There are two types of chemical feeders. They are the Floating Erosion Feeder, and the Inline Feeder. The Floating Erosion Feeder is the most common. This simple device floats on the surface of any swimming pool and dispenses the chemicals necessary to maintain a balanced pool. The Inline Feeder attaches between the pool filter and the return line to the water. As water passes through it, chlorine and/or bromine are dispensed to the pool as the pump runs.
Solid compressed chlorine and/or bromine tablets or sticks are placed in the feeder. Place the feeder into the swimming pool. Water will pass over the sticks or tablets and allow the chlorine or bromine to slowly dissolve into the pool water. These feeders can be adjusted to regulate the speed at which the chlorine and/or bromine are released into the water. An advantage of Floating Chemical Feeders is you can place pool shock into them, and they can dispense the shock either by itself or with chlorine or bromine tablets. The floating feeder can normally be adjusted by turning the collar on the bottom of the feeder. This process sanitizes the water with chlorine or bromine, and kills any bacteria or algae that is growing in the water. Bacteria and algae are continuously being introduced into the swimming pool water by the natural elements around the pool.
The second type of feeder is the Inline Feeder, which is installed directly into the filter system. Unlike the floating feeder, it looks more like a canister and requires a certain amount of pressure supplied by the circulation system to dissolve the chlorine and/or bromine tablets and/or sticks. The flow of water and the amount of chlorine or bromine added to the water is adjustable with a flow control dial. This type of feeder can be connected directly to the filter system, or connected to a hose that feeds untreated water from the pump discharge into the chlorinator. The water flows over the chlorine or bromine tablets, dissolving them. This chlorinated water is then injected into the return line. A disadvantage of the Inline Feeder is that shock or granulated chlorine cannot be added to the system.
In conclusion, both of these feeders are very effective at chlorinating any swimming pool. With properly maintained chlorine or bromine levels, the pool will remain sanitary, clear, clean, and in good condition for swimming.