baracuda SALTMASTER Manual

H0744500_REVB
SALTMASTERTM
SALTWATER CHLORINATOR
Installation & Operating Instructions

Baracuda®SaltmasterTM Saltwater Chlorinator | Installation and Operating Instructions
2
Refer to the following websites for information on warranty and service in your country:
• Australia, NZ, Asia and South Pacific go to www.zodiac.com.au
Date of Installation ___________________
Installer Information _____________________________________________________________
Initial Pressure Gauge Reading (with clean filter) _________________________________
Pump Model __________________________ Horsepower __________________________
Filter Model __________________________ _______________________________________
Control Panel Model __________________ Serial Number ________________________
Notes ___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION RECORD
For full warranty terms and conditions and to register
your warranty, visit https://warranty.baracuda.com.au/
and complete your details. Or scan the QR code to go
directly to the registration page
Record your equipment details here for quick reference:
Model No. : _______________________________________
Serial No. : _______________________________________

Baracuda®SaltmasterTM Saltwater Chlorinator | Installation and Operating Instructions
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Table of Contents
Section 1. Important Safety Instructions..... 4
Section 2. General Overview .......................... 5
Section 3. Chlorinator Controller
Installation..................................... 5
Section 4. Cell Installation ............................. 5
Section 5. Pool Preparation ............................7
Section 6. Programming .................................7
6.1 Setting Current Time/Day .............................7
6.2 Setting Timers..................................................7
6.3 Programming Recommendations ..................7
Section 7. Chlorine Output .............................7
Section 8. User Operation ...............................7
Section 9. Fault Codes.................................... 8
Section 10. Setting the Right Chlorine
Output and Filtration Time .......... 8
10.1 Summer............................................................ 8
10.2 Winter............................................................... 8
10.3 Checking Chlorine Level................................. 8
Section 11. Water Chemistry ........................... 8
11.1 Stabiliser/Cyanuric Acid ............................... 8
11.2 pH Level ........................................................... 9
11.3 Total Alkalinity ................................................ 9
11.4 Salt Level ......................................................... 9
Section 12. Chlorinator Maintenance and
Troubleshooting............................ 9
Section 13. Cell Maintenance........................... 9
Section 14. Cell Cleaning Instructions............ 9
Section 15. Maintenance of Your
Chlorinator................................... 10
Section 16. Troubleshooting .......................... 11

