New Pool Owner

Hello Everyone!

I am new to this forums and pools entirely, we just finished our pool build at our home and are excited to get lots of use out of it this year. I am taking on chemicals and maintenance myself as I have been scouring these forums and have learned quite a lot and feel pretty confident that I can manage it easily.

Here are some specs of the pool and there are a few pictures attached:

Pool Size - 18 X 36 with a 7 X 13 Sun Shelf
Spa Size - 7 X 10 with spillover into pool
Water Features - 3 Copper Scuppers opposite Spa
Finish - Stone Scapes Mini Pebble Salt & Pepper
Pump - Jandy eSeries 2.7 Hp Vsp VSSHP270DV2AS
Filer - Jandy CV Cartridge Filter
Heater - Jandy 400K Btu JXiQ Propane
Lights - Jandy Infinite Watercolors Nichless
SWG - Jandy Aqua Pure PLC 1400
Automation System - iAquaLink RS

Great to be here!

Pool 3.jpgPool 2.jpgPool 1.jpgPool Equipment.jpgPool 4a.jpg
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Need help with valve actuators and omnipl

Hi

I’m at the end of my month long upgrade to my new OmniLogic panel. I have installed a total of 4 valve actuators.
1. Vlv1 return to spa/pool(adjusts when spa is turned on or pool is turned on)
2. Vlv2 suction from spa(opens when spa is turned on)
3. Vlv3. Additional suction from pool ( to close when spa is turned in)
4. Vlv4 additional suction from pool (to close when spa is turned out in)

I have set up the spa with vlv1 &2. It works when the spa is turned on.

I cannot figure out how to get Vlv3 &4 to actuate to closed when the spa has been turned on. So do I need to actuate these other two valves using an interlock when the spa is turned on? I’ve read through the installation instructions and cannot find the answer.

HELP. Overdose of chlorine for SLAM

Began SLAM a few minutes ago! Used the calculator to bring to bring FC to 24.

Stupidly did not change percentage from 6% chlorine to 10%.

At 6% I needed 7 gallons and 2 quarts. After adding looked at calculator and caught my error. Should have added 4 gallons 3 quarts!

Barely any algae at opening visible. Drains clear but pool was extremely dirty and vac died. New one installed today and ran for 3 hours b4 removing vac and starting SLAM.

Yikes - brand new liner last season. 😢 Do I just test away as normal and write it off to old age or is there anything else I should do.

FC 2
CC .5
Ph 7.5
CYA 60

Want to upgrade to salt, plumbing sanity check and recommendations

Hi all,
I am looking to upgrade to a salt system but if I understand correctly I need to do a bit of re-plumbing to get the minimum 3' between the heater and cell. I'm thinking if I can somehow re-use that first elbow out of the heater, I can spin it upwards, go up about 1.5-2 feet, across the current intake pipe and back down to tie back into the inlet at the valve back to the pool/spa, with the cell on the downward pipe in the front. I guess plan B if I can't re-use the elbow I'll need to source a new union and start that part from new.

I've been looking CircuPool Universal25 Salt Chlorine Generator at discount salt pool with their $10 upgrade to the 40k version or the Pureline Pool Salt System 40,000 Gallons, Chlorine Generator, Control Panel & Salt Cell - Model PL7700 at inyo for about the same. Both seem to get decent praise from what I can tell, the discount salt seems to have a 4 year warranty vs the 1 at inyo with both advertising about the same output so I'm leaning away from inyo unless there's something I'm not seeing. I do have an automation system (no-name relay based) but I'm ok with just a simple on/off for control, I don't see needing to adjust output often enough to go with the hayward one given the extra $1k for that.

Off topic, I would like to replace the temperature sensor but my automation system uses a DS18B20 3 wire sensor instead of the thermistor that everyone normally uses for that shape of sensor, if someone knows of a similar mounting or something where I can slip in my own sensor, I'd be grateful for any leads. This seems like a somewhat custom part and the manufacturer is unfortunately out of business so I can't source a new one that way.

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Help with evaluating SWG usage...

