Pentair R171016 Rainbow 300 Automatic Pool and Spa Feeder

The instructions are a bit thin on the details, but between the illustrations and the written instructions, it's doable for anyone who is comfortable with DIY work. It fits a decent amount of chlorine tablets, which makes it so you don't have to refill it so often and it has a nice dialer that lets you adjust how much chlorine flows through. Make sure the nipple fittings fit perfectly to avoid any leaks. This will make managing your pool a lot easier and is far better than placing your tablets in the skimmer.

I have gotten fed up with the issues with the salt system and, at the end of the life of my chlorinator cell, I have decided to try the "analog" method with this device. I love it. First, it is well-made, as other Pentair equipment I have. It dissolves the chlorine pucks evenly and the control does allow to manage the amount of chlorine generated. My pool is about 55,000L and I use the settings between 3 and 4. The device uses around one chlorine puck a day at this level. Installation is very simple, and the resulting connections do not seem to leak or let the air in. Hard to say how the plastic valves will hold over time. I am thinking about just buying an extra part kit to keep it handy when I need it. Challenges: opening it to refill is hard, you need to hold the device in place and use a piece of wood or a special key to turn the head off, even after tightening it lightly with your hand. The power of air pressure. I will bolt this device to the floor to make it simpler. Another problem is that you do not know how much clorine is left inside. Knowing that it eats about one tab a day, I think the only way is to open it once a week and refill to the top. And, finally, the amount of chlorine is directly related to how long does your pump work and at what speed. If you make any changes to that, like running pump overnight exceptionally - you need to adjust for that.

It is critical to follow the instructions as well as to apply some common sense. One of the connections leaked right away from the compression on to the pool supply line. Looking at it, it was just off a bit at an angle, I had to hold it very straight while I retightened, no leak. the metal strap that hold the compress fitting bends as it is tightened, this is normal , one had to look at that bending to ensure the fitting is not held at an angle. If so, then loosen and reposition and retighten, this will eliminate the leak.

The manufacturer needs to add a picture of the parts on the box. Or the seller needs to add more pics instead of just one. The picture only shows the chlorinator and that is misleading. I bought this chlorinator and then also bought a box of parts and a section of tubing thinking I needed them. I was happily surprised to open the box and find all the needed parts, but it’s a hassle to have to return my separate purchases. That being said, the chlorinator was a breeze to install. Didn’t take long at all. You will need a 3/8 drill bit and a small wrench to tighten the clamps. A screwdriver won’t get the hose clamp tight enough. But no more pool floaters for me! I’m including a video I sent to my nephew Matt since he also used floaters in his pool. And the offer to help install it, applies only to him. LOL

Very thorough order. Everything needed to install was included. Instructions were vague and could be improved by making the illustrations larger in the instructions sheet. This item is replacing an older version of this chlorinator, which has functioned very well.

So I moved into this house. Old chlorinator broke, at the elbow check valve, while replacing a brittle water line. $120 for new at pool store, approx $65 on Amazon. No brainer, I spring for Amazon. Just got around to installing it today and the ball valve (part 20 in pic) broke, as in SNAPPED while I was turning it in place by hand. No pliers, no excessive force. Teflon tape used on threads, as noted in the directions. So this is some really weak brittle plastic evidently. Now I have to order a new elbow, and fish out the threads from the base of the chlorinator. Why 5 stars then? Cause it works awesome, the last one just became brittle from old age. I'm bummed about this elbow though. If you buy this, go super easy on this piece.

This was received on June 26. I went to install on June 29. Unpon inspection of the part, the combo check valve was missing, therefore I could not install. This item is non refundable for some reason to do transportation. I attemped to call Pentair Service, on hold for over an hour with no answer. I attempted to go through their website, which does not work. Extremely disappointed with this lack of service and why this can not be returned is a mystery.

So I have had this exact auto feeder on a pool from the 90s. I suspect it might have been installed with the original pool, but I am not 100% sure. The lines, the valves, just several pieces had begun to tear and leak, so I wound up replacing the hole unit which had turned a beige color and could soon be on it's last legs too. I wasn't sure. This wasn't that hard to do and the only issues I had is some sand wound up getting under the o-ring, so it leaked. After I realized I needed to clean up the lid, it's been working great ever since, no leak! There is a good chance the unit itself was fine, but I figure something that lasted around 20 years is certainly worth replacing with the same. I can only hope the longevity is still there!

Great product! Installed this for an indoor pool where the chlorine demand is low. I was able to turn it way down and get just the right amount of chlorination. The previous owner had installed a Hayward chlorinator which was better for outdoor pools and tended to over-chlorinate. Would highly recommend this product.

Material is a bit cheap but works just perfectly. Like the fact that tubing is bigger than other brands. Will certainly clog less.