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.

Is there a "free" AND "paid" app or just free and pay to get unlimited logs? I've tried the app off and on (free) and can never get it to overwrite a log. I enter new values and it just defaults to 4 months ago. Needs to be an "edit" button. Back to Pool Logger I guess.

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!

My Pentair iChlor 30 cell has reached the end of its life span. I went to a new local pool supply shop to have him give me a price on a replacement.
This is my first time replacing one of these so he quoted me $1300 an then said I will need a new power unit as well because they both usually go bad at the same. So that was $1400 but then he began to introduce me to a generic system he carried right there in house and claimed it was better than Pentair and had a better warranty for only $1600?

Over the past few months, Ive been trying to figure out why my pool flow / pump output has decreased a lot since I first bought this house with my pool. At the end of last summer, I did replace the sand in my sand filter and installed a new primary pool pump with the same one that came with the system when I bought the house.

I have checked all of the obvious stuff:
-clean skimmers, pump basket, blockage/build up in pump
-I've tried switching to recirculate mode to avoid the sand filter
-I've tried only pulling from skimmers and then only pulling from main drain to see if that changed anything.

I have had some pebbles from my spa start to come loose last year so I am not sure if they are stuck somewhere in the system causing flow issues. Some of them got into my multi valve on the sand filter making it hard to turn it so I had to remove that and clean the pebbles out.. so wondering if that is causing lot flow issues somehow.

My sand filter PSI seems to stay at 10psi before / after backwash. It is a 500lb sand filter and when I replaced it, I did put in a full 500 lbs.

Another issue I notice which may be a contributor is when I run my aux pump which is used for the pool cleaner... after this runs for a while, my main pump flow gets even worse and my spa overflow slows to a trickle.

From when I first got the pool, i'd guess my current flow is 20-40% of what it originally was just by judging the overflow from the spa waterfall.

Would appreciate any advice you have in helping me figure out the issue in my system. thanks.

Few pics of my system:

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?

Hi All - Looking for some guidance and feedback from the group. I have a raised spa setup for continuous spillover into the pool. Since opening this season, though, the spa is not consistently spilling over and spa level is dropping an inch or so below the spillover level. It will spillover when the variable speed pump runs at its high speed setting (3200 RPM) a couple times a day, but not at its regular speeds (1700 and 2400 RPM) that run throughout the rest of the day/night.

I've reviewed other posts on valve setup for spillover, cleaned all filters, removed/re-installed all check valves and everything seems ok. All pump settings are unchanged from previous years where spillover worked as expected.

Pool equipment pad picture included for reference, with valves set for pool mode on the suction side. Return valve/actuator set halfway between pool and spa - which - historically enabled spillover.

Any suggestions on further troubleshooting that I might be able to do before I call the pool builder's service department?

Thanks!
Scott

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.

Hi there,

Had an issue happen with my pump's ability to keep prime and draw in water randomly in late February, and have been trying several fixes - all with no luck. The next step is the pool company is pushing for an $800 leak testing, which I am working to resolve on my own before it gets to that point. 13k gal inground saltwater pool, with two large live oak trees above and around the pool - so the pool gets tons of droppings and debris . We had some good freezes in February, but I had the pump running 23 hours a day so nothing should have frozen and cracked. I have tried many common fixes, all with no luck so far, which is why I am seeking y'alls wisdom.

Issue: Pump does not draw in enough water, loses prime, and pressure is lost in the system, with zero pressure in the filter. My pump is a TriStar VS 950. No noticeable water leaks around pump, and water level was never low at the time of malfunction.

I have tried several things so far to resolve this, all without luck:
1. Filter cartridges cleaned
2. Skimmer line has been blasted with both a hose bladder and with CO2. No blockages. Pool guy was not able to blast the line between the floor main drain to the skimmer basket (two pipes in the skimmer basket - one from main drain to skimmer basket, and the other from skimmer to pump as I understand it) - so we do not know if that is a potential issue or not.
3. Replaced and lubed housing o-ring
4. Replaced and lubed pump basket lid o-ring
5. Replaced filter pressure gauge
6. Impeller has been cleaned - no blockages detected (although I have not fully taken apart the pump to observe the impeller from the inside)
7. Every time I attempt to prime, I fill the pump basket to the top. It immediately goes down to the lower level shown in the picture below. I also open the pressure gauge on the filter so that I can bleed out air. No air comes out during the priming process.
8. I have even tried to prime the pump with a hose shoved down the skimmer basket, and that does not lead to extra waterflow into the pump basket while priming


If you guys have any advice, I would greatly appreciate it. I'm about out of ideas besides replacing every o-ring and gasket in the pump.

Thank you very much for your help!

Picture #1 = photo inside pump basket while trying to prime, the water level starts full (after I fill it) but is brought low in the basket and a small amount of water is coming in from the skimmer basket line. Picture #2 = my equipment setup (the old robot cleaner motor is on the left, this is no longer used as we have a dolphin now).

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

How do you check to see if the water temp sensor is working that does to a Pentair Panel?

My MasterTemp 400 shows erratic temperatures on the board. It is controlled by my Pentair Panel. It goes through the startup of 128 r13 but never starts. It initially shows a temp of 78 and then jumps to 120 something and stays there.
I checked the Thermistor and it shows 9.5 ohms. I had a spare one that I installed and still the same results.
It was working fine a couple of days ago, but now no go.

Any ideas?

I have a 20' round above ground pool. I've used a sand filter + SWG for the past 8 years.

Backwashing and having to refill + add salt is kind of annoying, and with the addition of a Nautilus CC this season, I'd really like to make the pool as hands-free as possible in our short season (mid-may until mid september).

I was looking at getting the Hayward SwimClear 525 sqft filter but noticed the plumbing won't even match my current plumbing (2” x 2.5” vs 1.5") so made me take a step back.

Can I go TOO big with a cartridge filter?

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 have two Raypak heaters that worked fine (having had their fair share of issues through the years) into last summer. I am prepping the pool to open for 2025 and I noticed the rust at the bottom of the heaters had broken through in places. I made it worse by touch the holes - the layer is paper thin at this point. Heaters were placed in service in the late fall 2010 and first used in 2011, so they delivered good life for me. Having said that, it would be great to get another year or two of service out of them. Attaching a photo of the area that concerns me. Rest of heaters look OK. Pool heater and spa heater have similar rust and breakage below the tray.

Thoughts?

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!