Pentair
Pentair #320C Chlorinator, Clear/Yellow, 1 Pack | R171218
Pentair #320C Chlorinator, Clear/Yellow, 1 Pack | R171218
Pentair Rainbow Model 320 clear amber chlorinator R171218 has been discontinued and is no longer available.
This exact see-through clear/yellow version cannot be ordered or backordered through Aqua Terra Backyard.
The correct replacement path is the solid-body Pentair Rainbow Model 320 chlorinator, part number R171096. It provides the same tablet capacity, inline configuration and listed treatment range as the discontinued clear-body unit.
View R171096 Replacement Chlorinator
Pentair Rainbow Model 320 Clear Amber Chlorinator | R171218
Pentair R171218 is the discontinued see-through amber version of the Rainbow Model 320 automatic chlorine and bromine feeder. The Model 320 installs directly in the pool or spa return line and dispenses sanitizer downstream of the pump, filter and heater.
The clear amber body allowed the tablet level to be viewed without opening the feeder. An external control valve allowed the sanitizer feed rate to be adjusted for the pool or spa operating conditions.
Customers replacing this discontinued version should use the Pentair R171096 solid-body Model 320 feeder.
Original R171218 Features
- See-through clear amber feeder body
- Pentair Rainbow Model 320 inline design
- External adjustable sanitizer control valve
- Top-loading tablet chamber
- Completely enclosed chemical-feeding system
- Suitable for slow-dissolving trichlor or bromine tablets
Current Replacement Benefits
- Uses the same Pentair Model 320 operating design
- Matches the original tablet capacity
- Matches the listed pool treatment ranges
- Uses a durable solid feeder body
- Maintains adjustable chlorine or bromine output
- Available as Pentair part number R171096
Product Features
- Permanent inline installation: Designed to install directly in the pool or spa return line downstream of the filter and heater.
- Automatic sanitizer delivery: Circulating water passes through the feeder to dissolve tablets and return treated water to the pool.
- Adjustable output: The external control valve allows the sanitizer feed rate to be adjusted for varying water conditions and operating schedules.
- Large tablet chamber: Holds up to 11 large 3-inch tablets or 98 small 1-inch tablets.
- Chlorine or bromine operation: Designed for clean, slow-dissolving trichlor tablets or clean slow-dissolving bromine tablets.
- Enclosed feeder system: The sealed top-loading chamber limits escaping chemical fumes during normal closed operation.
- Clear amber body: The discontinued R171218 version allowed visual inspection of the approximate tablet level.
Original Product Specifications
| Manufacturer | Pentair |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rainbow |
| Manufacturer Part Number | R171218 |
| Model | 320 |
| Product Type | Inline automatic chlorine and bromine feeder |
| Body Style | See-through clear amber / clear yellow |
| Large Tablet Capacity | 11 slow-dissolving 3-inch tablets |
| Small Tablet Capacity | 98 slow-dissolving 1-inch tablets |
| Bottom-Feed Treatment Range | Approximately 6,500 to 27,000 gallons |
| Top-Feed Treatment Range | Approximately 18,000 to 70,000 gallons |
| Maximum Working Pressure | 50 PSI |
| Installation Type | Permanent inline return-line installation |
| Plumbing Application | Compatible 1-1/2-inch or 2-inch PVC installations |
| Approved Sanitizer Types | Slow-dissolving trichlor or bromine tablets |
| Calcium Hypochlorite Compatible | No |
| Current Availability | Discontinued and no longer available |
| Current Replacement | Pentair R171096 solid-body Model 320 feeder |
Pentair Rainbow Model 320 Solid-Body Chlorinator | R171096
Pentair R171096 is the solid-body version of the Rainbow Model 320 automatic chlorine and bromine feeder. It provides the same functional purpose, tablet capacity and listed treatment ranges as the discontinued clear amber R171218 version.
The primary change is the feeder-body construction. R171096 uses an opaque solid body, so the tablet level cannot be viewed through the side of the chamber.
Use Only the Sanitizer Listed by Pentair
The Model 320 feeder is designed for clean, slow-dissolving trichlor tablets or clean, slow-dissolving bromine tablets.
Never mix chlorine and bromine in the same feeder. Never place calcium hypochlorite, shock, granular sanitizer or any other pool chemical inside the feeder.
Replacement and Installation Guidance
Turn off the circulation pump, disconnect power and relieve system pressure before removing or servicing a chemical feeder.
- Confirm the existing feeder is Pentair Rainbow Model 320
- Verify the complete original part number
- Install the feeder downstream of the filter and heater
- Follow the directional arrows molded into the feeder body
- Confirm whether the system uses 1-1/2-inch or 2-inch plumbing
- Install a corrosion-resistant check valve where required
- Keep chemical concentrations away from upstream equipment
- Use suitable PVC primer and cement for the installation
- Allow adequate clearance above the feeder for lid removal
- Leak-test all connections before adding sanitizer
- Start at a low output setting and monitor sanitizer levels
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pentair R171218 still available?
No. The clear amber Pentair Rainbow Model 320 feeder R171218 has been discontinued and is no longer available through Aqua Terra Backyard.
What replaces Pentair R171218?
The correct replacement path is the Pentair R171096 solid-body Rainbow Model 320 automatic chlorine and bromine feeder.
What is the difference between R171218 and R171096?
R171218 uses a see-through clear amber body. R171096 uses a solid opaque body. Both are Model 320 inline feeders with the same listed tablet capacity and treatment ranges.
Is R171096 a complete replacement feeder?
Yes. R171096 is a complete solid-body Model 320 feeder, not only a replacement chamber or individual service part.
Does the replacement hold the same number of tablets?
Yes. Both versions hold up to 11 large 3-inch tablets or 98 small 1-inch tablets.
Can the Model 320 use chlorine or bromine?
It may be used with clean, slow-dissolving trichlor tablets or clean, slow-dissolving bromine tablets. Never mix the two chemicals or change sanitizer types without following the manufacturer’s complete safety procedure.
Can calcium hypochlorite tablets be used?
No. Pentair specifically warns against using calcium hypochlorite in the Model 320 feeder. Use only the approved slow-dissolving trichlor or bromine tablets.
Where is the Model 320 installed?
It installs directly in the pool return line on the pressure side of the circulation system, downstream of the filter and heater.
Will replacing R171218 require replumbing?
Possibly. The Model 320 is commonly glued into the PVC return line. Removing the existing feeder may require cutting and reconnecting plumbing even though R171096 uses the same Model 320 configuration.
Can the tablet level be viewed through the replacement?
No. R171096 uses a solid opaque body. The feeder must be safely depressurized and opened according to Pentair instructions to inspect or refill the tablet chamber.
Replacing a Clear Pentair Rainbow Model 320?
The solid-body Pentair R171096 provides the same feeder function without the discontinued clear amber chamber.
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