Recent content by Panzer

I purchased my Doughboy through Russo's in Northlake. They're an authorized Doughboy dealer. I was able to purchase some other Doughboy specific parts (skimmer cover, return eye) at a local pool store but, it's very hit or miss as to what you will find there. Best of luck. Respectfully,

The restrictor plate comes installed on the unit. My unit was purchased from Hayward with the 1 hp motor. They even sell it with a 1.5 hp motor optional (which I'd agree is a waste of money) Unless someone removed the plate (when replacing the check valve?) and forgot to reinstall it. I've...

Have you been cleaning your filter media support (filter fingers) Flex Tubes, as prescribed in the Preventative Maintenance section? Additionally, you may want to check the fingers for a slight tear if the DE is actually entering the pool. My old filter would do it on initial precoating of the...

Obviously, running the pump at a lower rate will lower the flow into the skimmer. If you feel that the surface is accumulating more material than you'd prefer, then pulling more suction from the skimmer than from the main drain will help. On my previous pool I ran a skimmer extension arm (at...

As Marty said, in order to maintain it properly you'll still need to know your FC, CYA, & pH levels. For approx $60 you can purchase those individual tests from TFTeskits or for a few dollars more get a TF-100. (costs is a lot less than a new pump/filter) Pool store testing can be spotty at...

The OP stated " I couldn't do maintenance on the pool for a couple days due to ..." I said... " if proper maintenance is not adhered to." What I was trying to get at with respect to pool size, is that smaller pools don't necessarily equate to no maintenance. (it takes fewer contaminants to...

Small pools (like small aquariums) tend to be easier to maintain than their larger counterparts. They do however tend be less forgiving, (things tend to get bad quicker) if proper maintenance is not adhered to. Just a function of the volumes. Something to keep in mind when selecting which pool...

Cartridge filters are generally considered a great compromise.... most of the folks around my area are using them on the mid-sized pools (yours would qualify). If you buy a spare set you can swap carts and be back up in no time. The larger pools still tend to run sand. If you're interested in...

As Texas Splash said not an emergency situation but, the aeration will gradually increase your pH.

I buy a new one (cheap) at my local pool store each year. I tried to save it the first year we owned the house... spent an hour scrubbing it on the driveway and then folding it up for storage. After storing it all summer we went to put it back on and as the cable started pulling snug I could...

Well said Jimrahbe. I run my 1hp Powerflo LX pump 24/7 as well. While I would prefer a VSP (or even 2 speed)... the cost is pretty negligible in the scheme of things. My question to CaseyRichards... You could've saved a significant amount of money by going with a single stage pump, if that's...

If you do opt for a NG heater.. with that size pool a 100K BTU furnace will suffice. As others have mentioned used pool equipment over the last year has gone sky-high in price as well. I'd expect to pay $1000+ (US) for a heater without installation. Additionally, you're going to want to be...

I've had a Pentair MiniMax 100, a Rheem (Raypak) 106A, and now a Hayward 135 (seen in my signature).... obviously these were smaller units than yours. The Pentair was with the pool when we bought the house and other than replacing the Thermopile (millivolt system) every other year, it was very...

Sorry, but based on your pics... that wall by the skimmer looks like it's (1) finger poke away from catastrophic failure. I believe I can see unsupported liner beneath the skimmer and it's likely there's additional rust between the wall and the liner that you cannot see. Added force pressing...