Recent content by snuggler

I have been reducing the frequency with which I shock, as well as the shock amount, for a while now and still have high Br levels, so I think the floater tabs are probably the culprit. Thanks for the reminder re: just replacing components.

I use the Taylor chlorine test that came in my 2006--I think it is called FAS-DPD. That said, I do probably need to buy a new kit for this season as I think mine recently expired, so maybe that is playing a role in the measured levels? I do think the levels are high, because when I turn the...

Thanks. This is what I've been following; specifically, the 3 step approach. But if I shock weekly--or even once every other week or every few weeks--my bromine levels are always through the roof. And we hardly ever use (or open) the spa. Given that, can I skip the shocks entirely as long as...

I was satisfied with it until it broke. That said, it was included in the purchase of my house, so it seemed like a free perk to me. I think we are fine with keeping electrical, but admittedly we’ve only had a pool a couple of years. My kids are young now so they can’t handle cold water very...

Hi fellow spa owners! I have owned a used spa for a few years now that came along with our house. The cover has always had a dip on one side, and that allows rain to pool in that part of the cover instead of rolling off. I'm always lifting the cover to remove that pool of water. Additionally...

Hi all, I maintain a spa that is about 300-350 gallons. The water always looks clear after treating for metals when I do my quarterly/biannual emptying and refilling. But, my bromine levels ALWAYS test super high. Even when my pH is fully balanced. We don't use the spa much at all (it came...

Hi, I have a 23k gallon inground pool with a SWG. Everything has been going well the past couple of years of pool ownership thanks to this great forum. But, my pool heater died. I have an electric heater, and my pool guy is recommending that I keep an electric heater (as opposed to gas) based...

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback.

I have a 23k gallon vinyl liner pool, and am installing a SWCG and a variable pump this year. The pool guy I use to open and close my pool is providing me estimates for the Hayward 1.65hp MaxFlo VS or the Hayward 1.85hp TriStar VS. Between these two, which one would you choose? Is the more...

Thanks. I think you guys have convinced me to make the switch to a VS pump. I am a fan of "if it ain't broke . . ." but I think it makes sense to switch here given my love of having the water moving all the time, and the high electric bills. If it fits in my budget, I'm going to go for it! And...

Hmm, ok. So what would it look like if I have a variable pump I was running it 24 hours a day until I got an exorbitant electric bill last summer. I think the issue was either the heater or pump or both (i.e., not my HVAC). When I switched to 8-10 hours/day, my electric bill was still higher...

I have a single speed pump. Is that an issue? Should I get a variable pump?

Hi all, I bought a home with a 23k gallon inground pool last year. I was a bit scared of maintenance at first, but thanks to the great help here, maintained it so it was crystal clear all season last year. This year, I would like to install a SWG to simplify maintenance. I have two small kids...

It is a scorcher here today and we just had a power outage. Which got me thinking . . . What should I do to care for my pool in an extended power outage? They are not infrequent in my area. We actually bought a generator after a week-long outage, but it is set up to shed load from our pool and...

Good afternoon all, I was performing my normal testing/maintenance on my hot tub yesterday and noticed the water looks a little yellow. Not bad, just a slight yellow tint that isn't normal. This happened about a month or so ago when I drained and refilled but the color was more intense--the...