Hi all, I have a new pool build that was completed in Dec 2024 and have learned a lot browsing these forums. I wished I discovered it earlier in the build process so that I could have avoided certain issues.

Now that it's all done and I've been maintaining the pool for a few months now I just wanted to get your thoughts on my SWG usage. I feel it's a bit high from reading others' accounts. Currently seg runs for 5 hrs/day for a 8000 gallon pool to keep FC around 5-5.5.

Jandy Truclear SWG - ran at 50% for 10 hrs/day and keeps FC around 5-5.5
Pool - 8000 gallon gunite
Alk - 80
PH - rise quick to 8.2 or over and brought down to 7.4 every two or three days (rise caused by new plaster?)
CYA - 70
CH - 300
Salt - 3000

Does anything seem seem off or anything I should adjust?

RJ60 Plus start up guidance

I am waiting for water temps to get to 60-65 to get the new SWG up and running. I am using pucks until then since I am off site. I go out 1x a week to restock pucks, test / balance chemistry and run the robot.

Once the SWG comes online, what is the correct setting to start at being I am not on site daily. I think maybe shoot high, add liquid to give the SWG time to get up to speed?

Pool chemistry will be close to perfect at the switchover.

So exact questions are:

1. Once I get to temp, what settings to leave SWG on it is an RJ60+
2. How many gallons of Chlorine to add initially? I have regular Clorox bleach and also Super Shock (Diamond Brand from Leslies)

Thanks

Jeff

Heat pump recommendation

Looking for recommendation for a 140K BTU HP (large single phase ). From looking over multiple manufactures spec sheet the efficiency are all similar (as expected). Are there mfg that are more DIY install accepting? Warranty for DIY install? Any brands more or less reliable than others or last longer? It looks like R410A is going to be phased out to R32. Doesn't look like there are many domestic R32 HP, they mainly look to be imported. R32 should be a little more efficient, not sure if it will be significant enough to tell.

I looked at running NG when redoing the pool a few years ago, but it was going to $8K to $10K to run a line and upgrade the service to my home, so out of the budget and the running cost was about double of a HP. I ended up upsizing the electrical service to the pool, I was replacing it already, only cost more for larger wire and larger conduit.

Repairing the Jandy Fusion 1400 SWG Cell

Like a lot of folks here, I am seeing the dreaded 125/194 codes again now on my system for the third time since the pool was built. We are now just at the end of the 4th season on this pool and we are on our 3rd SWG cell that is now dying. I've had both replacements put in as warranty replacements by the PB, but I think I am on my own now. This last one lasted almost exactly 1 year, which I think is abnormally short. Examining the SWG cell and taking it apart, I found that the center post is completely corroded through (disconnected) at the point where it connects to the center plate. I have never cleaned the cell with acid nor does it have any deposits on it at all. It looks completely clean, like new except for that center post.

Why is it corroding so fast? I have had to SLAM the pool twice this season, but other than that the chemistry has been within TFP guidelines the whole time (only CYA is a little lower but my SWG duty cycle peaks at 40% mid-summer to maintain FC so I think that is good enough). CYA has been around 40-50, the FC around 3-4, I let the pH rise to about 7.9-8.0 before adjusting back down to 7.6 with acid, TA is 50-60 and CH 125-150. Last fall the CSI was just below zero (but pH was high at that time at 8.0 to 8.1), over the winter it dropped to -0.7 to -0.9, but the SWG is only at 10% (or off when water is below 50F). In the spring and over the summer, the CSI has been around -0.6 to -0.7.
Does anything in the chemistry look like it could be conducive to the posts corroding so bad?

Now to my repairs: I tried to solder the post to the plate, but that didn't work, I guess the metals are just not compatible with soldering. I then tried brazing with a copper brazing rod (used for HVAC copper tubing). That didn't want to flow and stick either.
Next, I drilled small holes in the rod and in the top of the plate and reconnected the post to the plate with a short copper wire then wrapped the wire and the connection to the post in waterproof gorilla tape. This worked and it was drawing 6.8A again and produced a lot of hydrogen bubbles. But it only last about 1.5 days before the codes were back again. Taking the cell apart, I found that the complete copper wire was gone (dissolved I suppose) with only a small stub left in the post.

