of the M-513 Salt Chlorine Generator individually and is limited to replacement of the parts only. Labor and/or installation charges are NOT covered under this warranty and Optimum Pool Technologies Inc. shall not be held liable for any fees incurred from labor or installation of our product in any way. A defective part will be replaced or, at the option of Optimum Pool Technologies, Inc., repaired using new or remanufactured parts. Warranty claims must be made as soon as reasonably possible after a defect is discovered but before the end of warranty coverage for the particular part. Proof of purchase is required for warranty services. If written proof of purchase is not provided, the manufacturing date code will be the sole determinant of the date of installation of the product. To obtain warranty service or repair, please contact the place of purchase or the Optimum Pool Technologies authorized warranty service center. For more information on authorized warranty centers, please contact the Optimum Pool Technologies Technical Service Support (800) 391-9936 or visit the Optimum Pool Technologies website at www.optimumpooltech.com WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: 1. Material supplied or workmanship performed by others in process of installation. 2. Damage resulting from improper installation including installation on pools larger than the product rating. 3. Problems resulting from failure to install, operate or maintain the product(s) in accordance with the recommendations contained in the owner s manual(s). 4. Problems resulting from failure to maintain pool water chemistry in accordance with the recommendations in the owner s manual(s). 5. Problems resulting from tampering, accident, abuse, negligence, unauthorized repairs or alterations, fire, flood, lightning, freezing, external water, degradation of natural stone used in or immediately adjacent to a pool or spa, war or acts of our God. 10

DISCLAIMER: THE EXPRESSED LIMITED WARRANTIES ABOVE CONSTITUTE THE ENTIRE WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE ABOVE- IDENTIFIED OPTIMUM POOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. SALT CELL PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THESE WARRANTIES GIVE YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS OF EQUIPMENT, LOSS PROFITS OR REVENUE, COSTS OF RENTING REPLACEMENTS, AND OTHER ADDITIONAL EXPENSES, EVEN IF THE SELLER HAD BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. NO WHOLESALER, AGENT, DEALER, CONTRACTOR, OR OTHER PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE, SUPPLIMENT OR MODIFY ANY WARRANTY ON BEHALF OF OPTIMUM POOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. THIS WARRANTY IS VOID IF THE PRODUCT HAS BEEN ALTERED IN ANY WAY AFTER LEAVING THE FACTORY. Thank you for choosing Optimum Pool Technologies, Inc. 11

Optimum Pool Technologies, Inc. 312 N. Cota Street Suite C Corona, CA 92880 Phone: (800) 391-9936 9:00am 5:00pm PST www.optimumpooltech.com 12