PH is not accurate over 10 ppm of chlorine. How did your chlorine get so high, assuming you tested it properly? The two comparators you have can't measure 16 ppm. You need to follow the TFPro instructions for using their kit for Chlorine testing. That would use the tall tube that says "Chlorine" on it. The comparator is basic and mostly for quick tests of low chlorine and normal PH.

You are getting 24 VAC at J7 from the Transformer.

The two right pins on J1 provide 24 VAC to the Fenwal Ignition Control Module.

Unplug the connector and check the voltage again.

Unplug this yellow wire and check for 24 VAC to ground.

Thank you to everyone for your layout ideas, I believe we have generally settled with the below with some possible very minor tweaks. Dimensions will be 32'x20'x4' flat bottom (although a 16' width is depicted in the rendering at the moment). Ledge will be 6'x10' although considering moving this to 12' wide at layout. We decided to just add benches to each corner for conversation areas and easy in and out to keep the swim and play lanes as open as possible. If we want to add more seats, we will add some of those plastic stools. The kids are young enough now I believe we are many years from this being a pool focused on adult relaxation .

For the stairs, I believe we have ditched the spiral idea based on a combination of ease of use and cost. If I find a used staircase during the build, this may change.

Now on to the equipment quoted! I would love to hear feedback on this. Also let me know if this should be a separate thread or post.


Please let me know if there are other questions I should ask or specifications I should make.

M,

Did you just change the labels on the pipes???

Assuming your above pic is correct, you want to do the following...

1. Set the handle of the West skimmer to straight down. This will turn the skimmer on at 100%
2. Set the handle of the East skimmer to the 2:30 position.. This will close off most of the main drain and open the East skimmer as much as you can with this valve set up.

The above is all you really need to do.. but... If you want to get picky...

The skimmer nearest to the equipment pad will always get the most suction.. The skimmer farthest away will get less suction... You can try to make the suction to each skimmer the same by reducing the suction to the near skimmer and opening the far skimmer as much as possible.. You can do this by taking out the skimmer baskets and just by feeling the amount of suction at easy skimmer and then try to balance them as much as possible.. Not at all required, just something that can be done.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Jimrahbe said:

M,

The labels do not look right to me either..

It would be pretty stupid to plumb two skimmers together on the same line at the equipment pad..

As a test, I suggest that you turn the handle of the pipe marked "skimmers" so that it points straight up.. In theory, this should shut off both skimmers.. Then go look at each skimmer and see if they are working or not..

Please tell us what you find.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Click to expand...

I never thought about doing this but you are correct. Both skimmers are off and the pump is pulling 100% from the MD. Now, I can move on to to actually adjusting the valve.

proavia said:

Do you have two skimmers?
Interesting you have two pipes marked as Main Drain. Usually, even though you may have two drain covers on the pool floor, they are plumbed together and only one pipe for main drain is at the equipmemt pad.

Usually the valves should be set to pull at least 70% (or more) from the skimmers to maximize skimming the pool surfafe and capturing debris before it settles to the pool floor. For a pool without an IFCS, probably 80%-90% skimmer would work best.

Click to expand...

Yes. One pipe for two skimmers and each floor drain has its own plumbing. BTW, I thought it was one MD pipe and the skimmers were separately plumbed until recently when I had a VS pump installed. I’m still not totally convinced this is the case but I went with what the pump installer said since he was working with pool installer when I had the pool installed.

I guess I am confused on how to get these valves positioned to where the skimmers are pulling more and the MD pulling less. I know that the ‘OFF’ is pointing to the gate but that’s about it.

I think Pentair has an adapter to put a MicroBrite in place of the GloBrite in the bubbler. You may need that to put in the Hydrocool light.

We have heard no reliability reports on the Hydrocool lights. I would take my chances on the new GloBrite.

Let us know what you do.

Jump the Firemans Switch connection in the heater. Does the heater control panel light up when you press POOL ON? If so, the problem is in your EasyTouch. If not, the problem is in the heater.

Report what happens.

Did you replace the MasterTemp PCB with a genuine Pentair board? Show us pictures of both sides of the replacement board.

You still have your old PCB?

What is the water temperature displayed on the EasyTouch screen? Show us a picture of the screen when you turn on your Spa.

What makes you think you need a secondary skimmer?
Have you done everything you can to fine-tune your existing skimming?
Do you have a variable speed pump?
Do you have adjustable "eyeball" return fittings?

I only ask because I'm projecting. I have all the automation I could bolt on to my pool. And I will be spending most of today fixing one of my systems. Then tomorrow fixing a different one. The more gizmos, the bigger p.i.t.a. you'll have.

Shelby,

There are 3 basic kinds of pool cleaners..

1. Suction side cleaners, that use the pump's suction to power the cleaner
2. Pressure side cleaners, that use an extra 'booster' pump, plus your main pool pump to power cleaner
3. Low Voltage electric cleaners, that power themselves.

The basic problem is that no one anywhere, can tell you for sure that their cleaner will not get stuck in your deep end.. Most should not, but no one knows for sure. The only way to know is to use one.

Here is a review of a couple of low voltage cleaners..


I'm going to send you a PM (Called a Conversation here at TFP)

Thanks,

Jim R.

It works on leaves but you're limited by the size of basket. It would not work on a good windstorm like this one ...

Rancho Cost-a-Lotta said:

I love my Betta SE Plus. Not gimmicky. Does a great job clearing small floaties and helps to keep the skimmer clear. Pushes stuff off the sides and in areas of weak circulation.

This is a good thread. I opted for the 3 year warranty for some piece of mind.

Betta SE Plus

Well, I was randomly surfing on Amazon (yes I have a problem). And I discovered a Betta SE Plus. It has the missing feature we were all looking for adaptor based charging in addition to solar. Now I just got my Betta 2 back, but had they offered me an upgrade to the plus I probably would have...

www.troublefreepool.com

Click to expand...

Thanks, how about leaves? Not talking about leaves in the fall, but leaves after a good windstorm.

The spa blower would not be plumbed to the pump but they could be wired to the same breaker/power source. Have you checked the power center on the wall? You'll need to make sure the blower is getting power.