Pool Controls Chemigem CM55 User manual

Commercial & Semi-commercial
Water Management System
User Manual

Contents
Commercial Warranty 1
Warnings and Safety Measures 3
Prior to Installation 5
Items supplied 7
Installation 8
Operation 18
Chemicals 28
Using CO2Systems 29
Alarms 31
Maintenance & Troubleshooting 34
IMPORTANT
If the power cord is damaged the unit must be returned to
Pool Controls for repair.
Always read the instructions and warnings on chemical
containers before using chemicals.
Serial Number........................................
Date of Installation................................
Installed by.............................................

Page 1
Manufacturer’s Warranty for
COMMERCIAL INSTALLATIONS
Pool Controls products come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under
the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a
major failure and for compensation for any other loss or damage. You are also
entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of
acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure. The
benefits under this warranty are in addition to other rights and remedies under a
law in relation to the goods.
1 YEAR WARRANTY ON COMMERCIAL INSTALLATIONS
Pool Controls warrants its products used in commercial installations to be
free from defects in material and/or workmanship for a period of 1 year from
the original date of purchase.
1 YEAR WARRANTY ON REPLACEMENT PARTS USED IN COMMERCIAL
INSTALLATIONS
Pool Controls warrants its replacement parts used in domestic installations,
including multi- electrodes (probes), solenoid valves and electrolytic cells (but
excluding wearing parts such as tubing and squeeze tubing) to be free from
defects in material and/or workmanship for a period of 1 year following
purchase.
EXCLUSION FOR WEARING PARTS
This warranty does not extend to wearing parts, in particular the squeeze
tubes fitted in peristaltic dosing pumps. Squeeze tubes should be replaced
every THREE months by a suitably qualified technician. Pool Controls is not
liable for any failure of its products or other damage caused by failure of a
squeeze tube that has been used for more than THREE months.
WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS OF POOL CONTROLS
If a defect in workmanship or materials in any Pool Controls product covered
by this warranty is discovered during the term of the warranty, and provided
the warranty holder follows the procedure set out below, Pool Controls will,
at its option repair or replace that item.

Page 2
PROCEDURE FOR CLAIMING UNDER THIS WARRANTY
In order to claim under this warranty, the warranty holder must:
•Contact Pool Controls Service as soon as possible after the discovery of
the defect and in any event, within the relevant warranty period;
•Confirm date of installation;
•Confirm that the installation was completed by a suitably qualified
technician, as set out in the installation manual; and
•If required, arrange for the relevant Pool Controls’ product to be returned
to Pool Controls for repair, and the warranty holder is responsible for the
cost and risk of any freight or transportation to and from Pool Controls.
CALL OUT FEES
This is a “Back to Base” Warranty, which means that if the Pool Controls
product needs to be serviced, replaced or repaired at a place other than Pool
Controls’ premises, a call out fee will be charged to cover the cost of travel by
an authorised Pool Controls technician. Please note that this call out fee will
NOT be charged when the relevant Pool Controls product is returned to Pool
Controls for repair. If an authorised Pool Controls technician repairs or
replaces a Pool Controls Product and this warranty does NOT apply, a fee for
labour and parts supplied will be charged in addition to the call out fee. If the
Pool Controls product needs to be returned for repairs under this warranty, the
warranty holder is responsible for the cost and risk of any freight or
transportation to and from Pool Controls.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS
This warranty extends to the original owner only, beginning on the date of
purchase and is not enforceable by any other party without the prior written
consent of Pool Controls. Pool Controls is not responsible for any cost of freight
or transportation to or from its Service Department. Pool Controls is not liable
under this warranty if the installation of the Pool Controls product was not
carried out by a suitably qualified technician.
To the extent permitted by law, Pool Controls is not liable for: any incidental or
consequential loss incurred in connection with the removal or replacement of the
Pool Controls product under this warranty; or product failure resulting from
misuse, freezing, accident, negligence, improper installation or inadequate
maintenance.
To the extent permitted by law, Pool Controls disclaims all other warranties,
either express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with regard to Pool Controls
products, parts and/or any accompanying written materials.

Page 3
It is important that the Chemigem CM55 is installed and operated in
accordance with the instructions provided in this manual.
IMPORTANT
If the power cord is damaged the unit must be returned to
Pool Controls for repair.
Always read the instructions and warnings on chemical
containers before using chemicals.
GENERAL WARNINGS:
1. Do not permit children to use this unit unless they are closely supervised at
all times.
2. To reduce the risk of electric shock, replace damaged cord immediately.
3. Do not use extension cord to connect unit to electric supply; provide a
properly located outlet.
4. Ensure all connections from the Chemigem to the electricity supply are made
in accordance with local safety codes.
5. Do not bury any electricity supply cords unless strictly following local safety
codes. Locate all cords, wires and tubes away from places where they may
become damaged by garden equipment.
6. The Chemigem contains microprocessors that may be disturbed by the
operation of electrical devices within a 6-metre radius.
7. The Chemigem must be connected so that it only operates when the pool
pump is running, otherwise incorrect pool water readings will occur and
concentrated chemicals may flow into the pool water pipes and/or the
chemical drums, where they can mix and produce poisonous Chlorine gas.
8. Before operating the Chemigem, bring the pool water chemical levels to
within the ranges given in this manual, but pay attention to the specific
requirements of the pool builder.
9. To ensure the desired chemical levels are being maintained, check the pool
water with a good quality test kit. This should be performed daily for the first
two weeks and on a regular basis thereafter.