Baracuda®SaltmasterTM Saltwater Chlorinator | Installation and Operating Instructions
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Section 1. Important Safety Instructions
READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
All electrical work must be performed by a licensed electrician and conform to all national, state,
and local codes. When installing and using this electrical equipment, basic safety precautions
should always be followed, including the following:
DANGER
To reduce the risk of severe injury or death, do not remove the suction fittings of your spa or hot tub.
Neveroperate a spa or hot tub if the suction fittings are broken or missing. Never replace a suction fitting
with one rated less than the flow rate marked on the equipment assembly.
WARNING
Risk of electric shock - Install the controller at least 3.5 metres from the inside wall of the pool and/or hot
tub using non-metallic plumbing.
Children should not use spas or hot tubs without adult supervision.
Do not use spas or hot tubs unless all suction guards are installed to prevent body and hair entrapment.
People using medications and/or having an adverse medical history should consult a physician before
using a spa or hot tub.
WARNING
A terminal bar marked "GROUND" is provided within the controller. To reduce the risk of electrical shock
which can cause serious injury or death, connect this terminal bar to the grounding terminal of your
electric service or supply panel with a continuous copper conductor having green insulation and one that
is equivalent in size to the circuit conductors supplying this equipment in accordance with AS/NZ 3000 -
2010. In addition, where required, bonding should be extended in accordance with AS/NZ 3000 - 2010 to
any metal ladders, water pipes, or other metal within 3.5 m of the pool/spa.
Attention Installer: Install to provide drainage of compartment for electrical components.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Baracuda®SaltmasterTM Saltwater Chlorinator | Installation and Operating Instructions
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Section 2. General Overview
Congratulations! You have purchased a
Baracuda Saltmaster Saltwater Chlorinator.
Please read the instructions carefully and your
purchase willprovide you with years of trouble
free use.
Your Saltmaster Chlorinator works by
converting some of the salt (sodium chloride) in
your pool into chlorine which starts to destroy
algae and bacteria and sanitises your pool. As
part of the process, the chlorine is converted
back into salt and hence salt is not consumed.
Your chlorinator control has many features
which ensure simple operation of your
chlorinator and filtration system.
The Saltmaster Chlorinator has an internal
electronic time clock designed to operate the
filtration pump up to 2 separate time periods
each day. The control has a non replaceable
backup power source which is designed to
maintain timer setting memory in the event of
an infrequent and short power interruption.
WARNING
This appliance is not intended for use by
persons including young children or infirm
persons with reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities, or lack of experience
or knowledge, unless they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use
of the appliance by a person responsible for
their safety.
Please ensure that young children are
supervised to ensure that they do not play
with the pump or chlorinator.
If the supply cord if damaged, to avoid a safety
hazard, it must only be replaced by a suitably
qualified person.
Section 3. Chlorinator
Controller Installation
The Saltmaster Chlorinator controller has
a Rating of IP23 enabling it to be installed
outdoors. Regulations require that the control
is not allowed to be located within 3.5 metres
of thepool water.
The chlorinator controller should be installed
in a well ventilated position ideally away from
direct sunlight. Ensure that the unit is not
located near pool chemicals as fumes may
damage the control.
When installing the controller on a post, first
attach a flat waterproof panel at least 500 mm
wide by 300 mm long or onto a flat wall that
prevents ingress from behind the control. Make
sure the controller is located centrally on the
panel or wall and sits flat.
Plug the 3 pin plug into a suitable weatherproof
outlet and then plug the pump into the 3 pin
socket in the chlorinator controller.
NOTE: The pump current rating must not
exceed 8 amps.
Section 4. Cell Installation
The chlorinator cell should be the last piece of
equipment installed on the pipe work just prior
to the return to the pool. However if valves are
installed between the chlorinator and the pool
outlet, it is essential that they cannot deadhead
the pump. If the pressure in the cell exceeds
250 kPa and/or the water temperature exceeds
40 degrees Celsius, the cell may fail.
WARNING
Never install the cell before the pump or
heater.
The cell MUST be installed with the barrel
unions underneath (water connections pointing
downwards) and the cell should be horizontal.
The cell is suitable for 40 mm pipe only. Use high
pressure PVC pipe and glue into the barrel union
tails. Make sure that the O-rings are correctly
fitted and the unions are tightened firmly.

Baracuda®SaltmasterTM Saltwater Chlorinator | Installation and Operating Instructions
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Direction of flow through the cell is critical –
unit must be plumbed with the water entering
the cell at the end closest to the terminal
connections.
WARNING
It is essential that pipe work and equipment
do not allow gases generated from the cell to
collect and build up.
WARNING
Cell must be installed horizontally with water
connections pointing downwards – this creates
a safety gas trap. Installation in any other way
may cause explosion, injury or death.
WARNING
Cell must be installed in the return pipework
to the pool. Always install after filter, gas
heater, and solar heater or heat pump
connections.
WARNING
DO NOT install isolation valves on inlet or
outlet of cell.
Once the cell is located, connect the cell cable
to the cell. All terminal posts and cell cable
connectors are colour coded, ensure the
correct colours are connected. Ensure that the
connectors are seated firmly and correctly.
Pool Return
Pipe Centres
108 mm
From
Filter/Pump
Heater
Filter
Pump
Pool/Spa
3-Way Valve
Spa Return
Pool Return
Check
Valve Cell
MENU
ENTER
SaltwaterChlorinator
SaltwaterChlorinator
Controller
(always the last device on the
plumbing line prior to return
outlet)
Intake from
the Pool

