New F/Glass build DownUnder - Adelaide - What have I let myself in for?... :)

[needsajet]

Very helpful. Thanks Costas!

 

[Costas > DownUnder]

Thanks for doing this write up. This will be helpful for those with this equipment for sure!

Kim

Very helpful. Thanks Costas!

 

[Costas > DownUnder]

So I think I'm getting the hang of it now - TFP methodology that is.....:bowdown:

I'm at the point now where I can relax a little and trust that my pool balance will not fall off a cliff in 24Hrs time.

I have been carefully measuring/testing every day since the pool went in and also when my full blown Clear Choice Labs test kit arrived.

I have been able to track changes in chemical levels and also accurately predict the changes thanks to TFP's pool math calc.

While our weather here is just entering winter stage, I'm now fairly confident to run the pool for a number of days before stressing about testing various levels so I think I can back off with testing the critical levels etc every day.

Albeit as we start to enter spring then summer DownUnder, my testing frequency will be stepped up a few notches until I gain confidence in my pool (and myself) in keeping levels relatively stable over the warmer and sunny months.

So far so good - Who said pools were time consuming to maintain....

Still more work required to have my pool fully functional (coping/paving/landscaping etc) but water management seems under my control at this point in time - Thanks to TFP...

PB yet to handover pool however my current relatively stable levels are:

FC: 6
CC: 0
CYA: 80
PH: 7.3
TA: 60
CH: 250
NaCl: 4000

SWCG running for 4 hrs/Day @ its lowest setting (12.5% outout)


Still a complete 'NOOB' at all this as it is my first ever pool but feeling very comfortable in keeping control of my pool water.

 

[riley00dog]

So I think I'm getting the hang of it now - TFP methodology that is.....:bowdown:

I'm at the point now where I can relax a little and trust that my pool balance will not fall off a cliff in 24Hrs time.

I have been carefully measuring/testing every day since the pool went in and also when my full blown Clear Choice Labs test kit arrived.

I have been able to track changes in chemical levels and also accurately predict the changes thanks to TFP's pool math calc.

While our weather here is just entering winter stage, I'm now fairly confident to run the pool for a number of days before stressing about testing various levels so I think I can back off with testing the critical levels etc every day.

Albeit as we start to enter spring then summer DownUnder, my testing frequency will be stepped up a few notches until I gain confidence in my pool (and myself) in keeping levels relatively stable over the warmer and sunny months.

So far so good - Who said pools were time consuming to maintain....

Still more work required to have my pool fully functional (coping/paving/landscaping etc) but water management seems under my control at this point in time - Thanks to TFP...

PB yet to handover pool however my current relatively stable levels are:

FC: 6
CC: 0
CYA: 80
PH: 7.3
TA: 60
CH: 250
NaCl: 4000

SWCG running for 4 hrs/Day @ its lowest setting (12.5% outout)


Still a complete 'NOOB' at all this as it is my first ever pool but feeling very comfortable in keeping control of my pool water.

Excellent! Your numbers are great. You are far from a NOOB! You’re so over the chemistry. I feel like my pool is trying to send me insane at times. It has become a little easier lately and I agree that it is nice not to feel like the pool needs constant around the clock attention. Good job! Is your ph probe hooked up yet? Curious to know whether yours does a decent job of keeping your ph down. Not sure if mine is faulty or it’s just that I have new pebble (of course for you not an issue with fibreglass). In the habit of dosing 900ml of diluted acid (3:1 asits currently set up though will be mixing 2:1 next time) through the chlorinator each day now or by hand if the boys want to swim sooner. Seems to make no attempt to push the ph down although it does tell me it’s auto dosing.

 

[Costas > DownUnder]

Is your ph probe hooked up yet? Curious to know whether yours does a decent job of keeping your ph down.

I have hooked up the PH probe and calibrated it - It seems to be accurate so far as it has been tracking my manual test well.

However I have not hooked up the auto dosing pump as yet - Apparently the PB will do this on handover - I currently don't have handy a suitable container to rig up to the hose etc.

I suspect that your PH fluctuations are still down to your pool surface settling in. I'd just simply manually add acid for now until you notice the PH stabilising somewhat.

I noted when starting my pool, the fill water consumed quite a bit of acid every day for a week or two before starting to taper off - and that is for a fibreglass shell...!

Once the PH settles - I reckon you will be able to setup the acid doser on auto without too much problem.

Are you still running the doser on the watered down 1:3 acid/water mix? Manual states 1:2 from memory.

 

[kimkats]

So glad things are starting to settle in and you can now really relax and enjoy the view of the pool instead of working on it!

Kim

 

[riley00dog]

I have hooked up the PH probe and calibrated it - It seems to be accurate so far as it has been tracking my manual test well.

However I have not hooked up the auto dosing pump as yet - Apparently the PB will do this on handover - I currently don't have handy a suitable container to rig up to the hose etc.

