Recent content by wetwilly

  1. wetwilly

    Replacing a Pentair VS-3050

    I'm faced with replacing a VS-3050. It cannot be repaired with a new motor. I installed the VS-3050 myself years ago. I am leaning towards a Pentair IntelliFlo3 11075. I am not sure if I need the I/O board or not. I have an Easytouch controller. Would this pump just plug in to the Easytouch...
  2. wetwilly

    Time to resurface our pool - unsure if pebbles are a good idea

    I live in southern California in an area with real hard water, so am always fighting scale and due to the drought can't replace the water as often as I'd like. I could do RO, but that is costly. I like the idea of putting in a pebble surface, but wonder if it really lasts as long as 20-30...
  3. wetwilly

    draining pool and starting anew

    In my drought stricken southern california water district, draining and refilling would be breaking the rules. You're lucky that is an option.
  4. wetwilly

    Ozone for new pool

    Also be sure to read myths #1 through 4 at the link below. This site can teach you how to maintain a properly chlorinated pool that does not smell like chlorine or bother your eyes. I have a salt water pool which still uses chlorine, but is easy to maintain. I would not consider ozone or...
  5. wetwilly

    algae inside lighting unit

    I can't help with the housing unit, but to create a signature: Make sure you are logged in Click on User Control Panel Click on Profile Click on Edit Signature
  6. wetwilly

    Sta-Rite 3 DE Filter Cleaning--Union Collar--Stuck

    I have that filter. I'm pretty sure it turns clockwise looking from the top. Sometimes what I do is push the grid assembly a little counter-clockwise to help get the union loose. I hope this helps.
  7. wetwilly

    Replacing spa light with color LED

    I'm going to replace my 120v spa light with a color LED from Pentair. I've already got the old light and wiring removed - wasn't easy. I have not purchased the new light yet. I am considering switching to 12v for safety reasons. I have read other threads that indicate when properly installed...
  8. wetwilly

    Adding a SWG system to my pool...

    I installed a Pentair IC40 successfully. The hard part for me was that you are supposed to have maybe 12" of straight pipe going into the SWG, so accomplishing that was tricky given my existing layout. Once you have the plumbing figured out and know how you're going to power it, the actual...
  9. wetwilly

    Did you install your own pump? How'd it go?

    I replaced my old pump with an Intelliflo. Hardest part was the plumbing because the old pipes did not line up with the new pump so I had to replace more of the plumbing than I anticipated. I think it took me about half a day including a couple of trips to the hardware store. Good luck!
  10. wetwilly

    Cost to Operate and Maintain a Pool

    I live in Tustin, CA and my entire home electric bill (no A/C) runs about $150 per month running my pump & salt system about 4.5 hours per day which I know is low, but it works for me - clear water and no algae. I probably spend about $20/month on acid, but I'm trying to reduce that. The only...
  11. wetwilly

    Alkalinity Testing Inconsistency

    I'm not experienced enough to tackle 1-3, but regarding #4: You should be able to purchase 5lb of Conditioner (Cyanuric Acid) granules for about $20 at Home Depot. BTW: It is CYA not CYU. Just be careful adding it. Too much is a bad thing and after adding, it takes a week to show up on test...
  12. wetwilly

    Prep before installing Intellichlor

    I'm happy with my IC40 and the extra cost should only be about $75 over an IC20.
  13. wetwilly

    HELP - Thinking of getting rid of our IntelliFlo VS-3050

    My system is also similar but without any solar. I never need to prime the VS 3050. I've never measured, but my guess is that the pump is approx. 18" above the water line and about 20' from the pool - maybe that helps. - Bill
  14. wetwilly

    Cost of upgrading from manual valves to an automated system?

    Re: Cost of upgrading from manual valves to an automated sys I installed an EasyTouch, IC40, and VS3050 myself. I did have an electrician run more power out to the equipment pad. I have not added any remote capabilities yet, but probably will someday. I bought an EasyTouch bundled with IC40 and...
  15. wetwilly

    Difficult to replace a pump with a variable speed pump?

    I consider myself an average DYI'er and I replaced my pump about 18 months ago. New pump was a different height than the old one so I either had to raise up the pump off the pad or lower in the intake. I choose to lower the intake. That meant sawing through 3 pipes below the 3 way valve and...