ECO-MATIC SR Series User manual

24-APR-1998
Eco-Matic Salt Water Pool System
REG. NO. 25552 P.C.P. ACT
Control Bacteria and Algae in Swimming Pools and Spas
READ LABEL AND OPERATING MANUAL BEFORE USING
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
Eco-Matic Canada
Division of 543820 BC Ltd.
28377 Haverman Road
Abbotsford, B.C. V4X 2P3
How ECO-MATIC can help you:
No chlorine taste, smell or feel...
Healthy to use and Economical...
Easy to use and maintain; suits all pools...
Prevents algae growth...
Eco-Matic Salt Water Pool Systems
What is ECO-MATIC and how does it work?
ECO-MATIC is a patented, proven alternative to the use of
commercial 'pool chlorine' in pools and spas.
ECO-MATIC was first produced in 1976 in Australia, where today
some 90% of all pool owners have chosen the Salt Water System in
lieu of 'pool chlorine'. The Salt Water System is now the means
of purification preferred by almost a half million pool and spa
owners around the world. ECO-MATIC is now sold in more than 25
countries.
There are 3 components to ECO-MATIC - two product components are
easily attached to your existing pool filter equipment. The third
component is pure salt (evaporated ocean salt), which is added
directly into (and dissolved in) the pool water - creating a very
mild salt water solution. This automatic process does not consume

the salt, but simply recycles it, over and over again.
The ECO-MATIC pool feels like a truly fresh water pool, with none
of the undesirable effects, taste and smell which come with
packaged pool chemicals.
Healthy...
The mild salt water itself has many therapeutic benefits for
swimmers and a bacteria-free pool means safe swimming for
everyone.
Easy to use, maintain...
Easy-to-operate controls enable the system to operate
automatically in conjunction with the pool filter.
Suits all pools...
ECO-MATIC comes in a variety of models and sizes, to suit the
size and particular environment of any pool or spa.
Economical...
Expensive 'pool chlorine' is replaced by a small amount of
inexpensive salt. More stable water conditions will extend pool
equipment life and ECO-MATIC will eliminate costly calcium
removal from pool walls and tiles.
Prevents algae growth...
The constantly healthy condition of the water will prevent the
growth of common pool algae.
Questions and Answers
Q: How salty is the water?
A: Approximately one ninth ( 1/9th) as salty as sea water - or
one half as salty as human tear drops. Try it at home - add
half an ounce of salt to a gallon of water. Taste it; you
will agree it's very mild.
Q: Will the salt water corrode the pool equipment?
A: No. The low salt level and ECO-MATIC's simple operating
procedures do not create a corrosion problem. If corrosion
was a problem, ECO-MATIC simply could not have been so
successful for almost 20 years.

Q: Does ECO-MATIC come with any warranties?
A: Yes. Every sale is backed with substantial product and
performance guarantees. Ask your local dealer for details.
Q: How easy is it to install ECO-MATIC?
A: Most installations take less than 2 hours and none of your
existing pool equipment needs to be altered or replaced.
Q: What are the disadvantages of an ECO-MATIC System?
A: We can't think of any. Some people wonder about swimming in
slightly salty water, but inevitably it is the fantastic
feeling of the water which ECO-MATIC owners like most.
Specifications:
A Range of Models are available to suit everything from small
spas, through pools up to 90,000 gallons - in normal daily
filtering times, and much larger pools (300,000+ gallons) with
longer filtering times.
Features include...
Variable sanitizer output - adjusts to suit your pool
Electronically controlled power output - self regulating current
control
Low Salinity/Overload Protection - audible and visual low-salt
warning
In-line "cell" installation - many advantages over 'in-pool' cell
types
Clear "cell" housing - allows visual inspection of "cell". Cell
suits PVC or copper pipes
Input voltage 110v or 220v - connects to timer, filter pump
Weather Protected Enclosure
UL Listed, C-UL Listed Option. Patents and Trademarks apply
Eco-Matic Salt Water Pool Systems
28377 Haverman Road,