I suspect that your PH fluctuations are still down to your pool surface settling in. I'd just simply manually add acid for now until you notice the PH stabilising somewhat.

I noted when starting my pool, the fill water consumed quite a bit of acid every day for a week or two before starting to taper off - and that is for a fibreglass shell...!

Once the PH settles - I reckon you will be able to setup the acid doser on auto without too much problem.

Are you still running the doser on the watered down 1:3 acid/water mix? Manual states 1:2 from memory.

Thanks. Will be interesting to see how your auto dosing performs. I too find the probe to be extremely accurate. When I add acid by hand it reads my target exactly after no more than half an hour. Good job pool maths and ph probe! Yes, still running 3:1. If I could dump it I would but not sure how to dispose of it other than in my pool lol. Just using it to manually dose through the chlorinator to get rid of it rather than hand dosing. I’ve seen the big containers at Bunnings. Mine is just a big black square 20l plastic container with a blue lid. The lid has a hole for the tubing. Your pb will probably provide one if he’s setting it up. Can’t wait until I run out of acid in my auto dosing container so I can set up to the 2:1 ratio. I think this will make the world of difference. Apparently Astral have advised the 3:1 is actually preferable than the 2:1. I can imagine it’s gentler on the system as they state but I don’t really care about my tubing deteriorating. Just want acid in my pool quicker than it’s currently getting in there! Sigh. Personally think if you can get a 15l container then it will be better for mixing. Just add one 5l bottle of acid and top off with water. Done.

 

[Costas > DownUnder]

TCan’t wait until I run out of acid in my auto dosing container so I can set up to the 2:1 ratio.

What you could try is top temporarily place the outlet tube into a measuring container and just see how much acid is actually dosed during the day.

Using your 3:1 ratio, you could then quickly ascertain exactly how much acid is being added during one days worth of dosing.


The 15L idea is a good idea - I wasn't sure as to what sort of container I would prefer for the acid solution - ie whether to go for a short flatter style or a taller thinner (Jerry can style) - Need to see what space I have for the acid container.

 

[riley00dog]

What you could try is top temporarily place the outlet tube into a measuring container and just see how much acid is actually dosed during the day.

Using your 3:1 ratio, you could then quickly ascertain exactly how much acid is being added during one days worth of dosing.


The 15L idea is a good idea - I wasn't sure as to what sort of container I would prefer for the acid solution - ie whether to go for a short flatter style or a taller thinner (Jerry can style) - Need to see what space I have for the acid container.

That’s a good idea. I know from pool maths that when I manually dose it through the chlorinator that it doses the correct amount (accounting for dilution) as my ph always end up dead on my target. Would be interesting to see how much it doses itself though. Would need to keep whatever I use away from the dogs. From the other night I’ve determined that it needs longer run times to auto dose a decent amount so about to go out tonight to lengthen my run times and drop back my % on the SWG. When I left the pool on 0% SWG and pump on low all night the other night Ph remained stable so it obviously had the chance to self dose a decent amount over that time.

FC has climbed considerably over the past couple of days (yes testing with Cl regagent not TA lol). I don’t mind and actually it’s a good thing that it looks like it will settle at a lower setting. I think like you have said before it takes a couple of days on each adjustment to settle. I may not need to run it as high as I thought I did. Plus my boys haven’t swam for a couple of days so that is probably part of it too lol. Will leave any changes I make for a couple of days to settle in. Water still looks good and no CC. Keep thinking I’m going to pull the cover to a green pool!

Last of the pbs work was meant to be started this week and finished by end of next week. No sign of anyone or anything being done. Need to book in the concrete resurfacing but won’t until it’s all wrapped up with pb.

Happy with our container for the acid. Will take a pic for you when I go back out. What I plan on doing is to pour in 1 x 5l bottle of acid then top up with 2 x tap water using the empty acid bottle. That way the bottle gets a good rinse before I dispose of it too. Whatever container works in your space would be fine. Any news on your pavers? I’m itching to see them in place.

 

[Costas > DownUnder]

I’ve determined that it needs longer run times to auto dose a decent amount so about to go out tonight to lengthen my run times and drop back my % on the SWG.

Another thing you could do is to set the total pool volume to a much higher amount so 'it thinks' it needs to add more acid per dose due to the greater pool volume if you are going to try auto dosing.

Happy with our container for the acid. Will take a pic for you when I go back out. What I plan on doing is to pour in 1 x 5l bottle of acid then top up with 2 x tap water using the empty acid bottle.

Good plan - I was thinking along the same lines - although one could use say a 20L container and do the same, just don't fill it.

Any news on your pavers? I’m itching to see them in place.

Unfortunately not as yet... starting to get a little impatient as that is our next major build hold-up which is preventing the pool from being handed over.

Although, I keep reminding myself that we have just started Winter and there will be a number of months to roll through before we get close to wanting to have a swim in some warm weather.

