Hayward inline chlorinator CL200- anybody have problems?

[CarlD]

Hey guys, here are my test results:

CYA 80, TA 170, Ph 7.4, chlorine over 5

The guy at the pool store (Leslies) said that my initial opening shock of 4 lbs of di-chlor is probably the reason the chlorine is so high, and it should eventually dissipate, so maybe there's nothing wrong with the feeder... Also my initial algae treatment was with Leslies Algae Control, which is poly-ethelyne dichloride, so there's di-chlor again. He didn't act like the CYA of 80 was that big a deal... just lower the TA a bit and should be in good shape.

What do ya think? I know one thing, I like the idea of liquid chlorine for sanitation.

CYA 80? you need chlorine at least at 5 if not higher--check Ben's Best Guess table. But you ABSOLUTELY DO NOT GO LOWER ON CHLORINE!!!!

TA of 170 in a vinyl pool? Don't worry about it! It's FINE!

pH of 7.4? Fine again!

All you need to do is
a) stop using di-chlor powder and tri-chlor tablets and use either bleach or
cal-hypo
b) keep chlorine in the 5- 10ppm range. You can double your tester's chlorine range by mixing pool water 1:1 with steam distilled water (from the local chain pharmacy). Do this, and when it reads 5ppm, it's really 10ppm.

Otherwise you are looking good. Ignore the "advice" (and I use the word loosely) from the guy at the pool store.

[WretchedVonKrank]

Wow... great info there. I have a question though. I just bought the Hayward CL200 (didn't read these threads first), but my pool has always been REALLY clean and kept well. Problem is I've been doing the sticks in the skimmer, and I have a heater (above ground pool), so I know it's not good for the pump or the heater with the sticks in there.
I figure the CL200 will be nice to have AFTER the heater and just control slow feed of chlorine. I often travel and my wife wouldn't be good keeping the levels correct with liquid. I do like the liquid and use that to shock and other times when a bit low... but just thinking the CL200 will be easier.
The question I have is about the backflow check valve they suggest.
Is that necessary? I suppose it would keep the chlorine gases from getting back to the heater.
Does anyone know what model back flow valve should be for that? Doesn't say it in the instructions with the CL200.. they just say you should use one. Why they don't include it is beyond me, if they say you need it.

Also, how's my thinking with the idea of that CL 200.. just to make it easy with slow release and keep it after the heater.

I've had the pool 3 yrs. and always kept right on the money for chemicals. Just had it checked today... CYA = 30 ... Chlorine 5 (maybe a shade high, but I poured some chlorine in this morning), PH 7.5 .... Alkalinity 90
Thanks for your help....