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I’m considering installing a SWG for my mother’s 13,000 gallon pool. I think I have it narrowed down to the Autopilot Dig 220 with a PPC4 cell or a CircuPool RJ-60. The CircuPool has a 7 year warranty, and claims it can produce 3.1 lbs/day, for $1,099 shipped. The Autopilot has a 2 year warranty...

After a ton of research on this forum and against my buddy's recommendation who is in the pool maintenance business, I purchased a Dolphin S300i robot. Less that a year later, I'm already sending it in for repair. I only used it 11 times! It got to the point where it would only run for a few...

What is everyone setting their solar controller temperature differentials at? I'm trying to figure out a good setting that provides efficient heating with minimal valve cycling. The temp differential that I am referring to is the difference between the panel temp which is basically air temp at...

I just had 9 HC-50 Helicol solar panels installed. In addition to a leak in one of the tubes during startup, I just realized the installer did not follow Helicol's installation instructions. First, Helicol recommends a maximum of 8 HC-50 panels per array to maintain proper flow distribution. My...

I finally broke down and purchased a brand new Helicol solar pool heating system. I had 9 panels installed by a long-time reputable dealer, (450 ft^2) for my 400 ft^2 pool. During installation, the installers were actually walking on top of the solar panels which really surprised me. I assume...

I am having solar panels installed this month and I'm trying to figure out how to correctly setup everything. I will be using a Pentair Intelliflo 011018 pump, Pentair Solar Touch controller for the solar panels, and an AutoPilot Digital 220. From what I understand, the Solar Touch controller...

I'm considering adding solar heating to my pool and trying to figure out how everything should be installed. I currently have a 12,000 gallon (400 sqft) pool, Hayward TriStar VS Pump (SP3200VSP), and an Auto Pilot Digital SWG (RC42 Cell). The pump and SWG are controlled by a manual timer. I...

I've been reading up on the desired chemistry but do I try to slowly bring all of the parameters in line at once or do I go after pH first, then TA, etc...

I have the unfortunate ability to almost instantly pick out imperfections. I decided to go with glass for my waterline tile and after installation I noticed several tiles were chipped. What does everything think, should I just let it go or should I have the PB replace the tile. If they replace...

My PB is preparing to install my Autopilot Digital SWG and Tristar variable speed pump. I just want to double check the install is done correctly. What is the recommended installation method for both the pump and SWG? I noticed a manual timer with with other materials to be installed... I didn't...

The 12" deck footer and 4" deck were simultaneously poured and I am concerned about the construction method used for the footer. Most of the footer was trenched below grade but due to the slope of my backyard, the far SE corner of the deck footer ended up being framed and poured on existing...

My pool is currently under construction and the piping under pressure testing. The testing started at 40 psi but over the last 7 days it has dropped down to 38 psi. Is this pressure drop acceptable? Should I be concerned?

My pool build is coming along great with one small exception, the tanning ledge ended up too shallow. It was supposed to be 8"-9" but the specifications didn't make it to the final drawings and ended up being the normal 5"-6". The pool builder recommended cutting and jack hammering the...

I'm trying to help my parents find the leak in their pool and I think I've tried everything. They lose several inches every day. Before I call a professional, I want to make sure there is nothing else that I can try. They have a 22 year old gunite pool with the original Diamond Brite finish...

I'm trying to help my parents replace their old Hayward pump for something more efficient. Their electric rate is $0.09/kWh. They have a 14k gallon concrete pool (no water features) and the 1hp pump is pretty close to the deep end of the pool and runs for 8hours daily. They are also upgrading...

I live in Cape Coral, Fl and have extremely hard well water. I have an oversized water softener and was considering using softened water for the auto top off. I listed the test results of my water below. Based on those results, what would you recommend? I'm not exactly sure how CH is added or...

I just received a quote from a pool builder that included a Florida Stucco Pearl finish with the option to upgrade to Pebble Tec for roughly $2,000. This is for a 14x28 pool. In the quote, it has the Florida Stucco Pearl finish listed with a lifetime warranty but on Florida Stucco's website in...

I just received a quote from a pool builder that included a Hayward Tristar pump. How does it compare to an Ecostar? Which one is better for a roughly 14k gallon pool without a spa or water features?

One of the better pool builders that I've contacted to install my IGP, recommended that I install a 4" concrete slab before the paver installation. He said that all pavers will eventually sink. The only way to prevent them from sinking is pouring a 4" concrete slab and installing the pavers on...

I'm planning a new pool and my PB highly recommended that I upgrade to SAVI LED lighting. After doing a good amount of research, it seems the SAVI LED has poor reviews due to extreemly high failure rates. Another issue with SAVI is its 1.5" nicheless design, so once you get it, you're suck with...

I'm planning a 15,000 IGP for my SW Florida home. I have no idea of the ideal turnover rate, hp, brand, and type of pump to use! I'm leaning towards a two-stage pump vs. a variable speed due to reliability and longevity. My pool builder said they have had some reliability issues with the...

I'm planning a 15,000 IGP for my SW Florida home. I'm leaning towards a cartridge filter but haven't ruled out a sand or DE filter either. I've read on this board that I should oversize the filter but I'm not even sure were to start. My PB prefers Hayward or Jandy so I think I have it narrowed...

Are there any brands to stay away from? I've read that I should oversize the filter and get a variable or two-stage pump. I’m planning a 15,000 gallon pool for my SW Florida home. I'm leading towards a cartridge filter but I don't know which brand, size, model, etc... Same for the pump...

Are there any brands to stay away from? I've read that I should oversize the generator from 1.5 to 4.0 times the rated capacity. I’m planning a 15,000 gallon pool for my SW Florida home. One pool builder is pushing Jandy but I seem to recall that this brand had some issues. They also have...