Hi TFP!
I have a challenging pool and have struggled for years with it. It takes a long time to get to usable, is too cold when I get there, uses a lot of power to get there, etc.
This year, I'm thinking of overhauling the equipment to see if I can make it more efficient and easier to maintain and more enjoyable. My area isn't rich in pool contractors and most of them work on very luxurious projects so there will be a lot DIY.
I currently have a 1.65 SFHP pentair superflo attached to a very old multiport (which struggles sometimes), 1.5" PVC plumbing including a lot of no no's like non-sweep 90s 1 skimmer and tiny returns, and a very old large pac-fab sand filter I can't service.
I also have a goal of some automation as I'm going to have to be away from home more for work this year and don't have a pool guy (see above) and I want to spend less on electricity while getting cleaner water.
It might be hard to give me advice as I'm kind of asking a broad question but let's see how it goes. It is sort of a lot of ideas mashed together. With each improvement idea, I'm implying the questions: is this a good idea? is it worth it? will it improve our pool experience? will it meet the goals I state?
I've been thinking of doing the following:
- Upgrade to a variable speed pump
save energy; dial in ideal velocity, flow, and wattage; huge bonus if anyone has suggestions for a standalone solar pv options
- Upgrade to an SWG
eliminate my current use of tablets; better maintain FC via automation
- Switch to a cartridge filter possibly (the alternative is a new sand filter)
eliminate the need for backwashing; reduce pressure loss from multiport and sand filter; sand is possible fouled and I can't get the filter open.
- Consider adding something like a jacuzzi multicyclone
reduce large particles entering the filter
- Upgrade the old gas heater (but I don't know to what)
efficiency; automation; extend usable season.
- Commit to an automation platform (or bake one of my own?)
easier to maintain, especially when I'm away
- Upgrade accessible plumbing to 2" (above ground and down about 2')
reduce pressure and velocity and energy consumption
Things I've considered but am uncertain about because they are bigger projects
Add another skimmer for improved hydraulics
Reinstall the vacuum port (goes to the skimmer) - Currently above the water level so it is very difficult to prime but am I better off spending money on a robot?
Add a larger return since I can't imagine the 3 small pvc returns aren't creating backpressure
I have a few challenges.
- My in ground plumbing is all 1.5" with restrictions. Skimmer pipe drops to the floor drain pipe so I can't upsize the existing skimmer pipe
- The multiport is crapping out (sticks in the incorrect position, generally old)
- My returns are all buried under the pool deck so I can't upgrade them (maybe one of them is accessible with modest destruction)
- My fill water is maybe not ideal: Ca 190, TDS 310, Iron 0.8, ph 8, TDS 600, Conductivity 1100
- I cant get the little top off my old sand filter and don't see how it would be serviceable even if I did. It works but it has seen floc etc based on local advice.
- I don't have modern power to the equipment pad. My 120v for the lights doesn't go all the way there and the 220v doesn't have a neutral. It's a tough dig to change it but I'm committed to running new wire if I need to for automation.
- I don't have plaster (just concrete) or water level tile.
- I have retrievers and they get in the pool.
So, ideas? Thoughts? Clearly, I'm willing to spend some money but I want to get great results and spend it smartly.
Thanks!
I have a challenging pool and have struggled for years with it. It takes a long time to get to usable, is too cold when I get there, uses a lot of power to get there, etc.
This year, I'm thinking of overhauling the equipment to see if I can make it more efficient and easier to maintain and more enjoyable. My area isn't rich in pool contractors and most of them work on very luxurious projects so there will be a lot DIY.
I currently have a 1.65 SFHP pentair superflo attached to a very old multiport (which struggles sometimes), 1.5" PVC plumbing including a lot of no no's like non-sweep 90s 1 skimmer and tiny returns, and a very old large pac-fab sand filter I can't service.
I also have a goal of some automation as I'm going to have to be away from home more for work this year and don't have a pool guy (see above) and I want to spend less on electricity while getting cleaner water.
It might be hard to give me advice as I'm kind of asking a broad question but let's see how it goes. It is sort of a lot of ideas mashed together. With each improvement idea, I'm implying the questions: is this a good idea? is it worth it? will it improve our pool experience? will it meet the goals I state?
I've been thinking of doing the following:
- Upgrade to a variable speed pump
save energy; dial in ideal velocity, flow, and wattage; huge bonus if anyone has suggestions for a standalone solar pv options
- Upgrade to an SWG
eliminate my current use of tablets; better maintain FC via automation
- Switch to a cartridge filter possibly (the alternative is a new sand filter)
eliminate the need for backwashing; reduce pressure loss from multiport and sand filter; sand is possible fouled and I can't get the filter open.
- Consider adding something like a jacuzzi multicyclone
reduce large particles entering the filter
- Upgrade the old gas heater (but I don't know to what)
efficiency; automation; extend usable season.
- Commit to an automation platform (or bake one of my own?)
easier to maintain, especially when I'm away
- Upgrade accessible plumbing to 2" (above ground and down about 2')
reduce pressure and velocity and energy consumption
Things I've considered but am uncertain about because they are bigger projects
Add another skimmer for improved hydraulics
Reinstall the vacuum port (goes to the skimmer) - Currently above the water level so it is very difficult to prime but am I better off spending money on a robot?
Add a larger return since I can't imagine the 3 small pvc returns aren't creating backpressure
I have a few challenges.
- My in ground plumbing is all 1.5" with restrictions. Skimmer pipe drops to the floor drain pipe so I can't upsize the existing skimmer pipe
- The multiport is crapping out (sticks in the incorrect position, generally old)
- My returns are all buried under the pool deck so I can't upgrade them (maybe one of them is accessible with modest destruction)
- My fill water is maybe not ideal: Ca 190, TDS 310, Iron 0.8, ph 8, TDS 600, Conductivity 1100
- I cant get the little top off my old sand filter and don't see how it would be serviceable even if I did. It works but it has seen floc etc based on local advice.
- I don't have modern power to the equipment pad. My 120v for the lights doesn't go all the way there and the 220v doesn't have a neutral. It's a tough dig to change it but I'm committed to running new wire if I need to for automation.
- I don't have plaster (just concrete) or water level tile.
- I have retrievers and they get in the pool.
So, ideas? Thoughts? Clearly, I'm willing to spend some money but I want to get great results and spend it smartly.
Thanks!