Next, I used a steel nail to make the connection and wrapped the whole rod, connection to the nail, and the connection to the plate completely in gorilla tape to waterproof the whole thing. It's been in the pool for about 12 hours now and still working *knock on wood*.

Has anybody else tried repairing these? It seems crazy to throw away an $600 part only because one connection comes loose!!

Thanks!
Sam

Aquacal Heatwave SQ Heat Pump Leak

I've got a leak from the water outlet inside my heat pump. It's not broken PVC as far as I can tell, just the seal where the PVC pipe meets the tank where the water is heated. What can I use to seal the connection from the pipe to the tank that will actually work?
I've seen older threads with caked on silicone that looked pretty bad. Some said epoxy wouldn't hold well on an outlet pipe. What's the right fix, and are there specific products you would recommend?

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Lubricant for TPE tubing in peristaltic pumps

Hello, could anyone please advise on a good lubricant for a peristaltic pump hose (the one between the rollers) ? I am using a Seko pump with a Pharmed BPT (TPE) hose for acid injection. I've seen conflicting information online: some sites mention not to use silicon-based lubricants, some say to use pure silicon grease, and others recommend glycerin or water based options, etc.

what do you guys typically use for this ? will the typical Jack 327 Pool gasket Lube damage those TPE hoses ?

Also, if I need a specific one, can you guys recommend a brand / website where you can buy a small amount? I found some places that specifically sell peristaltic hose lubricant but they only sell that the bucket...

Thanks!

Hayward Aquarite S3 Omni Upgrade kit + Lights

Hey all,

I’m having a hard time finding out videos on how to install this upgrade kit to an existing S3 set up. Looking at the installation manual I can tell most of the stuff is very simple…except the lights.

My pool lights are currently hooked up to a Hayward Colorlogic controller, how do I transfer control to my new Omni board so I can control them remotely? All the electrical work has been done, breakers, transformer, etc since all that had to be done before hand when the pool builder set up the ColorLogic controller, just need to run the appropriate wires so that the lights are controlled by the Omni upgrade board instead of the ColorLogic controller on the wall. I’ve attached a few pics of my whole set up for reference…

Thanks y’all!

V

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Let's GOOOO

I found TFP near the end of last year. I'm SO excited to open today and implement all I have learned. I'm having the equipment professionally opened today, but they are not touching my chemicals. I switched companies to one that doesn't monkey with that side of things.

We're opening a little earlier than normal to be clean and ready to go for a gathering in two weeks.

Get to be a little chemist checking all my levels soon! 👩‍🔬

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Polaris 3900 Sport Feeder Hose Connector / Vacuum Tube Feed Pipe Connection

I love my 3900 Sport but recently the feed hose has been disconnecting from the vacuum tube / feed pipe assembly. I have replaced the feeder hose connector but still having this issue. The feed pipe looks like in good shape with no visible cracks / chips / defects and the factory o-ring is still in place.

Whenever, I connect the feed hose to the Polaris 3900 Sport, it no longer “clicks” and does not make a good connection.

What could be the issue? How can I remedy this?

Pump or not to pump–the water behind the vinyl

I've had billowing in my new vinyl pool several times and have chosen to let the water table subside. It turned out well—everything returned to form. This last storm (once in a generation, though I've heard that before) has produced floating vinyl beyond my imagination. See the picture below.

Should I be patient and let the water find its own way out? I suppose this will require some looking after to manage the potential for wrinkles. OR start pumping some, if not all, of the water from behind, again with brushing of wrinkles, etc. Thoughts anyone? @Dirk?