Baracuda®SaltmasterTM Saltwater Chlorinator | Installation and Operating Instructions
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Section 5. Pool Preparation
The recommended salt level for the Saltmaster
Chlorinator is 6,000 ppm. The chlorinator
requires between 4,000 ppm and 6,000 ppm
of salt dissolved into the pool water. The level of
salt will depend on water temperature, but if a
level of 6,000 ppm dissolved salt is allowed for,
your chlorinator will always be able to produce
the maximum level of chlorine. We recommend
you add 6 kgs of salt for every 1,000 litres of
water (a typical pool of around 50,000 litres
requires 300 kg of salt).
Salt should always be added at the shallow end
of the pool and allowed to dissolve. Running
the pump will mix the water and speed the
dissolving process.
WARNING
Never add salt to the skimmer box!!
NOTE: Plug the pump directly into a power outlet
(bypass the chlorinator) and run for 8-10 hours
to ensure the salt is dissolved prior to running
the chlorinator.
When the salt is dissolved, connect the pump to
the chlorinator and run it on maximum chlorine
output. Check that low salt is not indicated
on the screen. If it is, check again in 24 hours.
If the low salt indicator still persists, have the
salt level checked by your local pool shops and
ensure it is increased to 6,000 ppm.
Section 6. Programming
6.1 Setting Current Time/Day
SELECT OFF:
(a) Press the MENU button and screen
should display CLK. Press ENTER.
(b) Press ENTER and the hour digit will flash.
Use up and down arrows to adjust.
(c) Press ENTER to change to minutes
andset.
(d) Press ENTER and select AM or PM.
(e) Press MENU to save.
6.2 Setting Timers
Your chlorinator has 2 timers enabling you to
set different periods in which your chlorinator/
pump will operate. Timers are set by entering a
start time and an off time. To set timers, do the
following:
(a) Press the MENU button twice and screen
should display TMR. Press ENTER.
(b) Use up and down arrows to adjust start
time for TIMER1. Press ENTER.
(c) Use up and down arrows to adjust the off
time for TIMER 1. Press ENTER.
(d) Repeat for TIMER 2.
6.3 Programming Recommendations
Baracuda recommends that you use two
timers, one for the morning and one for the
evening and typically for periods of 2-5 hours
for each (depending on pool size and season).
Your chlorinator is most effective if running in
the early morning or evening when it is cooler
(strong sunlight consumes more chlorine).
Asafactory default, the control is set to come on
at 8 am and 4 pm both for periods of 4 hours.
Section 7. Chlorine Output
To adjust the chlorine output:
(a) Use Increase/Decrease arrows for
setting the chlorine output level of the
chlorinator. The chlorinator output can
be set from levels 1 through to 8.
(b) Chlorine Output display shows the
level set
Section 8. User Operation
The user mode buttons enable you to select
and to automatically or manually control the
chlorinator/pump. Functions are as follows:
POOL MODE:
(a) Auto - Running: The chlorinator/pump
will run according to how you have set
the timers.

Baracuda®SaltmasterTM Saltwater Chlorinator | Installation and Operating Instructions
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(b) Manual - Running: The chlorinator/
pump will run continuously.
(c) Manual - Stopped: The chlorinator/
pump will stay off continuously.
Section 9. Fault Codes
The User Display can indicate the following fault
codes;
• NO F – No flow indication
• LO S – Low salt indication
Refer to troubleshooting table at the end of this
manual for actions to correct these errors.
Section 10. Setting the
Right Chlorine Output and
Filtration Time
Your Saltmaster Chlorinator must be run
every day toensure that your pool is correctly
sanitised. As the sun dissipates chlorine, running
times are higher in the summer compared to the
winter. Baracuda recommends that you initially
run your chlorinator at maximum output for the
first few days, then adjust as required.
10.1 Summer
You should set your chlorinator to operate for
8 to 10 hours per day. Ideally, run it for 4-5
hours in the morning (say 8 - 12 pm) and 4-5
hours in the evening (say 6 - 11 pm).
In extremely hot weather it may be necessary to
extend the running time if you find that the free
chlorine level is too low.
To prevent consumption of chlorine by sunlight,
try adding cyanuric acid as recommended by
your local pool professional. Additional benefit
will be gained by operating your chlorinator and
pump into the evening when the strong sunlight
has abated. See Section 11 for more information.
Chlorine is most effective when the pH of your
pool water is 7.4. The electro-chemical process
of the chlorinator, (change salt into chlorine) will
automatically raise the pH of your pool water, so
it is very important to check your pH weekly and
adjust as necessary.
10.2 Winter
You should set your chlorinator to operate for
6 to 8 hours per day. Again, running it in the
morning and evening is preferable.
10.3 Checking Chlorine Level
Ideally, check your chlorine level after the
morning operating period. The free chlorine
residual level should be somewhere between
1 and 3 parts per million. Increase or decrease
the output of the chlorinator to get the right
residual chlorine level. It may also be necessary
to adjust the operating period if you are running
at minimum or maximum output.
Section 11. Water Chemistry
11.1 Stabiliser/Cyanuric Acid
As previously mentioned, sunlight rapidly
dissipates the amount of free chlorine in your
pool. Chlorine stabiliser greatly reduces this
effect. Without stabiliser, you may need to run
your chlorinator and filtration system up to
16hours per day or longer.
Keep the stabiliser reading between 30 and
60 ppm.
11.2 pH Level
You should keep you pH level between 7.0
and7.4 for fibreglass pools and 7.2 to 7.6 for
other pools.
11.3 Total Alkalinity
The ideal range is between 80 and 120 ppm.
11.4 Salt Level
Although salt is not consumed by the
chlorinator, salt is lost during backwashing,
and when your pool overflows due to rain or
splashing. The correct salt level is important
to cell life and the effective operation of your
chlorinator. Salt level should be maintained
around 6,000 ppm but should never be allowed
to fall below 4,000 ppm.

