Just Getting Started-

[WBW]

Hi All, came across this website and absolutely enjoy reading all the threads and learning so much. Very informative! We are living between Austin and San Antonio and are newbies to inground pools and just filled the water 2 weeks ago. We have a plunge pool, 6000 gal. (don't laugh big pool owners, lol) 12X19, 3 1/2-4 1/2 depth. More of a party pool! We have a Pentair Intelliflow VS, Chlorinator 320, along with Paramount in-floor Cleaner with 12 nozzles. We have it set for 1200 RPM's from 11pm-5am(Super Economy!), 9am-2pm 2000rpm, Tuesday and Friday Cleaner from 9am-1pm at 2400rpm(Tuesday and Friday) and Freeze protection at 1500rpm. Calculated our electricity and came up with around $7 per mth. We set our Chlorinator at 1/2 but looking to move to liquid bleach as soon as I get more familiar with pool chemistry. Our water is super clear and did testing and water chemistry looks within normal limits with Alkalinity being a bit low. BTW, we have an automatic cover.

Any thoughts on changing our rpm to make it more effective? At 2000 rpm the watts are at 457 and at night its only runs at 114 watts. I'm debating with only 6000 gals if I need to run the in-floor cleaner for 5 hrs., even though its only for Tuesday/Friday. especially with a cover. At least during these cold days here in TX, we hardly use any chlorine, and with the cover during the summer, not sure if we would use much then. We anticipate using the cover 90% of the time except when my wife decides to go in for a few hours a day to cool off, etc.

Looking forward to hearing any thoughts, recommendations, and suggestions! Thanks

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP.
The purpose of the pump run time should be to 1) circulate water for mixing of your chemicals 2) skimming effectiveness and 3) running a cleaner (unless you have a robot)
Every pool is different and since you have a cover, the skimming and cleaning components is probably less than for those without a cover. It is more a trial and what works in winter may be different than in summer. Having your VS pump run on a low RPM for majority of time is the most effective and then only kick up to higher speeds for the cleaning and skimming requirements.

You mention Pentair VS pump, do you have a Pentair Automation system that is controlling the scheduling and pump speeds?
Please Create Your Signature to help us understand what your current setup is, and this will help responders to quickly see your equipment and pool details without having to keeping asking for the information. Refer to mine as example which may be an overkill. Ha!

TFP methodology is based on 2 main components - test your own water and follow the FC/CYA Levels
We do not endorse the continued use of trichlor pucks. While they may serve some purpose in specific applications, in the long term they do more harm than good. You want to switch to liquid chlorine for continued sanitization requirements.

Also suggest you read Pool Care Basics as this provides a lot of information and terminology, especially for balancing the water.

 

[WBW]

Welcome to TFP.
The purpose of the pump run time should be to 1) circulate water for mixing of your chemicals 2) skimming effectiveness and 3) running a cleaner (unless you have a robot)
Every pool is different and since you have a cover, the skimming and cleaning components is probably less than for those without a cover. It is more a trial and what works in winter may be different than in summer. Having your VS pump run on a low RPM for majority of time is the most effective and then only kick up to higher speeds for the cleaning and skimming requirements.

You mention Pentair VS pump, do you have a Pentair Automation system that is controlling the scheduling and pump speeds?
Please Create Your Signature to help us understand what your current setup is, and this will help responders to quickly see your equipment and pool details without having to keeping asking for the information. Refer to mine as example which may be an overkill. Ha!

TFP methodology is based on 2 main components - test your own water and follow the FC/CYA Levels
We do not endorse the continued use of trichlor pucks. While they may serve some purpose in specific applications, in the long term they do more harm than good. You want to switch to liquid chlorine for continued sanitization requirements.

Also suggest you read Pool Care Basics as this provides a lot of information and terminology, especially for balancing the water.

Thank you for the response and will review your suggestions. We do have a Pentair Automation System.