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    pool calculator, which % to use

    I am using a liquid chlorine product called "Ultra Shock" pool shock. The label states available chlorine 15%, sodium hypochlorite 12.5%, the rest is inert ingredients. Which % do I use in the pool calculator? Thanks in advance.
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    New AGP - What to test/adjust first

    I have a new 27' round AGP. I have the TF100 test kit. I am not sure of the proper order for testing and making adjustments. Do I need to test and adjust TA prior to PH, or vice versa, etc. Can I start adding CYA before I test/adjust these other components (um, I already added some chlorine...
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    Am I doing my TA test wrong?

    I have a new pool and am doing my initial testing. I am not sure I am doing the TA test correctly. I have the test kit from Duraleigh on this site. I am using the 1" diameter clear vial and filling it to the 25 ml mark as instructed. I put in two drops of the 007 reagent and shook it. I then...
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    Basic CYA ??? for new pool start-up

    Is CYA basically only available at pool stores? Do Walmart or other discounters sell it? I never seem to see it at those stores, but I really don't know what to look for. What is it actually called at the store - I mean like what brands or product names. I will be needing some in the next...
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    Basic Electric Hookups for AGP

    I am looking for info on basic electric hookups for AGP. I will be having an electrician do the work, but I want to be able to do some basic planning before I meet with the electrician. I will have a 2 speed pump. The manual states it needs a 15 amp circuit, but does not state whether the...
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    Solar Panel roof/rack mounting kit

    What exactly is in these kits? They seem expensive ($50+) and I am wondering if I can just buy cheaper hardware locally. I plan on having two 4x20 Solar Bear panels mounted on angled racks on the ground near the AGP.
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    Solar Panels - Series or Parallel?

    I hear it is best to mount them in parallel. What exactly does that mean? I am going to have 2 4x20 panels. Will I be able to use the standard add-on panel kit to mount in parallel, or should I plan on getting custom hoses and fittings? These will be located on the ground next to the pool.
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    SunHeater, SunGrabber, EZ-Heat or Solar Bear?

    These are the four brands of solar heaters I have seen. The Solar Bear has 2" manifolds and the others have 1 1/2". Also, the Solar Bears consist of 4x20 one piece panels, while the others are 2x20 panels. Solar Bears cost more. Are there any other differences? The 4x20 panels would seem...
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    Online water testing?

    I will be setting up my 27' round AGP in the next few weeks. Is there any benefit to getting my raw water tested for ph, TA, etc., in advance of the initial fill-up so that I can determine approximately how much chemicals I will need to add to get ph and TA adjusted? In other words, if I know...
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    How much Bleach in a year

    My local grocery store has a generic 6% bleach on sale for $1.19 gallon. They have a couple pallets full of boxes sitting out on the floor. My 27' round AGP will be set up within the next few weeks. Is there any way to guestimate how much bleach I might need for the season, figuring part of...
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    Filter Hoses

    I need to get filter hoses for an AGP, both the return and supply lines, and the connection between pump and filter. I am not sure what to look for so any recommendations are appreciated. I don't seem to be finding any on-line sources for filter hoses for AGP. I am not close to any pool...
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    Basis cleaning equipment

    I am looking for recommendations for the basic cleaning/maintenance eqiuipment for a 27' AGP. I can get a set for $50 with my pool, but I am assuming it is very low quality. I will be doing manual vaccuming at first, so I am particularly interested in a good quality vac head and hose. Which...
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    Solar Heat Panels

    There are several common brands - Sun Heater, Sun Grabber, etc., that all seem to have the same basic construction. Are there any obvious, practical differences? I will be having 4 or 3 2 foot panels on my system for a 27' AGP. The panels will be located at ground level right next to the...
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    Mounting a Separate Pump and Filter

    I will be purchasing a separate pump and filter, not a combo kit, so there will not be an integrated mounting base. How do I mount the pump and filter? I am assuming that there are bolt flanges on each piece and that they can just be bolted down to the pad, but pictures are unclear. Do I...
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    Choosing a New Pool

    I am looking for a 27' round AGP over the internet. I am getting confused by the lack of consistency between the pool brands and model names, which seem to vary site to site. Anyway, I am looking for a better to best quality pool, not a discount grade pool. I like to putz around on the...
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    Do I need/want a two speed pump?

    I am looking into a 27' round AGP. At 54 inch wall height it has approximatley 17,000 gallons. I do not plan to have any additional water features other than solar panels at the ground level near the pool. Initially I will use a manual vaccum (kids) but may switch to an auto cleaner...
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    Pump Choice Headache

    Wow, I am completely stalled in trying to choose a pump for a new 18x33 AGP. There seems to be some difference of opinion on whether you can use an inground pump on an AGP. Since I have to narrow the many choices anyway, and do not want to have to second guess myself in the future, I have...
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    Pump and filter questions for AGP

    I am researching pumps and filters for a new 18x33 AGP. I found this quote in an article on poolsolutions.com" "A combination that will work fairly well for almost ALL above ground pools -- regardless of pool size -- is a 1/2 HP Hayward "Super" pump (mfg. model #SP2600X5), a 22" Hayward "PRO"...
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    Purchasing AGP on internet

    As we all know, there are numerous sites on the internet that sell AGP's and accessories. Is there any consensus as to whether purchasing a pool online is a good or bad idea? These sites have been around for years so I asume people are purchasing pools online. My plan would be to do the...
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    Sand or Foam base?

    I am considering building my AGP myself. The extruded foam base option would sure be easier for me to work with. Is this an acceptable alternative to sand base? What are the pros and cons?
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    Pump Questions

    I am looking into getting an 18x33 oval AGP. It appears that the recommended pump will be in the 1/2 hp range. Will that be strong enough to vacuum the pool (sand filter)? Is a two speed pump in that size a feasible alternative?
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    Solar Fish

    Does anyone have any experience with the Solar Fish? A local pool store is recommending these over a solar blanket, stating that they are just as effective at trapping heat, and easier to use. What are your thoughts?
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    Is One Light Enough?

    Is one underwater light enough for an 18x33 AGP? Does any one use two lights? What types? Thanks
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    Round or Oval??

    First time poster, just getting started looking at AGP. I have room for either a round or oval pool, but can not decide which is preferable. I am thinking about a 24 or 27 round, or an 18 x 33 oval. What types of things should I be considering in making this choice? I like the idea of a...