Recent content by Mark Shvitz

I'm interested in it because I am paying $160, on sale, for what was an $80 product not long ago. Thanks for the info.

So what evils await me if I try this approach? Also, is there any reason not to use the algaecide and defoamer if I maintain a high chlorine level? Seems like good insurance. One more thing: I have never drained this pool. This is my 7th year here. The chlorine is a little low at around 2 ppm...

I just paid $340 for two buckets of chlorine tablets, and that was a great price for these times. I don't know if it will ever be reasonable again. I used to pay $95 for one bucket, if memory serves. I mean the stuff with no calcium. Is anyone out there cutting back on chlorine and relying more...

I have generally had very good luck here with tradesmen. I have done well here with garage door people, plumbers, arborists, AC people, electricians...a long list. But pool people here seem useless. I called the only two companies that supposedly trace pool leaks, and neither one has ever...

Right now I'm picking up very fine grey silt which appears to be nonorganic. It's going away fast, so I'm okay with it. I really think the old filter shot DE everywhere, and I'm seeing the finer particles. Best guess.

This is the second pump I've installed, if memory serves. Could be the third. The reason that's interesting is that until I put unions on the current pump, I had never seen them used. Everyone--professionals--who installed pumps I later replaced has used plain old Home Depot slip fittings with...

I believe I installed the pump in 2018. UPDATE: 2019. I greased it somewhat more than you suggest, not having seen your response. It is currently holding. Thanks. Hope I don't end up with an oily filter cartridge.

I got a cartridge filter. I don't really miss shooting a bushel of used DE all over my grass. I don't miss unscrewing 8 clamps and lifting a 50-pound lid off the housing. I don't miss getting DE all over my arm while SLOWLY adding it to the skimmer. They say DE filters better, but if your pool...

Today I am paying the price for failing to find a competent pool repair company last year. I thought the filter would take a while to clog, but it has filled up twice already in one day. I put a robot in the pool, and it blasts the silt into suspension, so the filter is getting a real test. On...

Thanks for the help. I don't have foliage problems now. The people who built this house made the bizarre choice of putting a concrete flowerbox full of dirt at the shallow end, and they put 4 trees in about 12 square feet. I killed the trees and burned them, and I am thinking of building a...

Thanks for typing all that. Above and beyond the call of duty. The leak is sealed, however, so I will not be fooling with it until I see more water come out.

Thank you for suggesting that. I see we are talking about two different things. The unions I bought did not come with O-rings. They were plain old pump unions from Home Depot. If I had known unions with O-rings existed, I would have picked some up. I don't know whether it's possible to stick...

Have you actually seen a pump with a union screwed into it? Maybe I should post a photo. The union O-ring is working just fine. That's not where the leak was.

I thought I was missing out by not getting a large filter, but then I found out they take a lot longer to clean, so I'm not sure a bigger filter would be a good idea. Easy job twice a year, or miserable job once a year? My pool is recovering from a period of problems, algae, and all-around...

Thanks. I'm glad to see I don't have to use any weird chemicals that endanger the yard.