Bradner, British Columbia
Canada V4X 2P3
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
Toll Free: 1-888-558-7258
ECO-MATIC (TM)
SALT WATER POOL SYSTEMS
OWNER’S GUIDE
SR MODELS
OVERVIEW of the Salt Water System
OPERATION of Your ECO-MATIC
MAINTENANCE of Your ECO-MATIC
MAINTENANCE of Your Pool Water
WARRANTY Details
TROUBLE-SHOOTING Guide
WELCOME TO THE HEALTHY LUXURY OF A SALT WATER SWIMMING POOL
We at ECO-MATIC are dedicated to providing you with the most
luxurious, healthy, 'natural' pool water you have ever
experienced, as well as the most reliable product and the best
after-sales service you could hope for.
Reading this Guide will help ensure that your ECO-MATIC system
functions correctly and efficiently, help avoid the expense of
unnecessary service calls and make you aware of certain
maintenance procedures which, if left undone, may void warranties
offered by the manufacturer. Please refer to the Trouble-Shooting
section of this Guide before calling for in-field service.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE ECO-MATIC SALT WATER POOL SYSTEM
When salt (pure, natural evaporated ocean salt), is dissolved in
pool water and then subjected to simple electrolysis (by way of
the in-line ECO-MATIC 'Cell’), the chloride portion of the salt
(sodium chloride) is transformed into an effective sanitizer

(HOCI), which has the ability to oxidize (kill) bacteria, virus,
algae and other such radicals which would otherwise flourish in
the water. This process is reversible, so does not consume the
salt, which is simply used over and over again.
Sized to suit your particular pool or spa, your ECO-MATIC system
will automatically provide the sanitizer necessary to maintain
your pool/spa water in perfectly healthy condition, in an
environmentally-perfect manner, by using and recycling a natural
product - salt. Your ECO-MATIC will do exactly the same thing as
'pool chlorine' would do, but without need to add (or swim in)
potentially harmful, toxic man-made sanitizing chemicals.
Operating Your ECO-MATIC
When correctly installed, your ECO-MATIC will operate ONLY WHEN
THE FILTER PUMP IS OPERATING and water is flowing through the
'Cell'. Your ECO-MATIC must not be able to operate while the
filter pump is OFF. If your ECO-MATIC continues to operate after
the filter pump is switched OFF (as indicated by the Output
gauge, the LSI indicator light or by bubbling and cloudiness at
the 'Cell') contact your ECO-MATIC Dealer or the person who
installed your ECO-MATIC immediately and ensure that the fault is
rectified.
((SEE DIAGRAM))
ECO-MATIC Operating Modes
Whenever your ECO-MATIC is switched ON it will go through a
'Startup Phase' lasting approx 30 seconds, during which time the
LSI indicator light will be GREEN and the Output Gauge will be
inactive. At the end of the 'Startup Phase' the Output Gauge will
become active and the LSI indicator will be either GREEN or RED
according to the following Operating Modes:
LSI Indicator
Light
Buzzer
Alarm
Output
Gauge
Operating Mode
GREEN OFF INACTIVE Startup Phase
GREEN OFF NORMAL Normal operation
RED ON NORMAL LOW SALT condition or 'Cell'
needs cleaning
RED ON INACTIVE Fault in system (refer to
Trouble-Shooting)

((SEE DIAGRAM))
Sanitizer Control
The Output Control gauge on the front control panel of your
ECO-MATIC has two color sections for each 'Cell' size - Silver
and Red. Always operate your ECO-MATIC with the gauge needle
within the Silver section of the dial - and adjust the needle
position UP or DOWN according to the sanitizer needs of the pool
(see below).
Sanitizer Level - How to Measure
The sanitizer which ECO-MATIC produces (HOCI) from the dissolved
salt (NaCl) also results (amongst other things) when 'pool
chlorine' is added to water - and is the substance which shows up
on ordinary 'pool chlorine' Test Kits. You can therefore use an
ordinary 'pool chlorine' Test Kit to measure the sanitizer
produced by your ECO-MATIC.
The Amount of Sanitizer Produced by ECO-MATIC Depends Upon:
a) The daily operating time of the equipment (pump and filter
and ECO-MATIC)
b) The Output Control setting
c) The condition of the ECO-MATIC 'Cell' (clean or dirty)
The rate of sanitizer production will decrease as the 'Cell'
becomes dirty (scaled with calcium etc), or if the salt level in
the water decreases and, in time, as the 'Cell' nears the end of
its life.
Your Test Kit is your ONLY INDICATOR of whether your ECO-MATIC is
producing sufficient, too little, or too much sanitizer for your
pool.
If your ECO-MATIC is producing TOO MUCH SANITIZER, turn the
Output Control DOWN, or reduce the daily operating time (being
sure to maintain at least the minimum recommended daily filtering
time).
If your ECO-MATIC is producing TOO LITTLE SANITIZER, turn the
Output Control UP, or increase the daily operating time of the
equipment.
Optimizing the Sanitizer