McLeod

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Jandy LXI400N heater maddening issue

This issue is driving me crazy. The Jandy LXI400N heater was working fine. Now, turning it on for the first time this season, it won't work. The heater motor starts up and runs for a long time. Finally, after quite a while you hear a click inside, which I assume is the heater calling for gas? Nothing happens. It eventually shuts down and gives off an ignition fault code. It never lights off at all.
I called in an "authorized" repairman. He put a gauge on the unit somewhere inside. The gauge shows gas pressure to spec, but when the heater calls for gas the pressure drops to below spec. He says that there is a problem with the gas supply. I called in a plumber who checked the gas supply and he says it's just fine.
I then called in a repairman from another place to look at the heater. He said it needed a new igniter. He put one in. No change at all. He put the same gauge on the unit that the other guy did and got the same result. He says it's a gas supply issue. I then called in yet another separate plumber. He says there is no issue at all with the gas supply. Arrrggghhhh!
I then called in a THIRD different heater repairman. He's not sure what's wrong. He believes it's the internal solenoid controlled gas valve, which he believes has an internal regulator on it that he believes is faulty. He wants to install a new one and see what happens. That's all well and good except the darned valve is $500!! If it doesn't fix it I'm out $500 and still have an inoperative heater.
Do any of you out there have any ideas on what could be happening here?? I'm about to pull out what little hair I have left.

Plumbing help - replace inch jandy valve

Hi, one of my Jandy 2 way valve cracked over the winter and sprung a leak. I managed to get the old one off but have trouble figuring out how to put the new one on. As you can see in the picture, there are valves next to it which does not provide much wiggle room tonout the valve in. Any suggestions how to get it in there? I can use a couple of unions but wanted a uniform look if possible.

Also, I am opening the pool because I will be away for a couple of weeks and don’t want a geeen surprise. Is it safe to plug the pressure side with a freeze plug? I don’t need this like for now as it’s for the steps. It looks like it’s working but wanted to make sure it won’t blow out since I’m away.

Thanks.

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Airper S1(any robot), using a different filter?

Recently purchased a Scuba S1 and have been pretty happy with it. The only problem is I get extremely fine silt/sand left behind. I'm assuming this is too small for the 180micron filter basket it comes with. I'm not aware nor could find any replacement baskets so I'm thinking of getting 50 micron filter sheets (like what a fish tank uses, I think they call it polishing filter) and lining the inside of the basket with it. I was curious if anyone else has attempted this before regardless of the make of their pool robot?

"Pearluster" (ie embossed) finish on liner - worth it? or a headache to keep clean?

we are replacing our 20 year old liner this May. We like a specific pattern but i'm told that it only comes with this embossed "pearluster" finish that, while looking nice, can make keeping it clean harder as it tends to trap dirt/debris.
We have a dolphin robot vacuum and i check the water balance probably every other day or so. I've been doing all my own pool maintenance for two years on it now, but i am using a pool company to install the new liner.

Does anyone have any experience with these kinds of liners? Is it a nightmare to keep clean? Not a big deal? just trying to gauge it before we commit to a final choice.



Thinking about the Sea Stone Marble which is only available with that specific kind of embossed finish

Booster Pump - Purchase Recommendations

Hi Everyone,

I need some help. I am planning on replacing my existing Booster Pump a Pentair Boost Rite (LA-MS05). The pool store recommended the Pentair LA01N. I have read the various thread on robot vs booster and not ready to make that switch yet. I also read this thread Booster Pumps - Further Reading.

Now I am trying to find a good price on the unit and also open to other options. PoolPlaza.com came up in my search and they had 2 units with different manufacturer SKUs with a price difference of $120.
  • LA01N-DUP --> $449
  • EC-LA01N --> $569
Here are my questions:
  • It seems like the same unit, but curious if anyone knows what the difference between the units?
  • I am looking for recommendations on the best site to order the booster pump from?
Thanks,
ktr32

Renovation to begin How important are soft joints in the renovation tile and new granite coping?

Looking for your valued input on our in progress gunite pool renovation in frost thaw climate Central NJ. The demolition of our former cantilevered concrete decking is complete and this week the PB will begin on removing tile and get to starting the renovation work.
In trying to understand the materials that will be used (reading the TDS). In phone discussion it does not appear that the PB is aware of the TCNA EJ171 Movement Joint guidelines for exterior applications for ceramic and stone, the location and the frequency of these soft joints are called for every 8 ft to 12ft depending on the materials and environmental conditions. We HAD for 21 years tile that never came off the pool (including through this weeks jackhammering!) and back then with the cantilevered deck and NO coping - we had no soft joints in the tile. Now wondering since we will have 12X24x1.5 inch thick granite coping and will be using a 6X6 THROUGH BODY Porcelain water line tile on this renovation, should I be pushing the PB to put in the soft joints if it hasn't been their practice? If I am understanding properly the "soft joint" would be a 100% silicone material and would be in the TILE and then Up through the granite coping stone, too. IS this something to insist on or is it something to go not have and then down the road IF there is cracking, deal with later (not preferable). Not sure if we are allowed to mention product brand names here so want to be respectful. THANK You all in advance
Picture of pool to be redone below so you can see the raised wall of tile too.

