Polaris 3900 pressure valve gushing water. Cleaner not running right

My 3900 is 4 years old. I have already replaced the booster pump with a non-Polaris model and it worked fine the last few months but now my pressure valve is gushing water and cleaner is barely moving. I picked it up while it was on and Jets were coming out just fine. The wheels are not turning though. Any advice on what can cause the pressure valve and the wheels not turning? I have checked the in line filter and replaced the pressure valve. Also confirmed the blue restrictor disk is in place. Thanks in advance
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Automated PH and chlorine controls?

Hello folks,

I have a pool that constantly needs some Muriatic Acid to maintain the right PH. I hear that is common with new plaster pools, so not too worried about that. It also has a waterfall that likely blows off some CO2. I generally check the PH twice a week and find it floats to 8.0+ every 3 days. When I add the acid the next day my PH is on the money at 7.6 - 7.8. So I think I have the quantity dialed in pretty well (Thank you, Pool Math!). I do worry that I am getting some fluctuation in PH as I do that, keeping it more constant would be better for my OCD, but I don't quite have it so bad as to add a little acid every day.

I would be happy to check less often and wondered about automating the system. I saw a thread from back in 2019, but couldn't find anything newer. The gurus at the time thought that constant automation was not quite ready for primetime, but a simple automated acid dispenser is often a better option. I am happy to invest in a more pricey automated system, but need it to be reliable so I can more or less forget about it and check things on a weekly basis.

So...Automated pump based system controlled by me vs. fully intelligent system with real time feedback, vs keep doing what I am doing?

Sand In My Pool

This is the 3rd year i can't seem to get the sand out of my pool. We tried repairing what we thought was a crack in our sand filter, and then this year, we replaced the whole filter. STILL have sand in the pool. We have removed all the sand by vacuuming out to the sewer so it didn't go back through the system, and it keeps showing up. At this point, I may just want to convert to a cartridge. Does anyone know what the issue could be?

Loss of suction from skimmer for vacuum

I have lost suction from my pool skimmer when I vacuum my pool. I suspect a leak in the return pipe from the skimmer. I have two openings in the bottom of the skimmer. This is the first time in 12 years I have been unable to get enough suction to vacuum. If you have any ideas as to how to isolate the leak please let me know. I might call the local leak detector company, Leak Seekers of Savannah, GA.

thanks,

ed marshall.

High amps and low salt on new T-15 Salt Cell

Hello,
I recently purchased a new salt cell because I thought that mine was going bad due to the low salt readings on my aqua plus system. It was reading high amps and low salt of 1900, and the pool store told me I had a 3700ppm, which is close to what I had a week ago when it was working properly. I have attached a picture of the readings and based on my searches around this site it seems I have a loose solder on my k1 relay since the new salt cell did not fix my problem. I have previously soldered this relay as I had no Power so I went to check everything and it all looked OK. I added some solder and tried it again anyway. Still the same issue. I then went to take the board off found the yellow wires that hook into the board were melted. They still had their connections but the outer cover of the wire was brittle. I cut the wire down a little to make a better connection, but it didn't help anything. Any reason why the yellow wires might have melted(picture attached)? Could it have anything to do with my issue?

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Pump outlet hose blew off. Should I just winterize it?

Walking outside this evening, my jaw dropped when I saw the pool level. At some point between last night and this afternoon, this hose came off the pump, leading to the filter.

Has anyone had this happen before? If so, was there any damage to the pool from having so much water drain right next to it? I'm very annoyed, because I could've blocked off the skimmer so easily had I noticed the issue sooner.

Any opinions on whether I should just winterize it now, in Wisconsin? I recently installed a skimmer plate cover that should allow the water to not be drained as much during winter (super ironic).

Pictures attached for reference. Thanks!

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Muriatic acid color

@JoyfulNoise

Been grabbing MA from Leslie's and it's pale yellow and can see small fume clouds.

Tried another pool store closer to my house and it's the HASA stuff, clear liquid which had me searching the forums!

Are you still using the HASA brand clear MA? How do you like it? I was expecting fumes when pouring as I get from Leslie's yellow colored MA, but none showed up.

