Snobby pool thread

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by lechnerd, Jun 25, 2018.

  1. a.tramp

    a.tramp Insubordinate and churlish
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    Kansas State WildcatsTexas Rangers

    Do you have a Letro or Zodiac pool sweep that runs off a booster pump? If so, I would recommend rinsing (I assume you have a multi-port backwash valve). If not, the in-line or in-wall finger screen for the sweep unit will get clogged with debris.

    If you do not have a return based pool sweep, you are generally fine without rinsing, you just might notice a 1-2 second cloud of debris going out your pool return, most notably a spa feature/overflow line if you have one.

    1. Backwash at least once a month or when pressure gets 10 PSI over starting pressure (starting pressure is measured immediately after filter has been cleaned and serviced and DE is added).
    2. Or when pressure gets 10 PSI over means if it is getting that pressure sooner than every 1 month. If the pressure never moves, still backwash once a month. If not, you are building a solid membrane of debris on your internal elements that will in up crushing them.
    3. Use closest skimmer to equipment to add DE and shut down suction to other skimmers/drains if possible. This safeguards against potentially causing a clog in the line you add DE to and also will alert you if you should not be adding DE to that line if there is restricted, cavitating, or no water flow.
    4. Add 1 pound/scoop of DE and then let it go through system. Look for white cloud at pool returns, specifically spa overflow if you have one. If you see white cloud, stop. It is time to have filter cleaned and inspected. If you add more DE you will just have a bigger mess to clean up.
    5. Save yourself money long term and have a cleaner year round pool by sticking to minimally a 6 month filter cleaning schedule.

    *you should be able to see if the pump basket needs cleaned by looking through the lid. If you can’t time for a new lid.
     
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  2. a.tramp

    a.tramp Insubordinate and churlish
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    Kansas State WildcatsTexas Rangers

    He had you confused for bigred77
     
  3. a.tramp

    a.tramp Insubordinate and churlish
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    Kansas State WildcatsTexas Rangers

    It is the time of year that cottonwoods and other stuff drop white shit and it can blow for long distances and end up in your pool. Apologies if this new information caused you to do something silly. I stopped reading after you said my suggestions solved the heater problem.
     
  4. Boo MFer!

    Boo MFer! No longer a cog in some powerhouse machine
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    Between this and the o-ring lube talk, y’all got me feeling some kind of way.
     
  5. lechnerd

    lechnerd They say Monaco is a sunny place for shady people
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    Texas AandM Aggies alt

    :roll:
     
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  6. lechnerd

    lechnerd They say Monaco is a sunny place for shady people
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    Texas AandM Aggies alt

    a.tramp

    Some other randomness...

    You were asking for the square footage on my cartridge filter is thinking it may be too small for my pool, it’s 225 sqft.

    Also my filter for my filter...this was the description in my sales packet: WATRCO Cyclone filter (Keeps 98% of dirt from making it to filter and keeps you from having to clean your filter but once a year!).
     
  7. a.tramp

    a.tramp Insubordinate and churlish
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    Kansas State WildcatsTexas Rangers

    I have a 150 sq ft on my 10’ x 2’ cattle tank that I jump in to cool off. It is not undersized if you enjoy cleaning your filter all the time instead of getting in and enjoying your pool.

    I will only install a 520 sq ft on pools. They still get cleaned 3-4 times a year in most occasions.
     
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  8. a.tramp

    a.tramp Insubordinate and churlish
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    Kansas State WildcatsTexas Rangers

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  9. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
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    I might...
     
  10. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Only if you keep the pool open in the winter months and it's unheated. If you close the pool (I'm in the northeast) then it's fine to just use the salt generator is my understanding.
     
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  11. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
    Donor

    I do have a return based pool sweep - it's a Pentair Kreepy Krauly Racer. And yes, I have a multi-port value. So what's the procedure for rinsing?