1) Always ensure that your pool water has the recommended level
of Conditioner (stabilizer). Conditioner will prevent
sunlight from destroying the sanitizer before it can do its
job, and will make it easier to maintain a residual of
sanitizer in the pool.
2) The effectiveness of the sanitizer decreases as pH rises. To
ensure that the sanitizer can effectively do its job, always
maintain the water pH within the recommended range of 7.2 -
7.8 (max). Refer to 'Maintenance of the Water', later in
this Guide.
Important Note: If you have a spa attached to your pool, be sure
to turn the ECO-MATIC production DOWN or OFF when confining the
water circulation to the spa only - to avoid over-production of
sanitizer in the spa.
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR ECO-MATIC
The ‘Power Pack’
The POWER PACK should require very little (if any) maintenance -
except maybe for occasional replacement of blown fuses. However,
damage to certain components may result from improper maintenance
of the 'Cell' (see below). Always ensure that the POWER PACK is
located in a well ventilated area free of corrosive fumes from
any acid or chemical containers in the vicinity.
Red Sensor Lead (Safety Cut-off)
The RED Sensor Lead connected to the top of the 'Cell Housing'
provides a safety cut-off in the event that water stops flowing
through the 'Cell Housing'. Always ensure that the RED Sensor
Lead is properly connected to the 'Sensor Clip' on top of the
'Cell Housing', otherwise your ECO-MATIC will not operate.
Calcium scale can sometimes build up on the inside of the 'Sensor
Clip' (causing a loss of contact between the 'Sensor Clip' and
the water and switching OFF the ECO-MATIC) and may require
cleaning off from time to time (refer to Trouble Shooting).
The 'Cell'
Maintenance of the 'Cell' is quite simple, but very important.
ECO-MATIC 'Cells' are comprised of expensive materials and even
with proper care and maintenance the delicate coating on the
'Cell' anode will eventually wear away and the 'Cell' will 'die'
and will no longer be able to produce sufficient sanitizer for
the pool. Proper care (and cleaning) will ensure the maximum life
for the 'Cell'. Operating your 'Cell' on lower-than-recommended
salt levels will shorten 'Cell' life and will void 'Cell'

warranties.
Cleaning The 'Cell'
Mineral salts, calcium, etc. (scale) will accumulate onto the
'Cell' and will effect the efficiency of the 'Cell' in its
production of sanitizer. If allowed to build up unchecked, this
scale can damage the 'Cell'. It is therefore essential that the
'Cell' be cleaned whenever necessary, as indicated by visual
inspection, a drop in Output and/or a RED warning light and
buzzer alarm.
The rate at which the scale accumulates on the 'Cell' varies from
pool to pool and is influenced mostly by the Total Hardness,
Total Alkalinity and the ratio of these two important components
of water balance. Rapid scaling on the 'Cell' indicates the need
to adjust either the Total Hardness and or the Total Alkalinity
of the pool water (refer to Maintenance of the Water).
How To Clean The 'Cell'
((SEE DIAGRAM))
The 'Cell' can sometimes be cleaned by squirting with a hose and
brushing with a soft brush - but in most cases will need to be
cleaned in a weak acid solution as follows:
* Turn OFF filter pump before attempting to clean the 'Cell'.
* Remove the 'Cell' from the 'Cell Housing' by unscrewing the
threaded collar at the end of the 'Cell Housing'
* Immerse the 'Cell' into the weak acid solution (see below)
for as short a time as necessary for the scale to be
dissolved off the 'Cell'
* If necessary, remove the 'Cell' from the weak acid solution,
brush with a soft brush (never use a metal brush) to help
remove stubborn scale, then re-immerse into the weak acid
solution. Repeat until 'Cell' is completely clean of scale
* Either rinse the acid solution off the 'Cell' using fresh
water, or immediately replace the 'Cell' into the 'Cell
Housing and start the filter (so the pool water rinses the
'Cell')
NEVER tap or knock the 'Cell' against hard objects to help remove
scale. 'Cell' will break.
When re-inserting the 'Cell' into the 'Cell Housing', ensure that

