Recent content by raterus

If the float doesn't need to be replaced, I'd check the hoses and make sure you don't have a major leak. I had the same problem and found my supply hose near my unit had cracked, but wasn't noticeable until I got the unit out of the water when it was still running. The crack/expelled water...

I tried the PVC approach this past winter and it worked great! In fact, my cover survived some sustained winds 40mph+ for a few days with no ill result. All my other attempts using buckets or something else heavy couldn't hold up to the wind. Setup: Based on my pool dimensions, I had to fill...

Thanks for the help, I think I'm definitely going to just replace the motor now when it comes time.

I hear what you're saying about just replacing the motor, other than new seals, should I also replace the impeller/diffuser? How long should the water side of the pump really last?

Thanks for the ideas, I was looking at just replacing the motor but didn't seem as cost effective as just buying a slightly used pump. By the time you buy a new motor/seals/etc. you're around the same price as a used pump. I prefer using unions as being a diy'er, it would be nice to detach...

My pool pump is on the brink and just hums when I start it, if it's not the start capacitor (on order), I'm going to just order an entire new pump. Looking at how this pump was installed, I'm going to have to cut pipe to get it out, the installer didn't use anything that would let me quickly...

I'm stocking up on sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) this year. It seems the cheapest option, by far are 13.5lb Arm & Hammer bags at Sams Club for $6.88 a bag. I'm surprised pool stores aren't even competitive with this price, it's nearly 3x the price at a pool store, for the same store...

I'm going to try my best to blow out the lines (with an air compressor), but I'm sure I won't get all the water. My hope is to get most of it out, and leave enough air in the pipes the ice would have somewhere to go if it ever did freeze. From what I saw about soil temps in my area, I'm not...

I'm getting ready to close my pool for the season, and I'm wondering how much I need to worry about freezing pipes (underground). On average, the coldest temp at night will be 26 degrees, and looking at historical soil temps for my area, 2 feet down, it nearly always stays above freezing during...

My pool is shut down for the season, and I'm just passing time until my water temp gets under 60 F. Do I still need to run the pump/filter as much as I did during the summer months? Thanks, Michael

Thanks PJ, I can understand not stretching it out across the pool. Now I'm wondering if I can drop it on the surface of the water, perhaps put some water to weigh it down and use rope to attach it to the anchors. Is there any reason to have water bags, or are they just to hold the cover in place?

It's that time, and I'm getting ready to close my pool for the first time. The pool came with the house I bought, and it already has the safety cover anchors. I'm not planning on using a safety cover again, but I was wondering if I could use the anchors and some rope/bungee to install the...

If a radius corner is measured/installed correctly, should I be able to feel any amount of air behind the liner?

Thanks for the advice, I remember when the "pro" came out to measure, and I never once saw him measure the corners/curvature. He also mentioned during the install that the helpful "corner" stickers on the liners are just a suggestion, they don't have to line up exactly to the corner. I have...

My pool "professional" installed my pool liner this past year, complete with plenty of wrinkles, and otherwise oddities. He promised to fix the wrinkles at the end of the swim season, but has since abandoned me, leaving me to fend for myself. So, I'd like to go over some of the issues I have...