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Black Algae Treatment

C
Was told that we have black algae in the pool. The recommended treatment was:
- Drain the pool fully - 30,000 gallons
- use algaecide and scrub every inch of the pools surface
- throw away all pool equipment - skimmer, brush, etc.
- get new filter grids
- essentially empty, scrub and get everything else new.

THis doesn't sound legit, but I have never dealt with black aglae
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Pentair Mastertemp125 High Performance Heater Not Working

T
Hello everyone,

My name is Todd and I’m having an issue with my Pentair Mastertemp125 High Performance Pool heater not working. I have an above ground 21 foot round pool and I bought this heater in 04/2022 but it was backordered and I got it around the end of 08/2022 so it sat in my shed until 04/2023 when I had a guy run a gas line for it and then hook it up so it has only been used for a few months. On 08/16/2023 I got an error message on the screen that said “ERR AFS”. I took a closer look at it today and noticed there is a good amount of water draining from the “blower”. I wasn’t sure if anyone else had experienced anything like this and if you have any recommendations on what to check or what it could be and how to fix it.

Thank you so much for your time and help,

Todd
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Shocking

2
Hello, I'm a new pool owner and trying to read all that I can here on TFP.
We have a 25,000 gallon vinyl liner pool sanitized with liquid chlorine only.
My CYA is currently 47
I'm having trouble maintaining my target level of FC without breaking the bank...I have to add about a ½ gallon every day to keep it up at 4.5 FC.
Also, I'm a bit confused about how to shock with liquid chlorine too and how that saves money rather than something like cal-hypo?
Thanks so much for any and all help!
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Does "maintain" literally mean maintain?

L
I'm in the process of my first SLAM. Does shock level literally need to be maintained for a successful SLAM? I started testing and adding chlorine every couple of hours at the beginning of the process during the weekend. However, I work during the week so I have about 9-10 hours I can't check. I've been bringing FC to shock level 16 before I leave in the morning and it was 5 when I got home today.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
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Strange Calcium Build up and CYA challenge

D
I have a calcium buildup around the negative edge spa. A wire brush did not work. My plan is to drain the pool a few feet and try CLR. Calcium crystals only show up in spa. Any suggestions about how to best treat this?

Also I have been mostly using TFP protocols and recommended test kits for a year. I was traveling a fair amount and I used Chorine Tabs over the summer and it drove my CYA from 40 to 100. My understanding is I have to completely drain the entire pool to fix CYA and avoid tabs like the plague. We have a drought in Austin, so I have not done this yet. Since it is over 108 degrees in Austin and "an area with 90+ pool water temperatures and extreme sunlight exposure 10+ ppm of CYA a month can be lost through degradation," I am considering waiting and seeing if it will drop. Is this a bad idea to wait?

Test kit I use a Taylor 2006c.
In-ground 10K gallon pool plaster pool in Austin, TX
FC 10
PH 7
TA 140
CH 400
CYA 100
CSI .17
Pool temp 95 Degrees
Air temp 108 degree
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Ballpark on how much liquid chlorine to buy for ~26,000 gallon pool to last a month?

E
I tried the TFP pool method on my last pool and did it for two months, managed to keep it nice and clean. But I found a pool guy that did a good job and was cheap enough to just switch for less of my time spent.

I got a new house now with a pool, and want to try TFP method again. The new pool is 26,200 gallons according to Pentair's estimate. 35 ft long and about 550sqft measured from google earth. I assume the deep end is 7-8ft, irregular blob shape.

Any idea how much liquid chlorine to expect to last a month? I want to buy at least a months worth, so I can focus on moving in.
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Pump recommendations for Grotto water feature

L
Hello,

Looking for pump recommendations to run a waterfall on a faux-stone grotto we're installing. The manufacture states it needs 6000GPH flow rate, which seems like I'd need somewhere around a 2HP pump. This seems like a massive pump to me, but it does have to go up around 6ft from the pool deck (and another couple feet underground, plus 50ft horizontally to the equipment pad).

Any recommendations that aren't going to break the bank? Our primary pump will be a Jandy FloPro VS 1.65, but I don't think we really need an expensive VS pump for this, we can control the flow to a certain degree with a valve before the pump inlet as far as I'm aware.