Page 4
10. Always take water samples from a point near the skimmer box, for this is
where the water is completely mixed, giving the most accurate readings.
Never take water samples near the pool returns (“eye-balls”) where the
Chemigem may have freshly dosed the pool water.
11. It is very important that the reagents in the test kit are well within their use-
by date, otherwise false readings may result. If in doubt, take a water sample
to a pool shop for testing.
12. Chemicals must be carefully diluted according to the size of the pool or spa.
Always add the concentrated chemical to the water and never add the water
to the concentrated chemical. Some chemicals react violently with water and
can splash into face and eyes.
13. Always wear protective face-shield and gloves for such operations. Fully
observe all the chemical manufacturer’s safety instructions when handling
pool chemicals.
14. Ensure the chemical supplies (liquid Chlorine and pool Acid) are kept in
visually different containers to avoid wrong connection. Use colour or size
differences or both. When these two concentrated chemicals are mixed
together out of the pool water, poisonous gas is produced.
15. A qualified electrician must affix the electrical outlet (housing the power to
the pool) and, if required, to hard-wire the unit to the power source.
16. If it is decided to turn off the Chemigem audible alarm for any reason, the
unit will no longer have that warning capability and the pool owner will have
to rely on their own ability to monitor the indicator lights on the face of the
unit to verify that the Chlorine and pH levels are within acceptable limits.
IMPORTANT SAFETY MEASURES:
•Always add concentrated chemicals to water –not the other way around!
•Don’t allow chemicals to mix – dangerous, highly corrosive fumes will be
produced.
•Always wear protective clothing, footwear, gloves and eye protection when
handling pool chemicals to avoid injury.
•If a spill occurs, wash the affected area with fresh water immediately and seek
medical attention.
•Work in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhalation of fumes.
•Read and follow safety instructions on chemical drums.
SAVE THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Page 5
Prior to Installation and Operation
Initial pool balance
Before you begin using the Chemigem CM55 make sure your pool water is balanced as
follows:
Chlorine - general
If it is a new installation, add enough chlorine (liquid or granular) to achieve a reading of
3ppm on an appropriate test kit.
Stabiliser - general
If the pool is outdoors, it is vital that stabiliser (also known as cyanurate and cyanuric acid)
be added and maintained at 50ppm. This compound reduces chlorine destruction due to
sunlight. However, too much stabiliser will reduce the effectiveness of chlorine and can
result in poor quality water so ensure stabiliser does not exceed 80ppm.
Good stabiliser level keeps good chlorine levels and reduces maintenance.
pH
For chlorine to be effective, the pH must be within a certain range. This is usually between
6.8 (fibreglass/liner pools) or 7.2 (concrete/plaster) and 7.8.
Adjust pH down with acid –powder, liquid sulphuric or liquid hydrochloric. Be very careful
with acid as it can be harmful and corrosive.
Total Alkalinity (TA)
Total alkalinity is also known as carbonate hardness or TA for short. The recommended
level is between 80 and 120ppm.
TA is related to pH in that it stops the pH from varying quickly with small additions of acidic
or alkaline chemicals. When the TA is low it is almost impossible to control the pH.
To raise the TA, buffer (sodium bicarbonate) is added. This must be done slowly as buffer
will also cause the pH to rise. As an approximate rule every increase of 20ppm of TA will
also cause a 0.1 rise in pH. Once buffer is added it should be left to mix in the pool for a
few hours before reducing the pH.
Phosphates and Nitrates
Phosphate and ammonia nitrogen will make your garden green –and they will do the same
thing to your pool. Check for phosphates and add phosphate remover if necessary. Don’t
let fertiliser get into your pool! Phosphates are also in some cleaning products –check the
label if using around your pool.