the O-ring is in place (against the end of the clear plastic
'Cell Housing') and that the notches and grooves ('Cell' and
'Cell Housing') are aligned allowing the 'Cell' to seat properly
(sandwiching the O-ring between the 'Cell' head and the end of
the 'Cell Housing'). Do not over-tighten the threaded collar
(hand tight is OK).
Weak Acid Solution
((SEE DIAGRAM))
Add 3 parts water to the 'Cell' cleaning container, then add 1
part acid (pool acid, muriatic acid) to the water, to a total
depth which allows all of the 'Cell' mesh to be immersed.
Warning: NEVER add water-to-acid. ALWAYS add acid-to-water
The weak acid solution can be stored in a safe place (some place
where the kids can't get at it) and re-used for some time (saves
having to make the solution each time). Avoid getting the weak
acid solution on skin or in your eyes. If you accidentally do so,
wash off immediately with fresh water (or use the pool/spa
water).
Please do not hesitate to contact your ECO-MATIC Dealer for any
assistance regarding 'Cell' cleaning.
Maintaining The Salt Level
It is important to always maintain at least the minimum
recommended salt level (4000ppm) in the pool water. (in some
cases, in-ground spas can operate on lower salt levels - check
with your ECO-MATIC Dealer ).
Operating your ECO-MATIC at lower than recommended salinity level
will shorten the life of your 'Cell' and will void warranties on
the 'Cell'. An excess of salt (up to 6000ppm) is acceptable and
will not harm the ECO-MATIC (in fact, the system operates more
efficiently at higher salt levels).
We recommend that you check the salt level in your pool at least
every couple of months (more in summer).
Checking The Salt Level
Your ECO-MATIC (SR Models) has a Low Salt Indicator (LSI). When
the level of salt in the water falls below the minimum level, the
LSI will indicate a RED light and the buzzer alarm will sound.
While in this Mode the ECO-MATIC will continue to produce
sanitizer, but the situation should be corrected quickly to avoid

unnecessary damage to the 'Cell'.
At correct salt levels, the Output gauge needle should be able to
reach the RED portion of the gauge dial (for your 'Cell' size),
by turning the Output Control knob.
The LSI has been factory calibrated (plus or minus) to a minimum
salt level of 4000ppm, so could therefore activate at slightly
higher salinity than 4000ppm. If the LSI activates when you think
there is sufficient salt in the water, a physical test kit
measurement of the salinity is necessary to, determine the facts
(before deeming it necessary to re-calibrate the ECO-MATIC).
Salt Test Kits
Various salt test kits are available. Salt Test Strips are
available at many pool shops (one brand name is AquaChek). Some
pool shops also test for salt.
How Salt Is Lost From Your Pool
The ECO-MATIC process does not consume the salt - it merely
re-uses it over and over. Evaporation also leaves the salt in the
water. However, salt is lost from the pool when water is lost -
back-flushing filter, splash-out, overflow in rainy periods,
leaks in the pool.
Adding Salt To The Water
Salt is generally available in 25lb, 40lb, 50lb or 80lb bags - at
places such as Home Base, Home Depot etc. Use ordinary rock salt,
evaporated ocean salt - the same as would be used for a water
softener (avoid salt pellets). Call your ECO-MATIC dealer if you
need assistance in locating a source of salt.
Add the salt by tipping it directly into the pool. Dissolve by
sweeping the salt to the deep-end floor drain and/or by vacuuming
the pool. The heavier than-water saline 'syrup' will remain on
the floor of the pool if not mixed properly.
How Much Top-up Salt To Add
When topping-up the salt level, we suggest adding salt at the
rate of approx 50lb per 10,000 gallons of water. Remember: A
slight excess of salt is not a problem, but too little salt
causes damage to the 'Cell'. When the added salt is dissolved,
check that the LSI remains GREEN. Measure the salinity if in
doubt.
MAINTENANCE OF THE WATER

