Having a pool built and need advice

[PoolGate]

You still have to grab the bucket to shake it clean, unless you're going to tell me there's a better way

I get tons of spiders. I lift the basket using my hook, inspect the bottom of the basket which is usually devoid of anything, put my hand around the bottom, then shake the basket out over the fence. No worries about creepy crawlys!

 

[voidpointer]

Is there a way to point the eyeballs in a different direction? I can't tell if it has a ball joint in the middle that can move freely, or if you have to rotate them to change their direction.

Is there an optimal direction for them or does it matter?

 

[Newdude]

The outer ring / faceplate loosens and then the eyeball moves freely. Then you tighten the faceplate so it doesn't shift after.

Is there an optimal direction for them or does it matter?

You want just high enough to push water, without breaking the surface like a rooster tail.

 

[ajw22]

Is there a way to point the eyeballs in a different direction? I can't tell if it has a ball joint in the middle that can move freely, or if you have to rotate them to change their direction.

Loosen the rig around the eyeball and use the handle of a screwdriver stuck in the eye to move the eyeball.

Is there an optimal direction for them or does it matter?

It takes trial and error to determine what works for your pool environment. A lot depends on your prevailing winds.

 

[voidpointer]

Loosen the rig around the eyeball and use the handle of a screwdriver stuck in the eye to move the eyeball.

What tool should I use to loosen the eyeball? I have an adjustable wrench that isn't big enough. I end up struggling to unscrew it and I either end up stripping the plastic (makes it look uglier) or scratching a ring around the plaster due to the metal of the wrench making contact to it.

 

[ajw22]

What tool should I use to loosen the eyeball?

Exactly what type of eyeball is it?

There are removal tools. See Hayward Inlet Eyeball Removal - Further Reading

 

[voidpointer]

Exactly what type of eyeball is it?

There are removal tools. See Hayward Inlet Eyeball Removal - Further Reading

Based on appearance, looks to be the Hayward type. After watching this youtube video, I don't know if the plastic key is the right tool. I don't want to take out the whole assembly, just untighten the outside part so I can turn the eyeball.

 

[ajw22]

Based on appearance, looks to be the Hayward type. After watching this youtube video, I don't know if the plastic key is the right tool. I don't want to take out the whole assembly, just untighten the outside part so I can turn the eyeball.

The video shows you the three pieces of the assembly.

You need to see if it comes out as 2 pieces or 3 pieces. Whatever it is make your adjustments as you are putting it back in.

 

[Newdude]

What tool should I use to loosen the eyeball?

I use channel lock pliers. I put a few wraps of electrical tape on the jaws, both to help protect the plastic fitting, and then the liner/finish when I drop them, because, let's be honest here. We both know it's gonna happen.

I lube the threads and the eyeball and sometimes it even comes out by hand the next time.

 

[tommelton]

You can use something similar to this - sizing based on what size you actually need:

Rubber strap wrench

rubber strap wrench - Google Search

 

[voidpointer]

PB came to install a JVA for the bubblers but the on/off state is backwards in the aqualink interface (e.g. when it says "OFF" the bubblers are on). Is that something easy to fix myself? Is it a software change? How do I fix it?

 

[mknauss]

on/off state is backwards

Move the switch on the actuator to the other 'on' position.

 

[voidpointer]

Move the switch on the actuator to the other 'on' position.

Ok I'll try that. I thought that caused it to rotate left/right.

EDIT: Yep, that worked. I was expecting the state to swap without moving the valve, but instead it does move the valve but keep the state the same (so they end up being opposite). I googled the heck out of this and didn't find an answer even though it was simple...

 

[voidpointer]

I got all my Jandy equipment set up in Home Assistant!

 

[PoolGate]

Very nice! Just FYI I had to remove the Jandy link on Alexa because I would randomly find the pool lights turned on. Alex defaults to lights on in certain events. Really annoying! Not sure how home assistant works.

 

[voidpointer]

Just did my latest round of testing the water today. I raised CL from 3.0 to 6.5 yesterday. then today it's back down to 3! Crazy. So I guess my daily chlorine usage for now is 3.0. I set my target to 8 this time and ended up dumping 128oz of 10% bleach in. I feel like I'm using too much but I'm trying to counter the chlorine consumption so I'm not having to add it every day (once every two days would be better). Let me know if I'm approaching this wrong...

 

[PoolGate]

Just did my latest round of testing the water today. I raised CL from 3.0 to 6.5 yesterday. then today it's back down to 3! Crazy. So I guess my daily chlorine usage for now is 3.0. I set my target to 8 this time and ended up dumping 128oz of 10% bleach in. I feel like I'm using too much but I'm trying to counter the chlorine consumption so I'm not having to add it every day (once every two days would be better). Let me know if I'm approaching this wrong...

Is it really sunny?

 

[voidpointer]

Is it really sunny?

Yeah it has been, even though it's been cold. I understand that sunlight causes higher chlorine use but I don't have a good feel for what is "normal" yet for my pool. 3.0 seems high but maybe that's just because I'm new at this

 

[mknauss]

Do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test. Takes the 'sun' out of the equation.

 

[voidpointer]

Do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test. Takes the 'sun' out of the equation.

Ok I'll do this tonight. What's the difference between OCLT and the CC test? I am surely misunderstanding, but I thought CC represented the FC was in the process of breaking something down and that also represented FC loss.