Page 6
Chemigem CM55 Operation
It is important that it is installed and operated in accordance with the instructions provided in
this manual.
The Chemigem CM55 is designed to automatically assist in keeping the levels of Chlorine
and pH correctly balanced in swimming pools and spas and can cope with extreme variations
in bather load that is experienced in commercial pools. The unit continuously monitors and
adjusts pH and Chlorine levels while the pool pump is running, as and when required.
Stable controlling of the Chlorine and pH levels of the pool water should be achieved during
the first two weeks of operation. During this period, check the level of Chlorine, Total
Alkalinity and pH regularly with a good quality test kit to confirm that the unit is keeping to
the desired levels.
The chemical levels are set by the keypads. Once the correct positions have been set for
the pool water they should remain constant and do not have be changed from season to
season (however in winter the pool pump running times can be reduced). The unit has been
factory-set to achieve 650mV (milliVolts) Chlorine (ORP) and 7.7pH as the preferred levels
for Chlorine and pH respectively.
Electronic Clock
The Chemigem CM55 has a built-in real-time clock that may require setting to your local
time. It has a battery back-up (which should last for several years) that controls the
automatic switching on and off of the pool pump.
Pool Pump Times
The factory-set pool pump times are referred to on page 25. To change pumping times or to
turn the timer off refer to pages 25-27.
Pool Water Circulation
To enable the Chemigem CM55 to work efficiently, the mixing of the pool water has to be as
quick and complete as possible. Positioning the return nozzles (eyeballs) to the pool so that
the main water-body rotates is the best way to achieve this. Under no circumstances should
the eyeballs be positioned to produce opposing circulation patterns.
The Chemigem CM55’s multi-electrode (probe) monitors the chlorine and pH levels as the
water travels towards the pump. If the mixing of the pool water is slow, the probe will not
receive the signal until large amounts of chemicals have been added to the water.When the
probe finally receives the signal, the pool water may be overdosed and the excess warnings
will operate.
Heated Pool
If the one pool pump is required to service both the filter and the pool heating system, the
pool heating plumbing may need to be bypassed. (Refer to page 15)

Page 7
ITEMS SUPPLIED
Chemigem CM55 Commercial Chemical Controller
Key features:
•A see-through protective faceplate covering the front of the unit
•A computerised on-screen HELP menu
•An automatic pool pump timer
•An easy-to-read screen showing chemical settings and actual chemical readings
•Indicator light and audible alarm showing if pool water chemical levels are in
range
Multi-electrode (Probe)
The Probe is fitted on the inlet (suction) side of the pool pump and one Probe monitors both
the Chlorine and pH levels. Chemical readings obtained by the Probe are monitored by the
Chemigem, and Chlorine and/or pool Acid is dosed into the pool water as required.
Where 40 or 50mm pipe is used, the Probe can be fitted via an injection manifold (sold
separately). Where larger pipe is used, the Probe is fitted inside of the Reducing Nipple that
is then inserted directly into the PVC pipe running to/from the pool.
Tubing
To connect the delivery system to the chemical drums and the injection point.
Do not use any tubing other than that supplied. To do so may result in damage to the
Chemigem CM55 and negate the Warranty.
Filters & Sinkers
Drum Filters are connected to the plastic tubing. One is placed in the Chlorine drum and the
other is placed in the pool Acid drum.
Sinker sets are fitted above the Drum Filters. The purpose of the sinkers is to provide added
weight to the Drum Filters so that the filters do not float and are positioned close to the bottom
of the chemical drums.
Metal Mounting Plate
The metal plate is affixed to a solid surface in a sheltered location. The Chemigem fits onto
the metal plate.
Solenoid Valves or Peristaltic Pumps
Depending on the Chemigem model selected, the controller may be supplied with a set of
solenoid valves or peristaltic pumps.

Page 8
Multiple Sets of Peristaltic Pumps (or Solenoid Valves)
A maximum of four sets of peristaltic pumps (or solenoid valves) can be provided; one for
each pump and filter.
If multiple sets of solenoid valves are used, a Valves Junction Box may be required. The
Valves Junction Box is connected to the Chemigem, with each set of solenoid valves
connected to the Valves Junction Box. If one or more pool pumps are turned off (as may
occur in colder months), the electrical lead to the Solenoid Valves (that would normally
service the turned off pool pump) should be disconnected at the same time from the top of
the valve pack. See Installation Diagram on page 16.
INSTALLATION
Select a good location
For ease of installation and for safety, the Chemigem CM55 should be installed as follows:
•In a normal upright position (with the printing on the front reading horizontally) and
protruding cords facing toward the ground
•Attached to a solid vertical surface to provide easy access to the power supply and
should preferably be fixed at eye level
To obtain maximum life for the unit it is recommended that it be located in a sheltered and
shaded position.
To avoid the risk of electric shock do not use extension cord to connect unit to electric
supply. Provide a properly located outlet.
Refer to pages 15-17 for the special procedures required for the placement of the Chemigem
when the pool pump and filter are located below pool water surface level and when the pool
has a heater unit
Installing the Power Supply
Position the Chemigem CM55 within 2.5 metres of the Probe at a convenient height for easy
operation, preferably at eye level.
If it is impractical to install the unit at eye level because of site restrictions, install it at any
height that provides ease of access and operation in a normal upright position (with the
printing reading horizontally and protruding cords facing toward the ground).
Installation diagrams
The diagram on the next page shows the standard installation method for a Chemigem CM55
utilising peristaltic pumps and the “Drill & Tap” installation method for large diameter pipe.