 

[riley00dog]

Another thing you could do is to set the total pool volume to a much higher amount so 'it thinks' it needs to add more acid per dose due to the greater pool volume if you are going to try auto dosing.




Good plan - I was thinking along the same lines - although one could use say a 20L container and do the same, just don't fill it.




Unfortunately not as yet... starting to get a little impatient as that is our next major build hold-up which is preventing the pool from being handed over.

Although, I keep reminding myself that we have just started Winter and there will be a number of months to roll through before we get close to wanting to have a swim in some warm weather.

They have already increased the pool volume to 40,000 litres in the chlorinator for that exact reason. I think the proper dilution will help along with longer pump run times.

Probably a 20l container is better so you’re not filling it to the brim.

You do have plenty of time before spring but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating. It will be worth it though and in a years time the hold up will be all but forgotten about... that’s what I tell myself [emoji23]

 

[uxbridgechris]

Speaking of 'full'...... my water level has been rising the last two days due to heavy rainfall

I have holes in my skimmer that allow extra water from rainfall to drain out. I notice only your collar is poured. May not be too late for something similar.

 

[riley00dog]

I have holes in my skimmer that allow extra water from rainfall to drain out. I notice only your collar is poured. May not be too late for something similar.

That’s a really good idea. Easy enough to put in an overflow now. Love ours now that the plumbing has been fixed by a professional.

 

[needsajet]

Bunnings has acid in a 20 litre container for $47 last time I bought one. That container might be a good one to switch to when you use some up. There's no deposit on the container which is also nice. Pool and Spa Warehouse has a 15 L acid in a deposit style container for $20 last time I bought one.

I saved all my 5 litre jugs, and refill them from a 20 litre or 15 litre. I use a funnel and do it on a breezy day out in the open, with bare legs and feet, just in case.

When I refill the 5 litre jugs, I only fill them up to 3 or 4 litres because those jugs always seem to gurgle when they're full.

Just a few ideas that might be helpful. It's gratifying seeing two great pool startups based on TFPC!

 

[Costas > DownUnder]

I have holes in my skimmer that allow extra water from rainfall to drain out. I notice only your collar is poured. May not be too late for something similar.

Thanks for that - I was also thinking about an overflow but we do not usually get torrential rain down where I am located. Riley00dog is located in an area which tends to receive heavy downpours - we usually complain about drought and the dry heat...

I think I will manage with just performing a backwash on the odd occasion - Good excuse to clean the filter.

those jugs always seem to gurgle when they're full.

Yeh - I think we have all experienced that with liquid splurging out in every direction when it gurgles/burps.

It's gratifying seeing two great pool startups based on TFPC!

I'm so glad I stumbled on TFPC BEFORE we put the pool in.

Now to convince my brother who has had a plaster pool for quite a few years now but has been relying on the pool store for his water balancing.

He has also had a few issues with his pool surface and I'm trying to convert him over to the 'Dark Side'.

He popped around the other week and without any prompting he mentioned that my pool looked really clear and that is with all the sand/concrete residue on the floor...!

I have not seen his pool closeup for a couple of months so I wonder how clear his water is as I think my water clarity surprised him somewhat.

Maybe I'll be able to sway him over during our summer months when there is some bather load in our pools.

 

[riley00dog]

True about you not really getting much rain compared to our downpours. We had 100mm in a day earlier this year. On the one occasion I visited Adelaide it was the most bizarre weather...sun, rain, sun, storm.

I say just wait for your brother to ask you about TFP. Just slip a few subtle hints about how easy it is to care for your pool. How cheap it is etc. He might come around eventually. It actually sounds like the cogs are already turning lol.

 

[Costas > DownUnder]

I may even let him swim in my pool...

 

[riley00dog]

As long as he showers between swimming in his pool and yours [emoji23] You don’t want any nasty water contaminating your pool.

 

[Costas > DownUnder]

So I have been getting impatient in having my pool cleaned thoroughly.

Still waiting on paving and coping so PB has not cleaned my pool as yet.

Today I had the day off from work so I decided to clean the heavy pool debris but by wasting very little water.



So here is a pic of my problem this morning - Heavy debris left over from initial pool construction.

Predominately consists of concrete & heavy sand, dust, gravel and other ingredients that have fallen into the pool since construction started at the end of April.

The last few days I had been sweeping the larger debris towards the centre of the pool to try and localise it a little. While this worked OK for the larger debris - all the finer debris ended up being deposited fairly equally around the rest of the pool of course...

Closeups of what I had to deal with:

 

[Costas > DownUnder]

As I did not want any gravel to bypass my skimmer and thereby ending up in my plumbing (and everything else downstream), the first line of defense/filtering was to beef up my skimmer basket's filtering capabilities with a fine hairnet:

I was hoping that this would be good enough to capture all the heavier debris but obviously the finer stuff would still flow through.

Adjustable vacuum plate was then locked in place over skimmer basket: