Recent content by Backyardchemist

Your numbers will be helpful here to see what's going on. Once you post those you'll get concrete guidance on what is going on. In the mean time I'm wondering 2 things: 1. The Magic Eraser has cleaning solution in it that could then find it's way back into the pool. 2. Algaecide: I recently...

From one wife who took over pool management to another, you rock! I banned pool store advice & chemicals and have had a clear pool ever since (recent algae issue aside). I've also now become the pool maven of the neighborhood helping the local men walk away, slowly, from the local pool store...

@ Pooldv: "Much easier (and cooler) to brush the pool while IN the pool!" Brilliant! I will vacuum with my suit on this afternoon! Have a good weekend all ... I can see the skim drain in the deep end clearly this morning so all is right in the backyard again. -Backyardchemist

"Make sure read ALL the directions on that page. No skipping anything. :)" Just sending along an update ... I'm back on track. FC is stable at shock level @19 with no overnight loss. Looking bluer already,BUT point taken. Cleaning filters/vacuuming/testing daily. Hopefully we'll be back to...

Thanks Texas Splash & chem geek. I'll admit ... it's been a so long since I've had to address something like this, when last I looked a SLAM was simply still referred to as a shock. :) So you have it, here's the algaecide I used: Also, I agree, following ALL of the steps will save me headaches...

Hi folks, I am a 7+ year TFP user ... I love you guys! You have saved me tons of money and helped me help the whole neighborhood switch to @ home pool management. I know I'm responsible for at least 3 TF-100 Test kit sales, so I have the economic proof that I preach the gospel. The problem I...

FYI ... just checked my CYA with my neighbor's TF-100 reagent and it is definitely below 20. -Backyardchemist

Humm ... so I am hearing two different things. From Richard, I'm hearing that I have too little CYA and from Jason I am hearing that I possibly have >20 CYA. Is it possible that my CYA reagent has gone bad and I'm getting a bad read? Also, I'm still loosing 14-16ppm of FC during the day. Would I...

Hi everyone, We have an IGP, vinyl siding, @ 25000 gallons. We live in the northern US where winter means a solid freeze on the pool. For the past 7 years we have had a solid tarp as a pool cover (held down with water bags)which was great for keeping out leaves and awful to remove. After years...

@JamesW: Hmmm, I don't think I want to reduce my low-speed flow rate. At 26 gpm (see OP) that's only ~1.5 turnovers per day at continuous operation (~1.7 if you go with 22,000 gallon pool, which I think is closer to the truth than 25,000). I don't want to go below 1.5 turnovers a day, I don't...

Well, they've agreed to send me a new motor under warranty. I didn't push for an entire new pump. I guess I can check the impeller and diffuser when I get the thing apart to see if there's any damage or such, and that it spins freely. Any tips on the disassembly and reassembly? I suppose there...

@mas985: Interesting about the power factor. I might be able to measure that, I'll give it a try. FWIW, my total head is actually 61', because I measured the pressure at the pump, not up on the filter. Doesn't change the big picture, though. I have not taken off the 'wet end' yet, and am a...

@JamesW: I see. Yes, the 121V measure is with the pump running, not just the voltage on the line with the pump off. @daddybug: No, this pump is only 115V. I've double-checked my wiring to the two-speed switch and the wiring of the switch itself. @Bama Rambler: This, to me, is the crux of the...

@Bama Rambler: So, should I expect that the motor runs at full load amps regardless of the load? I didn't think so, but my understanding of motor/pump physics is limited. Why is the head measurement at FLA 'odd?' You would expect more, or less? @JamesW: I checked the voltage both at the switch...