You should always be sure that your pool water is ‘in balance’.
The person who maintains the pool should already be checking and
adjusting the water for the following. If you need verification
of any of the following, take a water sample to your local pool
shop for testing (or send to your ECO-MATIC dealer for testing).
Adding 'chemicals' To Your Pool
Your ECO-MATIC will eliminate the need for you to add 'pool
chlorine', algaecides and 'shock' chemicals to the water. Many
pool owners and pool service people are in the habit of
'shocking' their pool water periodically, but this is no longer
necessary with ECO-MATIC and we advise against adding such
chemicals (including copper-based algaecides, non-chlorine shock
etc).
If the need to add 'pool chlorine' should ever arise, you can do
so without risk of harming your ECO-MATIC equipment.
In the event that your sanitizer level has fallen too low, or
that you feel a need to 'shock' the pool, simply let your
ECO-MATIC operate for an extended time (say for 24 hours).
Conditioner/Stabilizer
It is important to maintain 50 - 80ppm of conditioner (cyanuric
acid) in the pool water, in order to prevent the sunlight from
destroying the sanitizer (especially important in hot, sunny
areas). If the conditioner level is too low, "good-bye sanitizer"
you will find it difficult to maintain a good residual of
sanitizer in the water - and your ECO-MATIC will need to work
twice as much as it would if the conditioner level was correct.
pH Level
Pool water pH should be maintained in the range 7.2 - 7.8. At
higher pH levels, the sanitizer loses its effectiveness, allowing
algae growth etc even though your Test Kit may indicate
sufficient sanitizer in the water. If you have difficulty
maintaining the pH in the correct range, this is an indication
that the Total Alkalinity (TA) is not at the correct level. It is
always necessary to bring the TA within the correct range before
pH can be properly maintained.
Total Alkalinity (TA)
(TA) determines the speed and ease of pH change. TA can also
greatly effect the frequency of having to clean the ECO-MATIC
'Cell'. The ideal range for TA is generally 80 - 120ppm, but
really depends upon the Total Hardness (TH) of the water and

should be set at the level which suits your pool. The harder the
water in a pool, the lower the TA should be. Your TA is correct
when the pH becomes stable and easy to maintain.
If the TA is TOO LOW If the TA is TOO HIGH
pH 'bounce' Almost constant acid demand
Stains on plaster walls Promotes 'Cell' scaling
Etching of plaster walls
Corrosion of metal parts
Total Hardness (TH)
The Total Hardness (not just calcium hardness) if too high, can
promote rapid scaling of the ECO-MATIC 'Cell'. TH also determines
the desired level of TA.
General Rule: If the pool water TH is greater than 500ppm and is
at least 300ppm above the TH of the fill water (tap water) - then
dump the water and re-fill the pool.
Warning: be aware that pools in high water-table areas should not
be emptied without first consulting your pool builder or pool
service.
Recommended Sanitizer level 1.0 - 2.0 ppm
Suggested pH level 7.2 - 7.8
Suggested Conditioner level 50 - 80 ppm
Suggested Total Alkalinity level 80 - 120 ppm (adjust to suit
your pool)
Suggested Total Hardness level 500 ppm maximum
MINIMUM salt level 4000 ppm
WARRANTY DETAILS
The manufacturer of ECO-MATIC, Monarch Industries, through
ECOMATIC Salt Water Pool Systems Inc., warrants to the original
purchaser Of an ECO-MATIC product that if any component (other
than fuses) proves defective, or if faulty workmanship be evident

