Our pool light housing hasn’t worked since we purchased the home. Power is going to the box. We had to replace the junction box and the light came on for a few minutes. But hasn’t come back on. We removed the light housing from pool and this is what we saw. Pool age: 34 years old. Pretty Sure the housing has never been changed. What is this?

Hello,
I have had my pool for about 5 yrs now and I have always used test strips. I tried using the Taylor kit my pool guy gave me when we first opened but I found it to be so confusing. I want to start to try and understand this and I am looking at the TF-Pro Salt kit. How long will that last me? I am comparing to some digital options that sit in your pool and monitor it and tell you what it is you need. Sutra and water Guru are two I am looking at. I’m sure people on this forum will say not to do the digital stuff. I just want something easy since my time is limited and I hate it when things go haywire. Any help is highly appreciated.

So, just like the title says, pool light is hanging by its cord in the deep end. Our pool was installed late last summer so not even a year old. We recently got a Dolphin Cayman vacuum that I had gotten a lot of advice and good info from here about.

I have so many questions I don’t even know where to start. Can this be fixed without draining? Is it a safety hazard to be around? (Not in the pool yet this year so that’s not a worry.) what sort of cost am I looking at? Has this happened to anyone else?is it the “fault” of the vac? Shouldn’t a pool light be able to handle a pool vac going over it?

I worked so hard and was so diligent to get the pool good for this season! I’m furious, yet again, at the builder. All I want to do is enjoy my pool! Please, please, please help me with any advice, info, or whatever.

Hope everyone is having a better day than me!
-Mark

Hi. I have a Hayward Aqua Plus system with SWG, installed around 2012. Unfortunately, several local "pool professionals" have not done right by me and my system, so I've completely taken over. I'm on my 4th Salt Cell and my 3rd circuit board. Also, my Hayward Intelliflo pump's controller died, so I replaced the pump with a Century Vgreen 270. I have the Aqua Plus monitored and controlled through Home Assistant via an RS485 to Wifi adapter and the Vgreen is monitored and controlled through Home Assistant via ESPHome. Since the Aqua Plus is not directly communicating with the Vgreen pump (since they don't speak the same RS485 "language"), I basically have the Aqua Plus set up to have the Filter relay turned on 24/7 to provide power to the Vgreen however/whenever I decide to run it. So, the Aqua Plus is unaware of when or what speed the Vgreen is running at, if at all (except for maybe via the Flow Sensor).

So, after all that, my question is: How does the Aqua Plus know when to turn the SWG on or off? Will it claim "Chlorinator Off, Percentage Met", thinking the pump has run from midnight to 1000, when the Vgreen doesn't even start till 1000, just because the Filter Relay has been ON since midnight but with no Flow? Or will it only turn on the SWG when there is Filter Relay=ON AND Flow Sensor=FLOW, and then start calculating Percent Generated? Is there a better way for me to be managing the system I have?

Sorry it's kind of convoluted and I hope I've explained the situation adequately. Thanks in advance for any insights.

Hey everyone! This site has been a great resource for me after purchasing my first house with a pool in 2023. Now I'm finally making a post instead of lurking...

We just got some quotes to replace our sand filter (Sta-Rite from 2008) and pump (1HP/3450rpm mystery brand single speed). For context, we have a SWG (Intellichlor IC20) and our pool is somewhere in the 17,000-20,000 gal range (mostly a guess based on measurements and 1 summer of watching the chems). We aren't planning to add any complexity to the pool, it's just 1 skimmer, 2 returns, and a non-functional main drain (plumbed into the 2nd skimmer hole). No need for fancy automation. The pump developed a slow leak last fall and we want to upgrade to a VSP for the power savings with the SWG. The filter is fine, except that our backwash line is connected underground to the sewer system and there's some kind of leak under the concrete, so we've been lugging a backwash hose all the way to the cleanouts in the front yard each time we needed to backwash. We figured it would be a good time to switch to a cartridge system since it doesn't need backwashing (no more hose and wasting salt, yay!).

We live in a MCOL/LCOL area but pools are not so common here, so the companies are few and far between. The two quotes we got were slightly different in what they recommended (see screenshots for details), but Company A came out to $5,420 and Company B to $4,187 or $4,822 (depending on the pump HP). I have a couple of questions before I commit:

1. Do these prices seem fair? The more expensive company was - of course - more professional and prompt in their replies and my partner likes their "vibe" better. We've had bad luck with finding people that do good work so far (1st time homeowners), so maybe we're being extra cautious. We've done almost all of the pool maintenance ourselves so I have no concept of what's fair.
2. I did some reading up on here before getting quotes and I decided it would be a good idea to get an 'oversized' ~3HP pump so that we could run it at a lower RPM for longer to generate chlorine with the SWG.
   1. Company A has told us "In this situation we would be unable to install the 3hp version, due to your pool only having a single suction pipe at the equipment. To install the 3hp pump we would need a minimum of 2- 2" suction pipes at the equipment." Is that something you've ever heard of before? Would it be an issue to purchase an oversized pump in this scenario? In all my reading it was never mentioned.
   2. Company B quoted us the extra cost, totalling out to $4,822. However, now I'm worried that there's some issue with an overpowered pump possibility.

