Good evening, I just purchased a house that included an in-ground pool... I wasn't necessarily searching one out, but I'm glad to have it!
The pool seems to be in relatively good shape, the water is very clear and the pump and filter seem to be operating normally, but the previous owner essentially tossed the keys over the fence and took off to another state, so I'm left to puzzle out what I've got. The pump is on an old-school timer to run 6 hours a day.
After reading some of the beginner's guides, I've got the TF-100 on the way - will post results once it arrives and I complete the testing.
In the mean time, I have a few questions:
1) I'm trying to get the vacuum up and running to collect some plant debris that has accumulated on the bottom and can't be removed with a net or brush. The one that came with the house is a Hayward Phoenix attached to a long hose that is attached to a port on the side of the pool. I believe I need to throw some switches and/or valves at the pump to get it to start sucking, but I'm hesitant to just start trying things for fear of burning out the pump or pumping water into the abyss. I've attached some pictures of the equipment set-up.
2) There is something called a "Kreepy Klear" Automatic chlorinator, but it is not plugged in. Will this be useful, or is it better to just ignore it?
3) The DE filter pressure gauge is reading a little less than 20 psi. Since I have no baseline, I don't know how close that is to needing to backwash. Again, I also don't know which switches and valves to hit to make this happen.
Finally, in a slightly different vein, there is no cover or gate for the pool. I don't have children so this is not a concern short term, but long term I'd like to get a safety cover for the pool in case we have young guests, as well as to reduce evaporative losses and algae growth in the summer. Since there is no heater for the pool, this would also reduce solar heating... can anyone (especially with a similar climate) speak to how they balance water temperature with other concerns? I have an odd oval shape, but figure a rectangle fit to the largest dimensions in each direction would work.
I know I'm asking a lot, if anyone has any insight on even one of the questions, I'd be greatly appreciative! Also able to snap any pictures that might help.
The pool seems to be in relatively good shape, the water is very clear and the pump and filter seem to be operating normally, but the previous owner essentially tossed the keys over the fence and took off to another state, so I'm left to puzzle out what I've got. The pump is on an old-school timer to run 6 hours a day.
After reading some of the beginner's guides, I've got the TF-100 on the way - will post results once it arrives and I complete the testing.
In the mean time, I have a few questions:
1) I'm trying to get the vacuum up and running to collect some plant debris that has accumulated on the bottom and can't be removed with a net or brush. The one that came with the house is a Hayward Phoenix attached to a long hose that is attached to a port on the side of the pool. I believe I need to throw some switches and/or valves at the pump to get it to start sucking, but I'm hesitant to just start trying things for fear of burning out the pump or pumping water into the abyss. I've attached some pictures of the equipment set-up.
2) There is something called a "Kreepy Klear" Automatic chlorinator, but it is not plugged in. Will this be useful, or is it better to just ignore it?
3) The DE filter pressure gauge is reading a little less than 20 psi. Since I have no baseline, I don't know how close that is to needing to backwash. Again, I also don't know which switches and valves to hit to make this happen.
Finally, in a slightly different vein, there is no cover or gate for the pool. I don't have children so this is not a concern short term, but long term I'd like to get a safety cover for the pool in case we have young guests, as well as to reduce evaporative losses and algae growth in the summer. Since there is no heater for the pool, this would also reduce solar heating... can anyone (especially with a similar climate) speak to how they balance water temperature with other concerns? I have an odd oval shape, but figure a rectangle fit to the largest dimensions in each direction would work.
I know I'm asking a lot, if anyone has any insight on even one of the questions, I'd be greatly appreciative! Also able to snap any pictures that might help.