    Very helpful information. Do you add the scoop of DE right to the skimmer (with the skimmer basket removed, I assume)? Or do you premix with pool water in a bucket make a slurry as the bag of DE recommends?

    Also, what do you do about filter pump cleaning? Do you do it every time you backwash per the DE filter instructions on the side of the filter?

    I do have a spa attached to the pool - why do you call that overflow?

    For a 48 sq ft DE filter, do you go by recommendation on the DE bag, on the filter, or do you follow some other recommendation? I've seen 80%, etc. on sites like TFP

    Lastly, does DE need to be added every time you backwash?
     
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  12. a.tramp

    a.tramp Insubordinate and churlish
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    Kansas State WildcatsTexas Rangers

    There are both environmental and cost reasons that I still do not advise customers to get them. Do you backwash to city waste or into the open. Also, how open an area is your pool in and if it is really close to your house, what are the materials that side of the house has on it?
     
  13. Nole96SC

    Nole96SC Old Member
    Donor TMB OG
    Florida State SeminolesSneakers

    We close ours right at the beginning of November usually. Put a winterizing kit in it and put the cover on. Uncovered it a couple of weeks ago before it got hot and it was in pretty good shape. Got the water cleared up in 24 hours and took a water sample to the pool place. Just needed a bag of salt and some stabilizer.
     
  14. a.tramp

    a.tramp Insubordinate and churlish
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    Kansas State WildcatsTexas Rangers

    Most the time it is added with the basket in and without a slurry. A lot of pools have equalizer lines that go from the bottom of the skimmer basin to what looks like a return directly in front of and bellow the skimmer. If you remove the basket or use a slurry, the DE goes right out that hole and clouds your pool. If you do not have one of those disregard.

    Most pumps have see through lids that allow you to see if there is debris in them and need to be cleaned. If yours is not see-through, then yes I would say open every time you backwash to see if it needs cleaned. Also look at that at least once a week. Especially if you have a lot of debris in your pool.

    Unless you have 2 complete equipment sets for your pool and spa, the water is overflowing from spa to pool. In a dual system set-up, all of the water will be pulled from the pool and then returned, mostly to the pool but some to the spa via a “feature line” or partially opened spa return line. The only time the spa main drain is opened is in spa mode. If you have a dual equipment set-up, disregard. If you do have a single equipment dual system set-up, occasionally open the spa main drain up while the system is running to keep it free of debris.
     
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  15. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
    Donor

    That's fair. I didn't choose it - the house had a pool with it. To be frank, I asked where the waste line went and no one could tell me - perhaps somewhere at the end of our yard into the street... The pool is about 30 ft from the back of the house which is stucco.
     
  16. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Super helpful. I'm not sure if I have the equalizer lines - I'll need to find out. I recently bought the bag of DE from Leslie's - I imagine you just keep putting a scoop of powder into the skimmer (with basket in) until you are at the recommended amount?

    My pump has a see through lid - when the system is off I can look at it.

    I have 1 equipment set exactly how you described. I can put it in spa mode and yes, then it all goes to the spa for heating purposes. Does that open the spa main drain with the system running or is there something else I need to do?

    Sorry to ask again, but should DE be added after every backwash? edit: and how much?
     
  17. a.tramp

    a.tramp Insubordinate and churlish
    Donor
    Kansas State WildcatsTexas Rangers

    That is the main reason I asked about the material of the house. I have seen numerous stucco houses with salt system pools cause the metal mesh behind the stucco to rust and bleed through. You are in a climate and the poll is far enough away that you probably do not have anything to worry about.

    There are places in the country that too many salt systems have resulted in water management issues for the city. Coastal cities do not desalinate water for consumption due to the ridiculous cost to do so. Now people are trying to introduce salt water into the public water system with salt pools.
     
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  18. a.tramp

    a.tramp Insubordinate and churlish
    Donor
    Kansas State WildcatsTexas Rangers

    Yes, after every backwash. You will be fine with full amount or 80%.

