Very new to pools...Need advice (build started 5/30/20)

[DB-Cooper]

Does that sound normal to yall?

That sounds very optimistic. You need to backout any rain delays, permit delays, etc. Many people will say you lose 3-4 days for every rainy day there is.

3 months is fairly quick in my opinion, 1.5 months seems ridiculously quick. I'm sure he's trying to sell you a pool you can use this season, but realistically, I'd plan on not getting much use this season and hope to be surprised. It takes a month for the gunite to cure, of course they can work on decking and other things, but 6 weeks seems optimistic. It also depends on the simplicity of your build.

 

[Baylor840]

Hi Chris - I am in your town and am about 2 weeks behind you building a similar-sized pool. I can tell we are using the same PB based on your description. I am excitedly following your progress! Can't wait to see more pictures, it looks very nice so far!

 

[jimim]

Do the automation now so the panel can be setup and the wiring can be done to keep it all tidy. Next to a robot it is the best money I spent!

 

[chris8725]

Do the automation now so the panel can be setup and the wiring can be done to keep it all tidy. Next to a robot it is the best money I spent!

Any particular one that I should ask for?

 

[jimim]

@Jimrahbe can tell u exactly but since u have pentair the new intelacenter is the best choice. I have the old system easytouch with screenlogic. The new version is a beefed up version which can get its own updates and also has more features.
What’s nice about the automation is u just set all ur program times and it is all taken care of. Also u can adjust the salt cell if u are gone away. U can also run landscape lighting through it to automate them if need be. I have a program that runs when I turn my heater on to open my bottom return and change the speed of my pump while the heater is running. When the heater turns off pump goes back to slower speed and the bottom return closes.

 

[chris8725]

Talked with the PB and he can install a easytouch system for $400. I think im going to go ahead and do it.

 

[chris8725]

Plumbing looks done. One of the lines is leaking water. Not sure where it is coming from though.

 

[mknauss]

I would think you would want a valve on the return lines at the equipment pad. There are two lines. I assume two sets of returns. Would be good to be able to adjust those. A simple two way diverter valve is all that is needed. Or change the plumbing into a three way then one valve is needed.

 

[chris8725]

I would think you would want a valve on the return lines at the equipment pad. There are two lines. I assume two sets of returns. Would be good to be able to adjust those. A simple two way diverter valve is all that is needed. Or change the plumbing into a three way then one valve is needed.

Is that something i need to bring up to the PB? Or should i do that on my own?

 

[mknauss]

I would think the PB. They would use the same style valve you have on the suction.

 

[chris8725]

Ok ill ask. Thank you! I have a question though. Why would i want that?

 

[mknauss]

It appears you have two return lines. I assume (you should confirm with PB) they go to different sets of returns. Depending on skimming characteristics, you might want one set of returns to push more water than the other set of returns. Flexibility. That is all.

 

[chris8725]

Ahh it makes sense now. I called the PB and each line splits off to 2 on each side.

 

[chris8725]

His response was the winds change. Why would want to be adjusting the returns everyday..

 

[jimim]

Talked with the PB and he can install a easytouch system for $400. I think im going to go ahead and do it.

So you need to find out what model. The 4 or the 8 if an easy touch. @Jimrahbe can tell u better which one bitcthe 8 gives u more growth. U also need screenlogic for iPhone control. Without it u can’t control the easytouch from a phone. That’s like a 130 dollar piece for a builder.

u should prob ask about the new inteLatouch though cause it’s deff a logical step up and worthwhile for the future.

 

[jimim]

U want to be able to have every line on its own valve so u have complete control. It just helps and also helps if there is an issue down the road.
Another thing. Tomorrow have him remove the salt cell and put in the dummy one till u break in the pool and brush all the extra plaster dust away. U don’t want all that plaster dust running through the cell u won’t be using it the first 30 days anyway. The dummy is 20 bucks. He should have them laying around.

 

[jimim]

Wait I’m looking at ur pics again.
How many returns?

how many skimmers?

2 bottom drains right?

So bottom drains should be a home run to pad. Each skimmer should be a home run to pad.

each return should be home run I feel and others also here but I’d say u have 2 and 2 are tied to each other that is ok.

But U want a valve on every home run. So if u have drains, 2 skimmers. 3 valves. If u have 4 returns. 4 valves but 2 would be ok if 2 are tied together.
Just my opinion but in my original plans things were tied together and I came here and now all is home run and valves for independent control. Valves r cheap. U want never lube ones.

 

[chris8725]

Wait I’m looking at ur pics again.
How many returns?

how many skimmers?

2 bottom drains right?

So bottom drains should be a home run to pad. Each skimmer should be a home run to pad.

each return should be home run I feel and others also here but I’d say u have 2 and 2 are tied to each other that is ok.

But U want a valve on every home run. So if u have drains, 2 skimmers. 3 valves. If u have 4 returns. 4 valves but 2 would be ok if 2 are tied together.
Just my opinion but in my original plans things were tied together and I came here and now all is home run and valves for independent control. Valves r cheap. U want never lube ones.

There is supposed to be 4 returns 2 skimmers and 2 bottom drains. Can you tell from the pics if thats what i have?

 

[jimim]

I see 2 drains and 2 skimmers but returns from looking at ur pics it looks like a ton of them. 1 see 4 pipes on one side but then I see 3 other pipes on other side and 1 pipe towards front of pool steps?

 

[DB-Cooper]

There is supposed to be 4 returns 2 skimmers and 2 bottom drains. Can you tell from the pics if thats what i have?

Two main drains are there. Those are the two pipes sticking up vertically at the deepest part of your pool. They suck water into the pump. I see two skimmers as well, they also suck into the pump.

I see a ton of returns, hard to tell where they all go, but there’s way more than four it appears. This would be all the pipes sticking out of the side of the pool several inches below the water line.
The pipes that go into the ground after the salt cell are those returns, they pump filtered and chlorinated water back into the pool through those returns. There are two pipes on the return line going to various returns.