Sorry that came out to be super long!!! Thank you for reading!

TL;DR: Is $4k-$5k a normal ballpark for filter and pump replacement? Is there any issue with installing an oversized pump into a pool with only one suction line?

Hello! We bought our intex 18’ round above ground pool in 2020 when our daughter, son-in-law and two grandkids moved in during the pandemic. Both kids learned to swim in it and the adult children took care of it for the first two years. When they left the care and maintenance has been left to my husband and I. While we have done many google searches this site never showed up until I asked a question and AI quoted the site! So glad to have a forum to learn from. I am hoping to save some money and get more enjoyment out of the pool. Thanks for the great support.

Hi all, I'm a first-time pool owner and excited (and a little nervous!) to be taking over the maintenance. The pool had service today, and the water is currently clear. I've got the basics covered – a TFPro test kit, a Dolphin Nautilus CC Supreme cleaner, a net, vacuum, and brush. I'm trying to get ahead of things and stock up on chemicals before I start testing the water next week. What chemicals do you all recommend having on hand for general maintenance and balancing? Any advice for a newbie would be greatly appreciated

I bought a 7lb bag of CYA at Ocean State Job Lot at the end of last season. It remained unopened in the garage over the winter (not exposed to excessive sunlight or humidity). This year, I used up the Clorox brand CYA I had left, about 1lb, and then opened the new bag. Per usual, I put 1lb in the sock and hung it front of the return. This stuff will not dissolve! It hung in front of that return for hours yesterday afternoon, like 4-5 hours and hardly any of it dissolved.
I used the same sock that I used the other day for the Clorox brand and that dissolved fine, within like an hour it was completely gone.

Is there some way I can get this to dissolve so it's usable? Or I am just SOL and should go buy a new bag of Clorox brand that I know dissolves? I really hate to waste it since I already spent the money on it and disposing of pool chemicals is a pain.
If I start over, how do I dispose of this stuff? Both the stuff in the sock that's already wet, and the remaining 6lbs of dry in the bag. I can't return it since I bought it several months ago.

Hi everyone,
I've been reading a lot here on the forums and on the main site, and I made the switch from pool store testing and advice to the TFP method earlier this month. Thanks to all of you who've shared your knowledge--it's already been a huge help.

When I started, my CYA was around 200, so I did a water exchange (pumping out while filling) to bring that down. I'm still getting the hang of testing, but I've been testing every evening and adding liquid chlorine as needed. I'm using a TFPro kit and tracking everything in the PoolMath app.

My kids have already started swimming a couple times a week, but I really want the pool dialed in before school is out in a month--once summer hits, they'll be in the pool nearly every day.

I'll attach screenshots from the PoolMath app showing my initial and most recent test results. I'd love feedback on whether I should lower my CYA further or make any other adjustments now to make daily maintenance easier once we're in full swim season.

Thanks in advance!

tricia44 said:

We inherited an old hybrid pool (concrete bottom/fiberglass panel sides) when we purchased our home in 2017 and although it has served it's purpose as a pool with functioning equipment and no leaks, it could definitely use a refresh. I've read many forums about our options but having difficulty finding someone in the Greater Toronto area with experience in restoring hybrid pools. We are experiencing the typical challenges that come with age; worn concrete bottom, blisters in walls, aged seams, and cracks in concrete deck. Anyone know of any contractors in GTA? TIA.

Click to expand...

@tricia44 Did you ever find a contractor? I am in Burlington with the same problem.

Or anyone else have thoughts ?

I currently have a 30 foot round above ground pool. It was here when we bought this house.
The current pump is an eco Kleer PK2200-6P and when turned on high speed it sounds like shriek's from horror films.

Its hard to enjoy my pool moments of zen with this loud pump screaming away.

I was considering spending some $$ on a new pump this year.

What two speed above ground pumps that are SUPER quiet, do you fine folks recommend?

I have a rectangle intex ultra frame pool 32x16x52 pool. I just bought a xtremepowerus 4500 gph sand filter pump. I'm not sure if I have the correct adapters not sure how to convert these hoses from pool to the pump. Help please!!