    Yes, spa drain opens in spa mode, or should. Just make sure it is opened once a month.
     
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  19. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
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    Cool. We'll use the spa at night once the kid is asleep at least that often.
     
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  20. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
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    a.tramp Are you Familiar with the TFP method? Planning to fire my pool company this week after reading and learning from them the last 2 weeks
     
  21. CF3234

    CF3234 Fan of: Bandwagons
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    lechnerd how is the progress on your pool?
     
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  22. ned's head

    ned's head Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Does anyone have a guide on what settings to use for the controller (pool pump hours, cleaner, etc.)? And are the settings the same for the pool and spa?

    Looks like the controller is an aqualink rs6 if that matters
     
  23. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
    Donor

    That depends on a lot of things I think.
     
  24. lechnerd

    lechnerd They say Monaco is a sunny place for shady people
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    Texas AandM Aggies alt

    It’s good brother. Pool is done. It’s automated thanks to a.tramp who is a total badass. I’m wrapping up some landscaping now. Just need mulch in the backyard and then it’s done.

    Next step is tonight I’m going to build a support structure for a tv I’m going to mount so I can watch the Aggies from my pool and then I’m going to run speaker wire for an outdoor sound system. The lechnerd house will be thumping and my neighbors will be upset.

    I’ll post pictures soon.
     
  25. ned's head

    ned's head Well-Known Member
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    Good golly pools are expensive to maintain for this cheap ass user
     
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  26. HatterasJack

    HatterasJack Is your refrigerator running? It's Mike Hunt.
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    Has the automation technology gotten to where it's pretty much set and forget for novices? For the longest time anyone I knew with a pool had a service because they hated maintaining them. Seems like we might be at a point where you do it from your iphone. Also talking with a contractor and landscape architect now, so I may be joining the discussion in a few months.
     
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  27. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
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    They're not. I'm going to PM you.
     
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  28. lechnerd

    lechnerd They say Monaco is a sunny place for shady people
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    Texas AandM Aggies alt

    Not 100% for sure but a large part of what I do is automated.

    Maintenance, cleaning filters and skim baskets is still manual.

    There are some automated options for chemicals as well.
     
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  29. lechnerd

    lechnerd They say Monaco is a sunny place for shady people
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    Texas AandM Aggies alt

    What’s expensive?
     
  30. ned's head

    ned's head Well-Known Member
    Donor

    $180 a month for cleaning, probably another 50-100 to run the pump, and the guy said it'd probably be a mortgage payment if one of my familial assholes leaves the pool heater running and forgets about it :ohdear:

    Although I hear it may not be that difficult to DIY, so I may give that a whirl after a few months
     
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  31. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
    Donor

    DIY my friend... DIY. Just don't get advice from pool stores that are conflicted and want to sell you stuff.
     
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  32. dump

    dump TMB’s premier expert on women’s CBB
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    just PM a.tramp for anything you need
     
  33. lechnerd

    lechnerd They say Monaco is a sunny place for shady people
    Donor
    Texas AandM Aggies alt

    I started from scratch on maintenance and chemicals and it is not bad at all.

    On the chemical side start with the basics: pH and Chlorine. Get those down pat and then get fancy with your phosphates, total alkalinity, CYA, etc.
     
  34. lechnerd

    lechnerd They say Monaco is a sunny place for shady people
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    Texas AandM Aggies alt

    I agree don’t buy stuff from the pool stores but they have utility in their testing (again not always done right but usually good). Compare your tests to their’s. Get your printout on your test, listen to their recs on chemicals to purchase and then go online and do research. Every chemical test has multiple YouTube videos on how to fix.

    My big advice is to stay on top of your chemicals during the week that way when Saturday rolls around and the kids want to go swimming you’re not throwing muriatic acid in the pool real quick. By Saturday that pool should be leafless and chemically optimized.
     