Baracuda®SaltmasterTM Saltwater Chlorinator | Installation and Operating Instructions
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A typical pool of around 50,000 litres requires
300 kg of salt to initially set-up the pool to
6,000 ppm.
A low salt level warning is indicated on your
Saltmaster Chlorinator if the salt level drops. If
"Low Salt" is indicated, check again in 24 hours
and then if it is still indicated, add two 20 kg
bags of salt to the shallow end of your pool. Run
the filtration system for approx. 6 hours to help
mix the salt in the pool. It can take up to a day
for the salt to fully dissolve.
If the "Low Salt" light is still on, then you should
get your pool water tested. If the salinity is
above 6,000 ppm, however, the low salt warning
can be activated due to cold water temperature.
To check if there is a fault or it is caused by cold
water activation, check with your local pool
shop for advice.
WARNING
Never add salt directly to the skimmer
box. This practice should be avoided as it
allows very high concentrations of salt to be
passed through your filtration and other pool
equipment.
11.5 Water Chemistry Table
Test and maintain correct water balance
throughout the season, according to the water
chemistry table below.
NOTE: Test all equipment sensors quarterly.
Free
Chlorine
pH Total Alkalinity
(ppm)
Calcium Hardness
(ppm)
Cyanuric Acid
(ppm)
Salt
Level (ppm)
Australian Standard
AS 3633-1989 Private Swimming
Pools-Water Quality
1 -3 7.2 - 7.8 60 - 200 100 - 400
***
up to 50 4000 - 7000
Ideal range 1 - 3 7.4 80 - 140 90 - 300 up to 50 4000 at 27°C
To Increase Add
chlorine or
increase
equipment
output
Add buffer
or soda ash
(sodium
carbonate)
Add sodium
bicarbonate
Add calcium chlo-
ride
Add cyanuric
acid
Add salt or
minerals **
To Decrease Add muriatic
acid
Add muriatic
acid or dry acid
Partially drain and
rell pool*
Partially drain
and rell pool*
Partially drain
and rell pool*
In Season Testing
Frequency
Weekly Weekly Weekly Weekly Weekly Monthly
* Fill pool with water from the mains water supply. Do not use rain water or well water
** Do not add salt directly into the skimmer. Do not initiate electrolysis until salt has fully dissolved
*** Reading is True Calcium Hardness, not Total Calcium Hardness
Section 12. Chlorinator
Maintenance and
Troubleshooting
If the supply cord is damaged, it must be
replaced by Baracuda or its service agent
or a similarly qualified person in order to
avoid a hazard.
WARNING
Operating the chlorinator with less than
3,000 ppm of dissolved salt in the water may
cause damage to the cell and will void the
warranty. Never start the chlorinator until
the correct quantity of salt has been added
and dissolved in your pool water.
Section 13. Cell Maintenance
Your Saltmaster Chlorinator has an automatic
cleaning feature that under normal conditions,
will keep the cell plates clear of deposits of salt
and calcium.
The cell has a negative charge sensor that
monitors the flow and salt levels of the water.
This sensor is designed to be fail safe. As it is
negative charge deposits of calcium or other
debris may be deposited on it and cause it to
indicate a low salt or no flow condition. Should
a low salt condition be indicated, have your salt
level checked at your local pool shop. If the low
salt condition persists, or a no flow condition is
indicated when the supply pump is operating, you
may need to manually clean your chlorinator cell.