Thanks
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Using dishwashing soap to install O-Rings

P
I know it's not a good idea to use petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to install O-Rings because it harms the rubber unless it's removed completely, immediately after installation, which is hard to do.

However, can undiluted dishwashing soap be used to install O-Rings? For example:

1. I need to slip a new O-Ring on the leaf canister that's upstream from the pool vacuum
2. So I apply a thin film of dishwashing soap on the new O-Ring
3. Hopefully the soap allows me to install the new O-Ring on the leaf canister easily
4. I then thoroughly wash off the dishwashing soap from the new O-Ring using a soft bristle toothbrush to remove soap left behind

I know silicon lubricants like "Magic LUBE" that costs around $9 but I have to remember where I kept it but if dishwashing soap works equally well and does no damage if cleaned within a few minutes, it's always by the sink and I need a tiny bit!


Have any of you personally used dishwashing soap instead of silicon lubricant?

Is there any hazard or danger to the new O-Ring if using dishwashing soap this specific way?
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Hybrid pool rebuild

K
Thank you. I have a few other questions. Should I put them on this post?
We have some fractures/cracks in the fiberglass. And the coping has a lot of places that are in bad shape. Most seem surface and don't leak. We do have a leak somewhere that we are addressing.
When do we know when this type of pool has made it to the end of its term. Is there options to resurface/restore a pool like this? New fiberglass sides or liner or something else? Living in western Michigan we have a very limited amount of pool places. Most don't seem to be very knowledgeable with this type of pool.
I can add some pictures if helpful.
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For Sale: Pool Blaster CX-1 Cordless Inground Robotic Cleaner

jesse-99
I have the following for sale, as seen here: Pool Blaster® CX-1 Battery Powered Robot

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Pool Blaster CX-1 Cordless Robotic Cleaner. They go for $1,499.00 new. I'll part with mine for $825.00, shipped within the continental US. I know I'll end up taking a huge loss on it but that's the way it goes and lucky for one of you!...

I've only used it about 15 times or so and I really like it. The problem for me is that my pool is just too huge (36,000 gallons) and I need a robot that I can remote control direction on to clean specific targeted areas, and no cordless robot is capable of controlling direction underwater yet (since the wifi signal doesn't make it). If I had a smaller pool, this robot would be great. It does a good job picking up leaves, dead algae, bugs, and pretty much anything.

You can run the robot for up to 3-4 hours in a single day, or you can program it to do 30-minute cleaning for 7 days before it needs to be recharged.

Everything works perfectly with the unit and I can take a video for you if you want me to prove the unit is working, etc. There is nothing wrong with the unit at all.

Send me a PM if interested.
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Simple, Easy and Inexpensive Aerator Using a Venturi

I
Here is an aerator/bubbler that will run off your water return. Parts are cheap and ubiquitous. A plethora off bubbles!

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Exploded view of parts
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Parts List
NIBCO® 1-1/2" MIP x Socket PVC Adapter
NIBCO® 1-1/2" Spigot x 3/4" Socket PVC Reducer Bushing
1/2" pvc pipe (Length depends on depth of water return)
3/4" pvc pipe (Only 2" needed)
NIBCO® 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/2" Socket PVC Reducer Tee
PVC Primer and Glue

You will have to bore out the stop in the 1/2" opening in the tee so the 1/2" PVC used for air intake slides all the way through to the bottom of the tee. I used a rotary rasp similar to the image below. The 45 degree bevel cut on the 1/2" pipe is very important and must face out towards the pool (see exploded view). Don't glue the air 1/2" intake pipe into the tee, you may need to adjust it depending on your water pressure. I wouldn't glue the 3/4" pipe to the reducer bushing either (but glue the venturi side). That way you can use the assembly as a jet by pulling out the venturi portion.


Bir.jpg
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GFCI circuit breaker options?

S
Single speed pump, the breaker on my main panel in the utility room is a regular 30A that feeds into the pool equipment subpanel (non-GFCI 20A dual pole breakers currently for the pump). I have a rather simple setup, currently just one single speed pool pump that was running from that subpanel.

