Maintaining the proper chemical balance in your pool or spa is critical to ensure its safety and longevity. Chemical feeders are an essential tool in achieving this balance, as they can provide a consistent and reliable dose of chlorine or other chemicals to keep your pool or spa clean and safe. Two popular automatic chemical feeder options in the market are the Hayward CL100 Automatic Pool/Spa Chemical Feeder and the Olympic Pool Accessories’ Automatic In-line Chlorinator (ACM95).

These two feeders have their differences and unique features that set them apart from each other. In this article, we will provide an in-depth comparison of these two automatic chemical feeders, evaluating their design, installation, capacity, maintenance, and cost. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of which feeder would best suit your pool or spa maintenance needs.

Whether you have a small or large pool or spa, choosing the right automatic chemical feeder is an important decision that will impact your pool’s chemical balance and your overall pool or spa experience. So, let’s dive into this comparison and see how these feeders stack up against each other.

Design and Installation

Both the Hayward CL100 and the ACM95 Chemical Feeders are designed to be installed inline with your pool or spa’s plumbing system. This means that water flows through the device and is treated with chemicals as it passes through. The CL100 uses a dial control to adjust the flow rate of the chemical, while the ACM95 has a flow valve that can be adjusted with a screwdriver.

In terms of installation, the CL100 Chemical Feeder is easier to install since it doesn’t require any special tools. The ACM95, on the other hand, requires a hacksaw or PVC cutter to cut the PVC pipe to the correct length before installation.

The Hayward CL100 has a simple and compact design that makes it easy to install and use. It is a cylindrical container with a clear vessel that allows you to monitor the chlorine tablet levels easily. It is made of durable ABS plastic and has a maximum pressure rating of 50 PSI. It uses a dial control to adjust the flow rate of the chemical, making it easy to adjust the amount of chlorine added to the water.

The CL100 can hold up to 3 pounds of chlorine tablets and is suitable for use with 1-1/2″ or 2″ PVC pipe. The installation process of the CL100 is straightforward, as it doesn’t require any special tools. It has threaded ports that allow it to be installed inline with the pool or spa’s plumbing system. It also has a simple locking ring design that secures the unit in place.

In contrast, the ACM95 has a more complex design that requires a hacksaw or PVC cutter to cut the PVC pipe to the correct length before installation. It is a larger and heavier unit than the CL100, made of high-quality PVC plastic. The ACM95 can hold up to 9 pounds of chlorine tablets, making it suitable for large pools or spas.

It has a maximum pressure rating of 50 PSI and uses a flow valve that can be adjusted with a screwdriver to regulate the amount of chlorine added to the water. The ACM95 has a solid lid that needs to be removed to check the chemical levels, which could be inconvenient for some users. However, it has a union fitting design that makes it easy to remove and clean.

When it comes to installation, the Hayward CL100 is easier to install than the ACM95 due to its simple design and lack of special tools required. The ACM95 may be more challenging to install, but it has a larger capacity and can be more suitable for larger pools or spas. Overall, it is essential to consider your pool or spa’s size and your personal preferences when choosing between the Hayward CL100 and the Olympic Pool Accessories’ Automatic In-line Chlorinator (ACM95) to ensure you get the best automatic chemical feeder for your needs.

Capacity

As previously mention, when it comes to capacity, the CL100 can hold up to 3 pounds of chlorine tablets, while the ACM95 can hold up to 9 pounds. This means that the ACM95 needs to be refilled less frequently than the CL100.

The feeder’s compact size allows it to be installed in small spaces and takes up less room on the plumbing system. However, its smaller capacity also means that it needs to be refilled more frequently than a feeder with a larger capacity.

The larger capacity of the ACM95 means that it can provide a longer-lasting supply of chlorine, which is particularly useful for those who prefer to fill the feeder less frequently. However, its larger size means that it requires more space in the plumbing system and may not be suitable for smaller pools or spas.