They installed a Vivid spa light in my pool. It is at the end of our 32' pool so you can't help but see it. When you do it is like staring at the sun. Go inside for a few minutes to let your eyes adjust.
They recommended a dimmer switch, I did, was able to reduce the light to only shine in the pool versus the entire lanai, but it is still super intense. so I ordered a blue filer but now the light flashes if dimmed. Whay am I paying close to $1,000 and trying to jury rig this thing ?
So I am going back to the installer. I know they use a lot of Pentair lights, would any of you recommend one particular model.
I don't care about the price any longer, color or not I don't care, just want a glow in my pool.
HELP !

I wasn't quite sure which topic to post this under but I work in commercial pools. And I have 18 of the Neptune Benson Flat Grate, Size: 18 Inch x 18 Inch, White.... Main drains that need to be replaced due to lost main drain certifications. They were installed in 2019, so they would have to be replaced after next year anyway. I guess my question is there any direct swap for the top grate? Notice in the picture that the screw is offset from the corner and almost every other Neptune Benson, the screw hole is in the corner. I'm aware of Neptune Benson buying out Lawson.. I'm just wondering if there's a solution here other than drain the pools and reinstall main drains from the get-go. This is for a city inspection purposes. And obviously this community wants the pools open and up to code ASAP since the pool's got shut down because of it.

Good morning! My electrician is stating that the waterfalls are not compatible with the Pentair automated system. On the Intellicenter 2 app on my phone is showing under "Lights" - lights for the lazy river which include all (8) of the MicroBrite lights in the lazy river, both GloBrites in the bubblers in the lazy river beach entry and the three CMP waterfalls on the pool wall. On the Intellicenter 2 app it's not showing options for colors (except white) or color shows for any of them.
Questions:
-Is there any other way besides turning on/off to change the lights on the CMP Natural Wonders Waterfalls?
-Should they be listed under "Lights" OR under "Features" separate?

We have a 36x18 vinyl liner inground that has two AquaGenies (skimmer/return in one) on one of the long sides and a normal 1.5” return on the other. We installed it four years ago. Last year, the normal return seemed to have a drop in the flow rate coming from it. With the other two returns open, it’s hard to even feel anything coming from it. If I partially close the valves to the other two returns, I can coax it into flowing, but even then it’s not steady: it spurts and squirts with a lot of bubbles. If I close the other two returns completely, it seems “normal”.

I am guessing I have a minor crack or break in the return plumbing. I bought a leak test kit, but before partially draining it to access the return, I wanted to see if there’s another possibility I haven’t thought of.

Not sure if this is the right thread but……second season using the TF Pro Kit and the smart stir LED light no longer working. Fresh batteries and magnet still sound great just no light which is beneficial those mornings when I need to leave before sunset. Any else have this problem? Any one able to successfully repair? TIA

An old 28k pool with a built in spa (no heater anymore). We are planing to replace concrete and coping around the pool and would like to eliminate the spa. Spa has 2 drains and 5 returns)
Can we just fill it up (cap the returns to spa)? Main pool has 3 returns

I've seen some older threads on this, but wanted to get some new comments and input on these tools.

We've had our pool for a year now and I am about to perform the first clean before we jump in this season. I initially started seeing things like the Cyclone Pool Filter Cleaner and the Cart Clean Pro, which is basically just a stand to place your filter on. They spin while you spray them and I guess it flings the crud out too. Definitely not paying that price when I can just use a broom handle, but then that led me to what attachment would be best? What's everyone's thoughts on these?

- High pressure nozzle - seems like a safe bet, but basically the same idea as using a regular garden hose?
- Aqua Comb looks pretty good except it looks like it's all ABS plastic. I like the idea of the combs getting in between the pleats, but it would be tedious work trying to get in between every single pleat.
- Filter Flosser made of aluminum so that's good. Not sure it can really get in between the pleats very well though.

Also, what is the safest thing to be soaking the filters in or spraying onto them before hosing them down? Would like to prolong the life of these filters as much as I can. I'm wondering how much buildup from oils and sunscreen would even in between the pleats. We don't have a spa/heater, so we are only swimming between May to September or so. The skimmer baskets have socks built into them to catch any large debris and we have no overhanging trees. It's actually pretty open and we just have two young crepe myrtles on the other side of the fence.

Once my Pool was pretty balanced and everything was going great I decided to Outsource the testing to my daughter and she keeps me updated, this past few weeks, it’s been much warmer here in Houston and she told me that the pool chlorine keeps dropping need tons of chlorine to the point where she was putting in a gallon a day yesterday I checked the pool myself it was at a 1 chlorine level. The pool had leaves so we cleaned it out should I try to slam it? If so, can you lead me to that instructions? I also have family coming in on Thursday so if I start today, would it be usable by Friday?
Also, we have not changed the filter. Is that something you recommend we do ourselves and if so, where can I find how to do that? Any other suggestions you can give would be wonderful and appreciated.

