SWG and Puck Feeder?

[catnip]

I've read quite a bit on this forum about the dangers of mixing various forms of chlorine in the same feeder mechanism, but I haven't seen this question discussed before: Is it OK to have a puck feeder (Rainbow) in line with a SWG?

I ask this because I'm considering leaving the current puck feeder in line as a backup source of continuous chlorine in case my (about to be installed) SWG fails for some reason and has to be out of service for a while. I need some form of continuous feeder because I'm away from the pool for days at a time.

As an alternative to leaving the puck feeder in line, I've thought of fitting it with unions and just swapping out the SWG and screwing in the puck feeder in its place.

Thanks for any insight anyone has on this!

[CanuckPool]

why dont you run a bypass line that has the puck feeder in parallel. A valve that can divert water pass the SWG to the feeder instead of disconnecting and reconnecting.

SWG's seem pretty reliable to me, and if your power fails while you're away you pump wont be running anyways so it kinda kills the solution that a puck feeder would provide.

[CarlD]

If a puck feeder sits with water and a puck in it, it may well clog up.

There are myriad reasons why I do not advocate puck feeders, the biggest is that it tempts you to keep using the pucks when it's bad for your pool.

My suggestion: Yank the feeder out and use the fittings for the SWG. Meanwhile, if you are worried about the SWG failing, buy a $10 floater with adjustable openings and use THAT if the SWG fails and you can't be there to add bleach.

[CanuckPool]

Or if you know you're going to be away for a couple of days why don't you just ramp up your SWG to produce a bit more chlorine and then right before you leave reduce it back down... or shock the pool with bleach before you leave... if your SWG decides to pooch it the second you walk out the door I think you should have enough chlorine reserve to keep you out of trouble for two days.

[catnip]

Thanks for the replies. I think the floater sounds like the best alternative if the SWG dies. I'd rather not have to bump the chlorine up with the SWG "just in case" every time I leave.

I didn't see anyone comment on the safety of have a SWG and puck feeder in the same line. Though I don't think I will do that now, I'd still be interested to know if doing so would be a safety issue.

[CanuckPool]

Would you have them running at the same time or one or the other... not that I have the answer to your safety question.