Baracuda®SaltmasterTM Saltwater Chlorinator | Installation and Operating Instructions
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Section 14. Cell Cleaning
• Close applicable valves
• Disconnect the chlorinator from the mains
by removing the 3 pin plug
• Disconnect the cell wires
• Undo the barrel nuts connecting the cell to
your filtration system
• Turn the cell upside down (inlet and
outleton top) and fill the cell with a mix of
1 part hydrochloric acid to 10 parts water
and leave standing for a few minutes. As
an alternative, you may use an approved
commercial cell cleaning solution
• Repeat if necessary and then rinse well in
clean water
• Re-install the cell ensuring o-rings are
correctly located and barrel nuts are
tightened to prevent leaks
• Re-connect cell wires ensuring all
connections are in the proper colour-coded
connecter
• Return all valves to their normal positions,
re-connect power to the chlorinator and
turn on at power point.
WARNING
Follow safety instructions provided with
the hydrochloric acid or cleaning solution.
When handling hydrochloric acid, the use of
eye protection, mask and gloves are highly
recommended. Extreme caution should be
taken whenever handling hydrochloric acid or
cell cleaning solution.
Timing Maintenance Check Service action (if required)
Fortnightly Check cell for calcium build up Soak electrode in mixture of 1 part acid to 10 parts
water. Use a soft brush only if required. NOTE: Always
add acid to water, and never the reverse.
Check water chemistry Balance pH in pool and adjust output of unit to ensure
satisfactory production of chlorine.
Check cable connections tocell Ensure no water contact is occurring with pins.
Three
Monthly
Check cell connections forleaks Isolate pump, turn power off, clean and grease
o-rings or replace if necessary.
Check for insects/ants Spray a surface insecticide on the surfaces around the
unit to prevent ant and insect ingress.
Six Monthly Check chlorine levels and pump
operating hours
Adjust timer and output depending on demand for
current season.
Prevent insect ingress to
controller
Turn controller off, use an insect spray and spray onto
walls around controller. Do not spay directly into unit.
Wait for the spray to dry before turning unit on.
Section 15. Maintenance of
Your Chlorinator
Maintenance Schedule: Your new product
incorporates moving parts and withstands high
velocity water with chemicals in it. Some of
these parts will wear in the normal course of use
and require regular checks and maintenance.
Performing these checks and maintenance will
identify parts that have worn and require repair/
replacement before further serious damage
is sustained. A small amount of regular care
and attention to your pool equipment will help
ensure long life and trouble free performance.
To protect against extremes of temperature,
your unit is vented to allow electronics to cool.
Ants and some insects are often attracted
to the warmer, dry environment inside the
enclosure. We recommend that, with power
turned off, spray a surface insecticide on the
surfaces surrounding the control to prevent ant
and insect ingress. Repeat every three months
or as necessary.
NOTE: Insect ingress is not covered by your
warranty.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Regular maintenance is
important to ensure long life and trouble-free
performance of your pool equipment. If unable to
perform the maintenance yourself, contact your
local pool shop to arrange for a trained service
technician to perform the maintenance for you.

Baracuda®SaltmasterTM Saltwater Chlorinator | Installation and Operating Instructions
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Section 16. Troubleshooting
Your Saltmaster Chlorinator has diagnostic and
safety features to make it easy to maintain your
system. The table below summarises potential
faults and their causes.
Fault Indication Potential Cause Remedy
NO F (No flow) Pump turned off/disconnected or
valves closed
Ensure valves/pump on.
Blue wire disconnected from cell Connect blue sense wire to cell.
LO S (Low salt) Salt level in pool has dropped too low Take sample of water to pool shop
and check salt level – add salt as
recommended.
Pool water temperature is low Add salt and turn chlorinator output
down until the water is warmer.
Cell has calcified Clean cell.
Cell has failed Call for service.
Display blank No power to controller Plug in controller and ensure mains
power available.
Fuse blown Have a service technician replace
fuse (3 amp slow blow).
Low/No chlorine in pool Cables not connected to cell Connect cables.
Timer period too short Increase timer period – particularly
insummer.
Chlorine output level too low Increase chlorine output.
Filter needs backwashing Backwash filter.
pH too high Balance pH level to 7.4 – 7.6
Pool stabiliser (cyanuric acid) too low Increase stabiliser between 30 and
60 ppm.
Salt level too low Increase salt to above 6,000 ppm.
Clock loses time when
mains power removed
Battery life expired Call a technician.
For spare parts and further advice, please
consult the website, go to
www.baracuda.com.au

Baracuda is a registered trademark of
Fluidra Group Australia Pty Ltd
ABN 87 002 641 965
219 Woodpark Rd, Smithfield, NSW 2164 Australia
Tel: [phone] www.baracuda.com.au
© Copyright Fluidra Australia Ltd 2021
H0744500_REVB