FAQ's

As with all chemicals, we encourage you to read the Accu-Tab ® system material safety data sheet and product label for proper safe use, handling, and storage information.

Is the Accu-Tab chlorinator designed to hold pressure?

No. Accu-Tab chlorinators are not pressure vessels because they are not designed to fill with water, which would erode all of the tablets at once and lead to a build-up of a highly concentrated chlorine solution. This solution would not allow for consistent delivery of chlorine. Therefore, the units have been designed to operate under the slight vacuum created by the suction side of the pump or by gravity flow.

Do all the tablets get soaked in water at once?

No. The chlorinator does not fill with water. Only the bottom of the tablets in contact with the sieve plate will get wet. The rest of the tablets remain dry and drop down automatically to replace the wetted tablets that are eroded.

What is the composition of 3-inch Accu-Tab tablets?

Accu-Tab tablets are 68% nominal chlorine. Typically, they contain approximately 2% insolubles. All industrial tablets also contain a scale inhibitor.

In what size pails are Accu-Tab tablets sold?

Accu-Tab tablets are packaged in a 55-pound pail. For large applications, a 400-pound bag is available. (Facilities must meet specific criteria to obtain bags. Check with your local specialist or PPG for details).

What is the shelf life of calcium hypochlorite?

Accu-Tab calcium hypochlorite tablets maintain their strength for up to a year when stored under the proper conditions. (Store in original container with the lid sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep away from heat, sparks, flames, direct sunlight, and other sources of heat.)

My tablets are not eroding fast enough to keep up with the chlorine demand?

Low tablet delivery rates can be caused by low flow through the chlorinator, or an increase in chlorine demand may have occurred within your system. If your system has extended intermittent use, call the PPG Customer Service Hotline at 480-496-5757 (PRESS 2).

Does cal hypo burn?

Calcium hypochlorite is an inorganic chemical, and therefore it will not burn by itself. It is an oxidizing chemical and will decompose, and this decomposition liberates oxygen and heat. Should an organic compound be present, a fire can result. In fact, contaminating cal hypo with organic liquids or acids, such as algaecides and soda pop, can result in a fire and the release of toxic gases. Upon request, PPG will provide you with a safety wall chart that provides guidelines in the case of a spill or emergency.

What safety measures are recommended for the storage of cal hypo?

Calcium hypochlorite should be stored in its original container with the lid sealed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. It should be kept away from heat, sparks, flames, direct sunlight, and other sources of heat, including lighted tobacco products. It is important to remember that calcium hypochlorite is a Class III oxidizer, and local fire officials should be contacted and made aware of your current storage conditions and the quantities you intend to store. Refer to container labeling for full storage and warning information and details. PPG also has a safe storage guidelines available by calling 480-496-5757 (PRESS 2).

What type of Accu-Tab tablet is right for my system?

PPG makes two different types of Accu-Tab tablets. Accu-Tab Blue SI is for commercial swimming pool applications. Accu-Tab SI is for industrial/municipal applications, such as potable water or wastewater, food processing applications, or industrial processing and cooling water.

How is chlorine dosage controlled?

Regulating water flow through the chlorinator controls the dose. The more water through the unit, the more available chlorine delivered. This can be controlled either manually or automatically and is as simple as adjusting a valve.

What safety equipment is needed for the handling of Accu-Tab tablets?

Typically, only rubber gloves and safety glasses/goggles are recommended.

What routine maintenance is required?

PPG recommends cleaning the chlorinator once a year with muriatic acid to remove any deposits. However, system water quality will ultimately determine how often cleaning is needed. For specific cleaning instructions, refer to the cleaning instructions section of your chlorinator manual. Instructions may also be obtained by calling the PPG Customer Service Hotline at 480-496-5757 (PRESS 2).

Will the Accu-Tab system cause corrosion of pipes and pumps?

Surprisingly, no! The calcium hypochlorite solution that is discharged from the chlorinator is a mildly alkaline solution that actually reduces the corrosive properties of the water.

Does the unit come with a warranty?

 

Yes. Accu-Tab chlorinators are made from PVC for durability, and they rarely break. However, PPG will supply replacement parts (or, in rare cases, an entire chlorinator for the life of a particular application) provided that the chlorinator has been installed correctly and has been using only Accu-Tab tablets. Refer to PPG’s limited warranty for details. PowerPro ® and PowerBase ® chlorination systems have a standard one year warranty with options to extend the warranty.

Can the system be installed for intermittent chlorination?

Yes. The chlorinator is uniquely designed to allow water to drain from the tablets when the system is not in use, thereby preventing the tablets from soaking and forming a high concentration solution.

How often does the chlorinator need to be filled with tablets?

This really depends on two things—how much cal hypo is being used per day and what size chlorinator is being used. For example, a system using 25 pounds of cal hypo per day utilizing an Accu-Tab model 3150 chlorinator would need to be refilled every six days since the 3150 model holds up to 150 pounds of cal hypo.

Is flow pacing available for my system?

Yes. PPG offers flow-paced systems as well as automatically controlled packages using customer-supplied ORP or chlorine analyzers.

Is this the same chemical used in pools?

Calcium hypochlorite is the major chemical in both our pool and industrial tablets, with different additives blended in for use in different applications. Calcium hypochlorite is used extensively in the swimming pool industry as a chlorine bactericide and algaecide.

How does water temperature affect chlorine delivery?

Very cold water tends to slow down chlorine delivery for the same water flow through the chlorinator. Normally, increasing the water flow through the chlorinator will counteract this effect. Contact PPG for additional information by calling our Customer Service Hotline at 480-496-5757 (PRESS 2).

How long has the Accu-Tab system been in use?

The Accu-Tab chlorination system (tablets and chlorinators) has been in use since 1992 in industrial/municipal and pool applications and is a proven leader in alternative chlorination systems.

What equipment is included in the Accu-Tab PowerPro system?

The Accu-Tab PowerPro chlorination system is a turnkey system providing all the necessary pumps, flow meters, piping, and electrical equipment. The unit is custom-built to user specifications and comes ready to connect to a customer’s system.

In what states is the Accu-Tab system being used for drinking water applications?

More than 30 states are using Accu-Tab systems for their drinking water or have approved the system for that use. To see if your state qualifies, contact PPG Customer Service at 480-496-5757 (PRESS 2)

Why is NSF certification important?

NSF certification validates the Accu-Tab system as being safe and proper for use. For more information, visit the NSF website. (Both)

What is the quickest way for me to size a chlorinator?

Please refer to our model sizing guide.

Why can’t I use other tablets in an Accu-Tab chlorinator?

Not using Accu-Tab tablets will violate your NSF certification and will void the chlorinator’s limited warranty. More important, the mixing of chemicals can cause a fire or explosion. (Both)

Are there any steps I should take to winterize the chlorinator?

To winterize the chlorinator or an Accu-Tab system, remove the water from the components. On systems equipped with pumps, make sure all water is removed from the pump housing to prevent freezing water from cracking the head. (Both)