Recent content by johnsjets

Ok, I can understand your issues handling chlorine, whether it be a liquid (bleach) or a solid (trichlor), but honestly, your argument against using SWG and CYA is misguided. Most of the folks who have already replied are experts with many years of using proven methods in the field. I would...

Be careful when handling the Muriatic Acid. Wear protective eye gear, clothing and gloves, and don't breathe in the fumes. Some folks say to pour downwind, but I just simply hold my breath when first pouring out of the jug (wind direction can change suddenly). Extra care must be used if pouring...

You might want to check it a few times a week from now on. Personally, I clean mine out daily, especially since we have a surrounding garden and lots of trees, and use a skimmer sock.

Acid is heavier than water. Even if you pour it over the return jet, some will find it's way to the bottom before it is all thoroughly mixed in your pool water. Therefore, it is important to get the acid mixed and diluted as much as possible before it can sit on the pool bottom for any extended...

I personally prefer not to have the pool on a timer for any period of time while it's unattended...unless a neighbor is available to check on things and can shut the system down in case of a malfunction. I have used the shock method before leaving on vacation and it has worked for me. If away...

Ha! Talk about OCD...I will mix a five gallon bucket of water per half jug of Clorox and THEN pour over the return. Probably needless and waste of time, but like a dad worrying about an infant's bottom, I don't want to even risk a possible rash on my nice smooth vinyl liner.

There are pool cover pumps with a shut off float that works like a typical sump pump. Once the water level retreats to a level below the float, a switch will cut off power to the pump. I don't know if this arrangement will fit your 4 inch pipe, but it might be worth a look.

You don't have to settle for either, if you don't mind using the liquid chlorine. Have you used it the past (wasn't clear on that)? A bit more work intensive, but not a big deal. Just buy the standard Clorox bleach (buy when on sale if you can) and use the pool calculator under pool math to...

Well, for the most part; but the chlorinator does have it's place in the chemical maintenance of the pool. I'll use one when I'm away for several days, otherwise the pool will start turning green from algae formation. I'll also use the tabs when I want to RAISE the cya level when I find it is...

I have been using the telescoping painter's pole for many years. They are much more durable than the flimsy aluminum poles found at the pool store. You'll have to rig up a connecting end to allow your pool accessory items (brush, leaf rake, etc.) to be attached. I chose the path of sawing off a...

Just make sure to keep an eye on the water level if you are going to experience periods of heavy snow. Built up snow and ice on your cover will cause it to sag putting a lot of pressure on it. I try to make sure the water level is just below the coping so that the cover will not sag as much...

Deleted. Found the answer.

The question was answered from the perspective of an INGROUND pool user. The idea being that the effects of water freezing inside the skimmer box would be mitigated by the contraction of the plastic gizmo as the water inside the skimmer freezes and the ice begins to expand. The foam pieces of...