Hi all. Have a Hayward PowerFlow Matrix, manufactured 2020. At the end of last season, it seemed to be running louder than usual. Worked fine until end of season. Decided to do some checking (the mounting base was totally rusted - though I believe that's from skimmer water leaking and setting at the pump base - not a seal issue.

Anyway, I can't get the impeller off no how, and Im also not sure if there's too much resistance on it - doesn't seem to spin easily to me, and there is a slight scraping noise.

15sec video - Login to view embedded media
Do you guys think there is more of an issue here or just throw it back together and run it? No one locally services them it seems. Thanks.

Hey everyone -

My FC is at 8.0 and CYA is 40-50. Pool math app puts that at the top of the recommended range. Is this ok for swimming? My kids are getting anxious

My FC comes down very slowly after opening and shocking cuz I have the solar cover on all the time. I have turned the SWG off.

Thanks!

I need to pick up a Hayward OmniPL upgrade kit to replace my dying old Hayward ecommand 4 system. Any recommendations for a reputable online supplier? It’s not cheap so I want to make sure I get a new unit and don’t get taken and end up with a refurbished or used unit from a shady supplier.

The past 2 weeks my calcium test results have been abnormally high, jumped from ~460 to 550. I also had to retest due to color indicator not changing. This past weekend, we noticed blonde hair turning green. I took water samples to Leslie's for metal testing. Pool water was 1.2ppm, hose water was 0.6ppm. The tech told us that many people have had high copper recently due to rains, pollen and mosquito sprays. We have an autocover, but do light a mosquito incense candle next to pool when it's open. Pool is 5 months old. I've never added algaecide. I've added CYA, borates, and chlorine in the past, and muriatic acid regularly.

My question is: is this copper level concerning for a heater coil issue, or could it be an environmental cause?

I had a drain cover get broken at the end of the season last year. I removed it with the intention to replace it, but forgot. Now I’m trying get my pool cleat, but I thunk the drain line is mostly clogged and I am not getting the algae on the bottom of the pool to the filter to backwash out. So I cannot catch up enough on algae removal to make a noticeable difference in cleaning. And the algae is like 3 inches of a thick sludge.
Help!

My pool was uncovered yesterday and there are a bunch of leaves in the bottom of my pool. Is there any issue with using my robot in water of this temperature and emptying the basket fairly frequently? I don't have the time to vacuum manually.

I have an Aqua Products EVO 604 robot.

Greetings, All.

New owners of a home with existing pool. Just had the pool opened, and I will have plenty of newbie questions!

My pool is due for a renovation. The main issue is the infinity edge is leaking causing water to get behind the weir wall stone and behind the catch basin pebble finish. Everything on the “dry” side of the weir wall is delaminating. I had 3 highly recommended pool contractors come take a look and provide a quote. The first contractor came out in June, the 2nd contractor came out in early July, and the 3rd contractor came out last week. I have received no quotes and only “we are working on it”. Is it typical to wait months for a quote? I realize my renovation is more complex than usual, but months to quote seems excessive. I’m now considering doing the tile and stone repairs myself and hiring a plaster company to refinish the pebble. Is that crazy? I’ve done tile and stone repairs on the pool already. One of the pool contractors even complimented the work without knowing I did the repairs.

Hi guys. I just took over taking care of my pool and it's been going okay, but I don't think the suction is working well enough as the pool has looked a little cloudy and there is detritus at the bottom of the pool despite the chems looking good (Leslie's testing).

The pool is about 12,000 gallons. I run my Intelliflo at 1500 RPM for 8 hours, then at 2400 RPM for 2 hours. At 1500 RPM, the crawler doesn't move and there is zero water moving through the skimmer. At 2400, the movement is okay on both. Maybe I'm misremembering, but I think the water used to flow pretty well through the skimmer when it was on 1500 RPM. The filter is clean (I cleaned it only about 2 months ago) and the skimmer and pump baskets are clean. I got a drain king and flushed the pipes fairly quickly, but didn't see any obvious problems. I flushed the air out of the filter and I backwashed for a minute or two a few times. I also unscrewed the valve that diverts the water to the skimmer or crawler and it was clear inside.

Should the crawler and skimmer be moving pretty well at 1500 RPMs? Any ideas to get the water moving better besides raising the RPMs? Thanks very much!

Sold and shipped by Amazon. Is it fake? To me it's 100% not original. Doesn't add any pressure even while cleaning algae.