within a period of 12 months from the date of purchase, that the
defect will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
Any product deemed to be defective shall be returned freight or
postage paid to the authorized ECO-MATIC Agent from whom the
product was purchased, accompanied by evidence of date of
purchase. The manufacturer and ECO-MATIC accept no responsibility
other than the repair or replacement of defective parts.
This warranty does not cover failure due to accidental damage,
abuse, misuse, negligence, damage due to non-compliance with
installation, care and maintenance instructions or unauthorized
alterations or modifications to the product.
A Warranty Registration card is included with all new ECO-MATIC
product and should be completed and returned to your ECO-MATIC
agent in order to validate your warranty.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
SR Model Operating Modes
LSI
Light
Buzzer
Alarm
Output
Gauge
Operating
Mode
GREEN OFF INACTIVE Startup Phase
GREEN OFF NORMAL Normal Operation
RED ON NORMAL Low Salt Level
'Cell' Dirty
'Cell' Deteriorating
ACTION Measure Salt Level, Clean 'Cell Check 'Cell' Output
RED ON INACTIVE Fault in System
ACTION Check RED Sensor Lead, Clean Sensor Clip, Check
Voltage to 'Power Pack' (new installations)
Is Your ECO-MATIC Producing Sanitizer?
You can check if your ECO-MATIC is producing as follows:
1) If you can get movement of the Output gauge needle, by
adjusting the Output Control, the ECOMATIC is working. Only
sanitizer production can cause the needle to indicate.

2) When sanitizer is being produced, it is often noticeable as
cloudiness in the water immediately after the 'Cell' (look
through the 'Cell Housing').
3) With the ECO-MATIC Output on HIGH, take a sanitizer Test Kit
reading immediately at the RTP outlet (water return-to-pool
outlet) then compare that reading with a second Test Kit
reading with water taken from a distant point in the pool.
The first reading should be noticeably higher than the
second (the water having just passed through the ECO-MATIC).
ECO-MATIC Not Working
1. Main power OFF No power getting to 'Power Pack'.
2. ECO-MATIC switched OFF
3. Output Control set too low.
4. Blown fuses.
5. RED Sensor Lead not connected or connection dirty.
6. Too little salt in the water.
ECO-MATIC Producing, But Sanitizer Level Low
1. 'Cell' dirty.
2. Output Control set too low.
3. Insufficient operating time.
4. Low salt level.
5. Filter dirty. Poor circulation rate.
6. Conditioner level too low.
7. Poor water quality. Sanitizer being used quickly.
8. Other chemicals added to pool? Could 'screen' sanitizer
reading on Test Kit.
Sanitizer Level OK, But Water Cloudy, or Signs of Algae
1. pH too high. Adjust to 7.2 - 7.8 range.
2. Filter dirty, poor circulation. Insufficient filtration.

3. Filter pump faulty.
4. Check that conditioner/stabilizer level is not too high.
'Cell' Is Scaling Too Frequently
1. Total Alkalinity too high.
2. Total Hardness too high.
Output Gauge Cannot Reach maximum (Red Section)
1. Insufficient salt.
2. 'Cell' dirty, needs cleaning.
3. 'Cell' may be deteriorating.
LSI RED Light and Buzzer ON
1. Indication of low salt level.
2. 'Cell' may need cleaning.
3. If gauge is inactive, check RED Sensor Lead connection.
4. 'Cell' may be deteriorating.
Continual Salt Loss
1. Check for a leak in pool. Turn off any automatic fill
device, check for water loss.
Water Leaking At 'Cell'
1. O-ring not in place, or missing altogether. (look in the
bottom of the cell cleaning container)
2. Notches and grooves not aligned, 'Cell' not seated properly.
3. See if 'Cell' seats better when rotated 180Ein 'Cell
Housing'.
When Output Control Turned Low, RED Light Comes ON
1. Salt level is borderline.
2. If salinity OK, 'Cell' may be deteriorating.
3. Can happen in 'COLD' water.

Eco-Matic Canada
B.C. Ltd. 543820
Toll Free: 1 888 558-7258
Local Calls: 856-8030
28377 Haverman Road,
Bradner, B.C.
V4X 2P3
******************************
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