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  35. bigred77

    bigred77 Well-Known Member
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    Pool heater goes out due to anyone's fault but yours, sorry folks we no longer own a heated pool
     
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  36. lechnerd

    lechnerd They say Monaco is a sunny place for shady people
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    Texas AandM Aggies alt

    “New pool hours: May-October. Thanks, Mgmt.”
     
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  37. ned's head

    ned's head Well-Known Member
    Donor

    I just told my wife that shit broke and now only controls the spa. I'm sure nobody will be swimming after the novelty wears off anyways
     
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  38. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Their testing is usually crap. Buy a proper kit: TF-100 or Taylor K-2006. FAS-DPD testing is a must for FC levels.

    Yep, you need to test chlorine and pH daily and adjust.

    I would strongly argue that you don't ignore CYA. It's directly related to your FCs ability to do it's job. If it's too high, your FC needs to be extremely high to be effective. If too low, you'll burn off too fast during the day.

    All really need to buy is liquid chlorine from Lowes, HD, etc., Muriatic acid, and stabilizer if your CYA is too low. Always use the "sock method" to add the stabilizer.
     
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  39. MoJo

    MoJo It bees that way sometimes...
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    Southern Mississippi Golden EaglesNew Orleans Saints

    I’m easily the loudest house in the neighborhood, I bought a Yamaha receiver and Sony tower speakers from a garage sale for cheap and keep them on the back porch, they are as loud as you want. Need to work on the TV though
     
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  40. MoJo

    MoJo It bees that way sometimes...
    Donor
    Southern Mississippi Golden EaglesNew Orleans Saints

    My job is water chemistry, so I have a little leg up as far as knowledge, but pool maintenance (for me anyway) is nowhere near $180 if you’re a handy guy. That being said, equipment failures will happen so you need to plan ahead.
     
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  41. MoJo

    MoJo It bees that way sometimes...
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    Southern Mississippi Golden EaglesNew Orleans Saints

    Anyway, I’m in this bitch every day weather allows... it has been gorgeous the past month in lower Alabama.
     
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  42. bigred77

    bigred77 Well-Known Member
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    Texas Tech Red RaidersTexas RangersSan Antonio SpursDallas CowboysKansas City ChiefsAustin FCTexas Tech Red Raiders alt

    No pool here, but I am the loud outside radio guy in my hood, currently listening to Tech baseball watching a storm roll in
     
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  43. Zack Zedalis

    Zack Zedalis Silver Foxin'
    Florida GatorsTampa Bay Buccaneers

    I can tell you the best pool stores in any market
     
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  44. Zack Zedalis

    Zack Zedalis Silver Foxin'
    Florida GatorsTampa Bay Buccaneers

    & this is why you will soon be paying for any real time advice from a pool professional. Those test they run & the time they spend with you should come with a $20-$25 charge & you are starting to see it more & more.
     
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  45. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
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    What? They don't charge because instead they sell you a bunch of stuff you don't need....
     
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  46. pperc

    pperc Well-Known Member
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    The best pool store is the one you walk into, ask for something specific (liquid chlorine, cyanuric acid, or muriatic acid), and walk out without anyone telling you you need something different or more.
     
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  47. lechnerd

    lechnerd They say Monaco is a sunny place for shady people
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    Texas AandM Aggies alt

    What?
     
  48. Zack Zedalis

    Zack Zedalis Silver Foxin'
    Florida GatorsTampa Bay Buccaneers

    You seem like a man who knows what he is talking about
     
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  49. Zack Zedalis

    Zack Zedalis Silver Foxin'
    Florida GatorsTampa Bay Buccaneers

    When you get your water tested at a store and then go elsewhere for what they are recommending it will lead to you being charged for the test. More & more pool businesses around the country are doing this to offset the cost of test, equipment, training & the like because of this.
     
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  50. Arkadin

    Arkadin inefficiently efficent and unclearly clear
    Donor

    How the hell would you know