plumbingmaintenancewater-qualitysafety
How do you maintain splash pad chemical feed lines?
Quick answer
Chemical feed lines (chlorinator, acid, soda ash) need monthly fresh-water flush to prevent crystallization, weekly visual check for kinks and leaks, quarterly diaphragm pump rebuild kits, and annual full line replacement. Use NSF-listed chemical-resistant tubing. Store chemicals in spill-contained ventilated rooms.
Chemical feed lines deliver chlorine, muriatic acid (or CO2), and sometimes calcium hypochlorite or soda ash from storage tanks to the recirc loop. Maintenance: monthly fresh-water flush of each line by switching the suction tube to a clean-water bucket and running the pump for 5 minutes — prevents crystallization that clogs lines and damages diaphragms. Weekly visual inspection for kinks, brittleness, leaks, and white salt deposits at fittings. Quarterly: rebuild diaphragm pumps with manufacturer kits ($30-$100 per pump). Annually: replace all chemical feed tubing entirely; UV and chemical exposure embrittle even rated tubing within 12-18 months. Use only NSF-listed chemical-resistant tubing (PE, PTFE, or PVDF depending on chemical). Store concentrated chemicals in a spill-contained ventilated room with separate containment for acids and oxidizers — mixing causes deadly chlorine gas. Train staff on SDS and PPE.