I read a little bit on the GFCI and noticed that there might be some specific Siemens breaker needed if I am going to VSP in the future. Another concern I have is the false trips as I'm setting my pump on via a intermatic mechanical timer and they run on night hours. I don't want a too sensitive GFCI breaker that cuts the power to the pump during the night without me realizing it.

Can you guys point some direction wrt what breaker I should put and in my current situation if GFCI breaker offers more benefits (electric safety) than concerns (false trip shuts off pump causing not enough circulation)?

Thanks a lot.
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Adding DE to Sand filter and pressure readings

K
So this year I have experimented with adding DE to my sand filter. I did this first time clear out some finer debris after I finished a SLAM, but wanted to maintain this as a routine after each backwash.

After a fresh backwash, my pressure gauge is reading exactly at 12 psi. I usually need to add 2.5-3 cups of DE powder to get my pressure up to 13. However after a couple on and off cycles on my pool pump, the pressure never recovers back to 13, but drops back to 12 (or a bit above). My guess is that after the pump cycles and filter loses pressure, the DE has a chance to resettle a bit causing less pressure next time the pump is turned back on.

So my question is, should I add more DE after this happens? Or just assume that the DE I added is still doing it's job.
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New inground pool 24'x50'

S
I've finally ordered my inground liner pool kit. I have a 24'x50' pool being delivered in less than a month. It's 9' deep with 6' tanning ledge.

For plumbing it has:
-3 skimmers, 2 main drains, and 4 returns
-slide
-6 deck jets
- hayward c5030 filter
- no heater
I'm looking at the

Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3.0HP with Touchscreen and Relay Board- 011078​


I am planning to run all skimmers and returns on their own valve controlled seperate plumbing lines. My question is:

The pump is set up for 2.5" plumbing on the suction and discharge. Should I run all the skimmers, main drains, and returns on 2.5" plumbing? I have some long runs to the skimmers and returns so didn't know about pipe size.

Thanks
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Cost for in-ground

N
We are considering moving to a more southern climate in the semi-near future. The housing market is an absolute mess right now. Originally we were hoping to find a place with a nice pool and build a pole barn since you rarely find both on the same property. This is proving to be a huge challenge. I am trying to get an idea of what it would look like to do the reverse. We currently have a 15x30x52 above ground at our place in WI. I know we would like something larger and deeper but doesn't need to be massive. We definitely need steps vs a ladder. Looking for something "nice" but not extravagant. Easy to maintain and good automation for sure. Definitely want it to be salt as our current pool is a breeze to maintain. patio material can be anything. Don't need slides or diving boards. We would like a spa that could be used year round but maybe a separate "deck spa" would be better there? Plain rectangle would be fine. Don't need ledges or anything fancy. Just solid. What should we budget for something like this? We would pick a property with this project in mind so there shouldn't be any crazy landscaping, walls, or access issues.
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Mystery White Stuff

JupiterFL
Any idea what this white stuff could be? Found it near a return bubbler on sun shelf.

It dissolves if you rub it between your fingers.

I was thinking maybe calcium, but my water chemistry seems to be in reccomended ranges.

Using a PH meter for PH.
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Deck Replacement

W
MAPR-Austin said:
The decking can be demoed and replaced, but I would suggest:

-Leave the pool full of water during the work, to keep the walls from collapsing into the pool
-Do the demo work by hand, not with a skidsteer or excavator. The walls are tied into the deck by rebar that runs up the back of the walls and is then tied to the rebar in the deck.
-Put the plumbing under pressure before the demo work starts, and until the deck is fully poured.
-The right contractor can remove those white coping strips and pour the new deck with a cantilever form.
-The rebar coming up from the back of the walls MUST be retained and tied back into the new deck. It is the only thing keeping the top of the walls from

It looks like the tile is set in a track, should be straightforward to remove it and reset some new tile.

The rust looks to be from a seam in the panels. Depending on how far you want to go with this thing, you could have the paint blasted off (I would use hydroblasting or some alternative to sand blasting to minimize mess and likelihood of making holes in the walls). After that, the walls should probably be primed with some kind of rust inhibiting primer, then repainted and the seams re-caulked.