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I just got my first Pentair SuperFlo VST today, advice on how to set RPMs?

So basically I replaced both my old regular pump and my cartridge filter for a variable speed pump and a DE filter. I ended up draining the pool(22,000 gallons) and refilled the pool yesterday and today. The pool guy came over and turned on the pump for the first time and set it running to 5 hours because he needed to add the DE powder to the skimmer to complete the installation of the DE filter.

Anyway, he didn't show me how to program the pump so I decided to just watch a bunch of YouTube videos on how to set the RPM, time, and duration for all 3 programs or 2 if I just want 2 different speeds each day.

I guess my question is, what numbers do people generally set their RPMs? My pool is pretty small at only 22,000 gallons. Do you guys use all 3 programs, just 2 different programs or just 1 program for the whole day? I'm currently looking to get a new pool vacuum to run during the middle of the day while I'm at work so I imagine the pump would need more speed for vacuum to run right?

I'm adding some powder conditioner and chlorine tomorrow morning so I'm thinking I might need to run the pump pretty high right? What's a good RPM for when I'm adding conditioner and chemicals?

Trouble getting rid of Algae

Hi all, I’ve been a pool owner for the last year and I’ve learned a ton from this forum. Currently reopening for the Spring after some neglect during the winter (maybe I didn’t learn a ton? 😅) and I’ve got some stubborn Rear algae that I cannot seem to get rid of.

I’ve been shocking the pool for the last few days and brushing every day and it’s gotten a LITTLE better but it’s still there. Kinda at my wits end and could use some advice. Do I continue to trust the process and keep the shock going?

Water is clear and CYA was last measured (4/6) at 60 and I’ve been keeping the FC at ~24. I recently discovered the Mustard Algae Shock on this forum, so today, I attempted to keep the FC around 35.

Any tips are greatly appreciated!

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What is this red dirt?

Hello TFP peeps! Been a member of this site since 2022 I believe and have always valued the feedback. It’s Spring time and I’m in North Texas. We have had a few dust storms from West Texas blown into our area in the past month or so and I’d like to think that the red looking dirt in my pool is just that…red dirt. I’m really not sure what else it could be but I can brush the heck out of the pool, clean the filter out after a few brushes, and this stuff still returns. Chlorine has been fine at 8+ with CYA or 50-69. All other values are normal. I really don’t think it’s anything else besides red dirt that has continued to blow in but I’m open to other thoughts and would appreciate them greatly.

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Pentair Solar Touch Fuse

After removing the broken valve actuator for the solar heater and replacing the leaking seals in the valve, I noticed the Pentair Solar Touch display is blank. I read on another thread about blowing the fuse when the actuator gets wet. Which it was. The fuse was tested and needs replacing. I have tried 4 stores looking for the 1.5 A fuse to replace it, but no luck. Any suggestions out there for finding the correct fuse for this panel?? Thanks! The fuse is very small. The diameter is .200" and 3/4" long.

Jandy Aqualink wiring help

Can someone please help me understand what each of these do? We need a new swg and maybe pump and want to do the install ourselves if possible. We also replaced the pool lights a year or two ago (my dad did this) and now the light doesn't work so it must be wired incorrectly.

Filter Pump button definitely turns on the filter pump, Aux 1 turns on polaris vacuum, Aux 2 turns on the tall thing and make the spa bubble, Aux 3 made a jandy actuator valve move, Aux 4 made a clicking noise but I couldn't determine if anything else happened, Aux 5,6,7 make no noise. I do have more pictures if needed.

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