I am wondering if it's as good/strong as Leslie's MA. 🤔

Pentair 522035 Intellicenter Indoor Control Panel Issue

I have added an 522035 Intellicenter Indoor Control Panel to my system and I am having a problem with it. For example if I turn on the spa from the main intellicenter control panel I will see the spa is turned on in the 522035 control panel. Now if I turn off the spa from the 522035 control panel it will turn off on the screen, the main intellicenter control panel will not get the change and the spa will not turn be turned off. After a couple of seconds the 522035 control panel will revert back to showing the spa is on. I have updated both control panels firmware to use the save version. Any idea what could be going on?

Thanks.

Aqualink Upgrade

I currently have a PDA system and am just interested in a Wi-Fi antenna to turn a few things on and off (for now). I feel like I am getting conflicting info on how/if I can set this up….
I may have gotten overzealous when I found a IQ-30a for $200 on eBay. My current set up is as pictured. Can I connect a IQ-30a to this system? Does the antenna replace the current PDA antenna or is it added in addition?

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Pentair Intelliflow3 011075

Hi

My old Pentair WF-28 pump died this week and after doing some research, have landed on replacing it with a Pentair IntelliFlo3 (011075). I found this on Amazon, but it almost looks too good to be true, at $1095. Most other retailers are asking c.$1500.

Is that just a really good deal or am I missing something?

Delivery is not until September 11, so that’s not ideal as my pool is already turning green.

Bypassing Prologic

I have the exact same issue as this user with my Hayward Aqua Plus system throwing a Communication Error. Ironically, I live in the same area as the original poster and my pool pump setup is identical (where my 220v pump outlet is controlled by a paddle switch and a double 20A breaker). I will need to bypass the relay on the Hayward Aqua Plus so it doesn’t continue to short cycle my single speed pump. Per the earlier detail in the post, I will connect the one set of wires (terminals 2 & 4) together with a wire nut and the second set of wires (terminals 6 & 8) together with a second wire nut. Do I have that correct?

Did I run too close to min?

Thought I would be a pro this year. I guess not. Noticed the dreaded brown dust collecting on the seams, the steps and a couple dime size spots elsewhere yesterday morning. That evening there was more. TF100 testing shows my CYA was 60. Pool store showed 70. I brought it up to TF100 70 earlier this month. Since then I have been running 5-6 FC checking in the evenings with the occasional dip to 4 after having people over to swim. Never below 4. I run the salt cell at 40% for 11 hours during the day.

Decided yesterday afternoon to do a half slam and brought FC to 14 (28 would be SLAM level) for the evening. Did a OCLT last night. First test showed a 2 PPM loss and second showed a 1 PPM loss. Little to no CC. Brought FC back up to 14 before leaving for work. Just getting home at 5 and FC held all day at 14 but there was still the dust on the floor but not near as much. Has rained 2" from last night to today as well.

- Should I hold half slam and do another OCLT test tonight and see what happens
- Going on from here what should I maintain my FC at if 5PPM let this happen?
-Could pool store CYA be more accurate than my eyes on the TF100 test and could my CYA now be 80?
(Feel free to check my logs)

Thanks!

Add calcium or let it be?

Hey guys, my water parameters are all looking pretty solid except I'm wondering about calcium:

FC: 5
CC: 0
pH: 7.6
TA: 70
CH: 300 or 325 depending on how accurate I'm being (I think)
CYA: 70
Salt: 3400
CSI: -.32


I was thinking of adding enough calcium chloride to get to 425 because pool math tells me my ideal levels are 350-550. That would also bring my CSI closer to 0.

My tap water comes out at 200-225 CH.

With evaporation etc I figure my ch levels are going to trend upward. I'm in southern California so I add quite a bit of water over the year.

What do you guys think?

Concrete in my plumbing....??

Over the last couple of years, I've noticed fairly small amounts of what I assumed were filter sound accumulating below the return ports of my in-ground, part tiled/part concrete lined pool. The sand in the filter needed changing and sure enough one of the spreaders had cracked, so I replaced it.

Cement surround to skimmer access port had also crumbled away, leaving water to bath and dissolve surrounding concrete. This has now been replaced and covered so no exposed concrete.

New pump recently fitted (more powerful) and within a week - round a 'dump' about cup full) of what I thought was sand in the pump basket, but on closer inspection, I think this is concrete (photo attached) as it's too course. Have just had another cup-full today and tend to find about an eggcup full every time I empty the pump basket (maybe every 2 weeks). I'm unsure whether this is just 'legacy concrete' from the skimmer which the newer, more powerful pump is pulling through the system, or whether it's new and represents a horrible/expensive problem lurking somewhere in the circuit. I don't think the water level is noticeably dropping (pool runs approx 8hrs/day), but not sure if this is reassuring or not...