The floor can probably be prepped and replastered - nothing special needed.

On the deck, I have also seen people use L-shaped renovation pavers to cover up the deck and the white strip. Might be worth looking into.
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MAPR-Austin; Thank you for sharing your expertise here!. My in-laws just got a quote from a landscape design co to tear up and re-pour the deck around their inground liner pool. My gut told me that perhaps the deck is somehow tied into the pool walls. The quote includes a lengthy paragraph absolving them of responsibility to any damage to the pool, etc. Separately, this (Spartan) pool has an old aluminum coping that has corner pieces out of place. Do you know how it likely attaches to the wall? Are they possibly integral to the liner track, or can it be taken off and replaced with new metal, or poured coping (as with the Stegmeier forms)?
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Hot Weather Pool Closure

P
I live in drought stricken central Texas. Due to water restrictions no outdoor watering is permitted including swimming pools. I can not maintain my pool water level and soon my filtering system will be out of service. How do I close a pool in during weather above 100 degrees.? I assume I need to totally drain and cover to prevent algae and bacteria from destroying the plaster. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Ray
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Bewildered…

W
Testing with a TF-Pro. Water shad been great for a month, now turning cloudy with slight green hue. Levels are as follows
PH 7.5, FC 7.5, TC 8.0, Alk 80, CYA 40.
Added liquid chlorine last night and brushed thoroughly, woke up and have green streaks on floor of the pool. I’m at a loss. If anyone has any info on what may help, I’m still learning but this site has been invaluable.
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Pool Stains Removal Prior to Drain and Refill

B
Hello fellow TFP members-

Need some help figuring out what the proper solution is to remove the stains on the these photos. I sent these photos to the poolstainremovers.com and they indicated that I had a combination of copper stains and organic algae staining. After I remove the stains I plan to remove and refill with new water.

My pool is older and has an old pool heater that came with the house when i purchased it 10 years ago. I'm guessing the stains are from the heater or maybe copper plumbing (not 100% sure it has copper plumbing).

Although my pool water is very clear I plan to drain to reduce CYA levels which are way too high. 150+. I'm spending lots of money on chlorine this summer. During covid when chlorine was hard to find I resorted to using tablets which raised the CYA too high. Replacing my water would be much cheaper than filtering my water via reverse osmosis. I did that back in 2016. It'll cost me about $60-$75 in water to refill. Much cheaper than using a ton of chemicals too.

Question is, prior to changing out the water I'd like to remove the stains, what are my best options for doing so? I'm guessing the water would be in solution so draining would be a good option anyway since the metal needs to be removed from the pool. Do some of the chemicals recommended on the site like Jacks Magic work

with high CYA levels? Photo1.jpgPhoto2.jpgPhoto3.jpgPhoto4.jpg

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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Storm tripped breaker - won't power back on

C
We had a pretty bad storm last night. Check the pool this morning, pump is off. Check the breaker box & it's tripped & panel says Check System Reset. The actual system is working, the breaker for the lights is on, but the pump breaker is off. There is a GFCI reset button, but it won't push in. We've turned the breaker to the off position, tried pushing the reset button, still won't flip back to the on position (goes to middle). We took off the cover & checked fuses, but they all look fine. Checked the MAIN breaker box & the pool is in the on position there. Flipped that one on/off, but still no change at the breaker by the pump.

Not sure if it's a bad breaker (& if that's something we can fix ourselves) or what else???? Help!

We have Hayward MaxFlow VS pump, Hayward Goldline Prologic Control System.
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Hey to all!

L
am new on this site which I came across trying to research and issue that I have. That is the union joints that connect the salt cell T-15, are damaged, one is cracking and I need to replace them. Imagine my dismay when my pool tech told me he'd have to cut the plumbing lines back and rework them. That is the LAST thing I want to do. So I went back to Hayward and dealing with Jim, who is really nice, but who confirmed to me that the pool plumbing pipes would have to be cut. So I've been researching a bit and found that a number of union joints actually come in 2 pieces per joint but held together with 2 screws. Does anyone have any ideas or experiences that may help me?

Linda
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