It is worth noting that the capacity of the feeder should be considered alongside other factors, such as the size of the pool or spa and the water chemistry requirements. Overfeeding the pool or spa with too much chlorine can lead to imbalanced water chemistry and potentially harm swimmers. Underfeeding can lead to insufficient chlorine levels and compromise the water’s cleanliness and clarity.

Maintenance

Both feeders require regular maintenance to ensure they continue to work properly. The CL100 has a clear vessel that allows you to see when the tablets need to be refilled, while the ACM95 has a solid lid that needs to be removed to check the chemical levels. Both feeders also require occasional cleaning to prevent clogs or buildup.

The Hayward CL100 has a relatively low maintenance requirement. The feeder’s inline design means that it does not require any special tools to remove or replace. However, the CL100 requires regular inspection to ensure there is no buildup of residue or debris that could impede the flow of the chemical. If buildup is present, it can be removed with a soft brush and mild detergent.

The ACM95 has a slightly more complex design and requires more maintenance than the CL100. It has a solid lid that needs to be removed to access the chlorine tablet chamber, and the feeder’s larger size means it requires more space to maneuver and clean. The ACM95 also has a union fitting design that allows it to be easily removed for cleaning, but the flow valve requires periodic inspection and cleaning to prevent clogging or blockage.

The feeder’s larger capacity means that it may require less frequent refilling, but it also means that the chlorine tablets may be more prone to clumping or sticking together, which can impede the chemical flow. Regular inspection and cleaning of the ACM95 are necessary to ensure the chemical flow is consistent and the chlorine level is maintained.

It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and use of the automatic chemical feeder to ensure it functions correctly and safely. Failure to maintain the feeder properly can lead to improper chemical levels, which can cause water balance problems, irritate swimmers’ skin and eyes, and shorten the feeder’s lifespan.

Cost

Cost is an important consideration when selecting an automatic chemical feeder for your pool or spa. The cost of the feeder can vary depending on the brand, model, and features. It is important to consider the initial cost of the feeder, as well as any ongoing maintenance costs, to determine the total cost of ownership.

The Hayward CL100 Automatic Pool/Spa Chemical Feeder is a relatively low-cost option for those on a budget. Its compact size and simple design make it an affordable choice, and its inline installation means that it requires fewer fittings and plumbing than other types of chemical feeders. The CL100 is also straightforward to install, which can reduce installation costs if you choose to hire a professional.

The Olympic Pool Accessories’ Automatic In-line Chlorinator (ACM95) is a more expensive option than the Hayward CL100, but it also has a larger capacity and additional features, such as a flow valve for precise control of the chemical flow rate. The ACM95’s larger size and more complex design mean that it may require more fittings and plumbing, which can increase the installation cost. However, the ACM95’s larger capacity means that it may require less frequent refilling, which can reduce ongoing costs.

It is important to note that the cost of the feeder is just one aspect of the total cost of ownership. Ongoing maintenance costs, such as replacing chlorine tablets or cleaning the feeder, should also be considered. The cost of chlorine tablets can vary depending on the brand and type, and larger capacity feeders like the ACM95 may require more tablets, which can increase ongoing costs.

The cost of maintaining the feeder can also vary depending on the brand and model, and it is essential to factor in these costs when selecting the right feeder for your pool or spa.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Hayward CL100 Automatic Pool/Spa Chemical Feeder and the Olympic Pool Accessories’ Automatic In-line Chlorinator (ACM95) are reliable options for maintaining proper chemical levels in your pool or spa. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, and selecting the right feeder depends on your specific needs and budget.

When selecting the right feeder for your pool or spa, it is important to consider your specific needs, budget, and the total cost of ownership, including installation and ongoing maintenance costs. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the right automatic chemical feeder to help you maintain a clean, safe, and enjoyable pool or spa. Likewise, if you’re still unsure of the product you’re about to make on which to avail, you are free to contact professionals for advice and even installation by following our link here!