Anyone know if there is a way of working out if this is something to be worried about? My current problem is just to watch and wait and hope the concrete accumulation clears and keep an eye on the pool level...

Thanks in advance...

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LINER REPLACEMENT Vinyl

Hello...looking for any tips on how to evaluate proposals. Liners being proposed are GFI or Latham and based on my research both are good.
Most companies want 50% order liner now for spring installation. One is asking me to store the liner over the winter. Is that the norm? I guess if something happens over the winter it is on my dime if at my home ...anything else about this? Any tips would be welcome. First time doing this and not a small investment. Thank you in advance. Glad to have found this forum.

Paver tube length

Good day everyone,

Planning on installing a safety cover over my inground pool. The dog ripped our vinyl cover in the spring. I chose the safety cover so that he wouldn’t rip apart another new vinyl snap in cover. He couldn’t resist the water that had melted and pooled over the vinyl cover. Once he reached the steps (with wooden cover) he probably had a challenge getting out due to the vinyl cover lowering from the weight of the snow and water.

I have pavers over a gravel and HPB bedding. Not sure what length aluminum tubes with anchors I should be installing. The options I have found are 10” or 18” with brass anchors. Is there a particular length that would be better. I’m worried that I will have trouble hammering in the longer ones.

Also, the pool cover that I will order is not custom. My pool is 15 x 29. Rectangular with angled corners. Steps in the Centre at one end. If I get a rectangular pool cover that is 18x32 it will cover two ends with more overlap. I’ll space it out so that the overhang is even on all sides. Will the longer overhang be an issue?

Appreciate any feedback. Nervous about this install. Doing it myself will keep it on a reasonable budget.

SKIMMER COVER

My pool builder installed 9x9inch flagstone skimmer covers with like a 1 inch hole in the center. They are about one inch thick. One of my covers broke has anyone here ever cut their own out for a replacement? My question is how did you cut out the hole for your finger to lift the skimmer cover? What type of hole saw did you use? I have spider hole saw bits but I'm afraid those won't cut through flagstone. Thanks

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High Power Wireless Link Kit for IntelliCenter -- success!

Wanted to post our experience with hooking up our new IntelliCenter via the new "high power wireless link kit," (not EnGenius) as we had some issues and failed to find answers when we searched.

First, we upgraded our EasyTouch 8 panel using the Intellicenter upgrade kit. We did this so that we could install the IntelliChem system to monitor and deploy muriatic acid on an as-needed basis.

We also wanted to be able to monitor things remotely. Pentair apparently no longer supports the ScreenLogic app (plus it sounds like it never worked well on android), and we understand there are issues connecting ScreenLogic to a Google mesh network.

So we decided to upgrade our panel to the IntelliCenter. The upgrade went smoothly and the IntelliChem system seems to be working great so far.

We did have some connectivity and setup issues with our new IntelliCenter though.

The system comes with an outside antenna that is connected to the IntelliCenter control board via an ethernet cable. This antenna communicates wirelessly to a receiver that plugs directly into our router (we use T-mobile high-speed internet). Once these units were powered (and the Enable Web & Mobile Interface setting on the IntelliCenter was set to ON), the IntelliCenter came online with its own IP.

We then tried to create a new account but kept running into problems. We were able to input all information for a new account, but kept getting an error when it tried to create the account. The error was "Unable to connect to WIFI device. Please check the WIFI device is powered, fully booted and the network cable is connected to the ethernet port on the back of the IntelliCenter main board (TCP_ERR)."

We tried to connect to our local network via the Network & Wifi Setup, but the IntelliCenter would search and search for networks but never find any. Simultaneously, we had an IP address and the IntelliCenter was clearly connected to the internet already. So it appeared to need a connection to the local network in order to complete the account setup, but since the new link essentially bypasses the local network, we could not create the account. Catch-22.

Anyway, we ended up bringing our router outside and connected an ethernet cable directly from the router to the IntelliCenter board itself, skipping both the antenna and the receiver. This allowed us to create a new account online. After that, we were able to log in via our mobile devices. After that, we returned the router back inside, reconnected the receiver and the antenna, confirmed that once again the IntelliCenter had an IP address, and everything worked great.

Moral of the story: If you have an existing account to log into, you'll probably be fine. But if you have to create a new one, you may need to hard-wire it in order to get that account set up.

