I haven't covered my Polaris in 8 seasons. Sits just off the pool deck about 50% under cover but for sure gets rained on when it rains. Doesn't seem to bother it.

Oh, oh.

Take the ladders out of the pool and scrub INSIDE them with bleach/water solution...ask me how I know...

I got this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Q8GCGO

If you have a light, scrub behind the light. If you have a main drain, you need to remove the cover and scrub in there. Don't do it if you cannot see the bottom of the deep end...wait for it to clear a bit.

See post #8 in link below..slime in the ladder caused me an extended SLAM.

SLAM, Rain, Dissapointment.​

With the guidance of TFP you are certain to achieve a properly balanced, clean and sanitary pool. Take the plunge and do it yourself.
Pool Care Basics
Test Kits Compared
FC/CYA Levels
PoolMath

ColoradoPool2022 said:

Maybe they should, but in Denver they don't. None of the pool stores that I've called and only Walmart of the big box stores have it (see comment above re: Walmart chlorine; I should also mention that Walmart keeps it outside with wild temp fluctuations here in Denver).

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You probably have to actually go to the stores. people on the phone don’t know what they have half the time and even if they do know it it’s just easier to say it’s not there so they don’t have to talk to you anymore. Sadly, that’s just the kind of way it is.

I'm glad your surgery was a success and I hope you are ok.

Many of us have made various kinds of mistakes with our pools and thankfully many of them can be fixed without serious damage. Pool chemistry will definitely teach you the right way and wrong way of doing things quickly!

Newdude said:

No it wasn't. You have a newfound knowledge of its capabilities. All we can do from afar is guess.

#knowingishalfthebattle. #GoJoe.

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You're suggesting running without the filter for the first 5 days the SLAM added value? My takeaway was that it stayed pretty consistently cloudy until I put the filter in, then it started to clear up.
My experience with the filter in the last 36hrs was:
- 9psi without filter or when clean filter installed
- 12psi 24hrs later / brushed 4 times
- 15psi after vacuuming w/skimmer sock
I cleaned the filter and we're back to 9psi now.

Been busy today, but it's looking great! Hoping levels look good for OCLT tonight.

Depends on what your budget allows and what your end goal is. If you are up for learning and have a lot of sweat equity you can do it all yourself. There are plenty of people on this site that have installed their pool themselves. If I were in your shoes, I would empty the pool, remove the liner and install cross bracing to prevent more movement of the walls. At that point evaluate what the pool needs and what you want and can afford. Pressure test the lines (maybe dig up one or two to see what material and condition they are in). Address rust issues with the pool structure. Replace skimmers and returns if needed.

Before busting up the concrete yourself, figure out how much it's going to cost for you to get rid of the debris. If you have dump trailer or dump truck and a place that takes concrete at a reasonable rate go for it. If you need to rent a truck or trailer it may not be worth your sweat. If you use a dumpster, check the rates, some charge by the ton for any material and some have better rates if it clean concrete that they will bring to recycle vs just dump it in a landfill.

If you have long term plans to stay they, and the decking is coming up, i would replace the all the lines (unless they are in good condition), skimmers, returns, lights, and anything else that is under the decking that won't be easy to get to if there is an issue down the road. Install provisions for a heater if there are not any currently.

If you are okay with bowed walls you can get a new liner and redo the decking.

The one quote you got seems reasonable, just budget for a surprise or two.

Other options are to rip it all out and fill it in or build a new pool (liner or plaster).

If you’re prepared for a little DIY. AqualinkD will do all the integration with HA, WiFi and a lot more.

PaulMummolo said:

I picked up some swim lux solar panels I want to add to my pool. I am planning out the plumbing and I have a question if a solar 3 way valve is actually needed if a vacuum relief valve is installed. Can I just use a jandy positive seal valve? I would like the system to still drain even if the pump is on and solar not being used. Also, are the ball valves needed if I have a VSP to control flow?

View attachment 642146

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The ball valves (get 2-way Jandy type if at all possible) in the diagram are to isolate the system when it is drained and not in use in Winter. Without them water can (will) find its way to the panels and either freeze and cause damage or just leak out the panel drain that is left open in Winter.
You absolutely need the vacuum relief valve at the top of the solar array opposite the input to the panels, or as in the diagram. You want the panels to drain as completely as possible when not in use heating. Without one, the heated supply pipes can actually "crush" when the water tries to fall off the roof.
If properly installed and set up, most likely the valve that directs the water to the panels won't be completely shut to the pool. It take two people to do this and is seldom done. When it is done the system is much more efficient.
Because a true "solar" valve is more expensive, and was difficult to get if it wasn't supplied in a solar-controller kit (Pentair/Compool only), we would just drill a 1/4" hole in the diverter of a positive-seal valve and all was good if the rest of the parts were installed properly.

TinFoilHat said:

Why a pool service? You don't have any time to handle the water balance yourself?

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I never done it. I am worried that I will not do it right and mess up the pool.

I just noticed that you have a kit on order. Great job! Let us know what your fill water CH level is.

As mentioned, test strips are highly inaccurate. Get yourself a TFP recommended test kit and get an accurate reading on tap water CH. You'll likely find that your level is lower than you believe. You could probably fill your pool with unsoftened tap water and maintain that CH level by connecting your fill line for top offs to your softened source. You shouldn't need a high-dollar RO system unless you really need to separate some cash from your wallet.

Test Kits Compared

JoyfulL said:

I am just as happy to put the old empty cartridge back in for now and that would solve the issue.

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Start with doing that.

PaulMummolo said:

I picked up some swim lux solar panels I want to add to my pool. I am planning out the plumbing and I have a question if a solar 3 way valve is actually needed if a vacuum relief valve is installed.

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Yes, you need to use a solar diverter valve. Read - Solar Pool Heaters - Further Reading

PaulMummolo said:

Can I just use a jandy positive seal valve? I would like the system to still drain even if the pump is on and solar not being used.

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No.

PaulMummolo said:

Also, are the ball valves needed if I have a VSP to control flow?

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Yes, and use a diverter 2-way valve, not a ball valve.

PaulMummolo said:

View attachment 642146

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A lot of work or not, you need to wire this in to a timer that will turn the SWG on AFTER the pump starts and turn it off BEFORE the pump turns off. Then the flow switch is your fail-safe. Or you could wire in a current sensing device to the pump that turns the SWG off if there is no power to the pump. If you want automation on your pool you have to buy automation for your pool.

Yes to the Aqualink.
I am just as happy to put the old empty cartridge back in for now and that would solve the issue.

ajw22 said:

Were you performing or receiving?

Congratulations on the success either way.

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I was on the receiving end. Luckily, it turned out being a non-malignant meningioma. My neurosurgeon had taken a picture of my brain during the surgery. I like to show it off to non-squeamish friends and family who question that I have one. From this pool stunt I pulled, I had to take a peek the picture again to assure myself. Dumb move on my part not following directions. I should know better!

Welcome to TFP.

Blue Torrent has used rebranded Hayward equipment.

Look at Hawyard OmniPL or OmniHub.


You must determine if your Blue Torrent VS pump has an RS-485 connection and will present a Hayward HUA to its automation. That may have been crippled in the Blue Torrent model.

Test strips are inaccurate at best so those levels are vey doubtful.

Pantseatflyer said:

successful brain surgery last year

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Were you performing or receiving?

Congratulations on the success either way.