I hope this helps someone!

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Anyone recognize this Pentair pool light assembly?

Had some water on the inside of one of my Pentair pool lights. Removed the fixture from the niche and took the light apart.
I am ordering a new gasket and will like put some silicon on the power cord entry to the fixture.

Im also thinking about replacing the “guts”. But, wow, lots of things!! The light (when it was still in the pool) worked - at least put out light.
Before I attempt to pull the guts, does anyone know if this fixture has a standard medium base style fixture?

Here are some pictures I just took:
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Warning - Low Amps. Cell? And other issues.

I have a 15000 gallon salt water pool with a Hayward sand filter, and Autopilot cell and Autopilot Pool Pilot Digital SWG. I've had nothing but issues the entire 13 years I've had this and doing this myself with my own research isn't working.

Right now the issue is the low amps - Cell? warning.
After running boost for about an hour, it's at 3000ppm salt, 28 volts, and 3.0a. The cell and cell cord are 4.5 years old and I know have been cleaned once in the past couple years with muriatic acid (I think). I haven't checked if it's clean yet, but I guess that's one thing I need to do. Should I just replace the cord first, or after 4.5 years, it's time for cell and cord most likely?

Otherwise, I've had to replace the pump and motor every few years also. They just get burnt up so quickly. I have to be doing something wrong.

Thanks in advance.

If I do need to replace the cell, saltpoolstore has a generic SC-36 / RC35/22 for $150 less with 5 year warranty as opposed to the $399 for Autopilot cell everywhere else?

Is our pump done for?

Hello, welcome to my pool pump saga.

Pump context: Hayward Variable Speed Pump, SP2600VSP, approximately 9 years old.

Problem 1) noticed since the beginning of the summer that one of our two jets was coming out a lot more bubbly. Had to backburner dealing with that as other house problems had to take priority. It got noticeably worse about two weeks ago, but I finally investigated the pump and realized there was water leaking from the discharge outlet connection going from the pump and the filter. Applied epoxy and the bubbliness has decreased slightly, but even after a few epoxy applications there's still some leaking. Last night, did a re-prime with the hose, which seemed to further decrease (but again, not entirely remove) the extra bubbliness. Hoping that decrease will continue to stay (i will update this if there is change). Current theory: air leak problem which may need the connection to be replaced (which will be a joy because some previous repairperson GLUED our pump and filter hoses together where they connected...)

Problem 2) This may just be as a result of Problem 1 (and preceded the epoxy application), but last weekend, after running for several hours (no more than usual though), the pump refused to maintain speed, before shutting itself off.

Problem 3) Noticed our buttons getting a little touchy over the summer—have to press a little harder or in certain areas to actually activate the button. However, as of a few days ago, the buttons have pretty much become non-operational. We plug in the pump and it turns on to the highest speed (3000) and pressing any of the other speed buttons, arrows, or run/stop does nothing. Only way to turn off the pump is by disconnecting the power entirely. The ONLY button that does anything is the disp/func which once pressed will switch to PR, climb up to PR 4.00 then just stay there and once more none of the buttons will do anything, nor will anything else happen with that button and we just end up back to having to unplug...

Anyone have any ideas on whether it's worth looking into repairing the potential air leak or investigating whatever is going on with the buttons (or have any tips I can try for further troubleshooting?), or if we should just get a new pump?

TIA

Can't get crystal clear water

Hi group! Newbie question with Intex sand filter and salt water system. We were away from home for 2 weeks. No brushing or cleaning entire time just pump on. Chocked the pool, brushed few times and vacuumed. Water levels were OK. I read multiple articles and it's recommended to a liquid chlorine to increase FCI.
I added 0.5gal liquid chlorine at night and ran pump and boost for 24hrs. Still same slight algea in the bottom. Brushed and skimmed the pool, collected some algea bubbles. Liquid chlorine increased FCI to 10, but decreased Alk to 40 and pH to 6.8. TH level is at 250.
Backwashed the filter and water looked clean. What are your recommendations?20230910_103951.jpg

Why 2 circuit breakers for pool lights

I am trying to free up some spots in my easy touch control panel for an additional circuit breaker. And for some reason I have two circuit breakers for my lights. One is for the main pool lights and accents lights and the other is for bubble lights. The thing is I only have one transformer for the lights. I am a bit confused why it was wired this way. Thanks for any insight you can give me.

Dave

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