Recent content by zephans

  1. Z

    Pool Domes!

    Bump (yes, in next 1-2 months our temp will get cold and lots of rain and leaves will mess up my pool water if I don't do anything about this project). Great post GeekGranny. I love the idea of a prefab greenhouse that can just fit over (or attach to top of) pool. I have an above-ground pool so...
  2. Z

    LP Grill purchase help - likely buying tomorrow

    By the way, I was tempted to get the $649 Weber E-310 with porcelean-impregnated cast iron grills and powder-coated hood. They told me the cast iron lid helps keep it hotter, but again I decided on durability and rust-resistance over price or even some potential difference in grilling...
  3. Z

    LP Grill purchase help - likely buying tomorrow

    I ended up buying a new Weber Genesis S-310 (LP90901) stainless steel grill for $799 + tax. It is currently $100 (~9%) off regular $899 price. I figured I could buy several modifications (side burner, cover, nice outdoor table for prep area) and extras around the yard instead of paying an extra...
  4. Z

    LP Grill purchase help - likely buying tomorrow

    I might consider GrillDome Large or SuperDome https://site406.mysite4now.com/grilldome/gd/eshop/product_info.php?cPath=1_16&products_id=91&osCsid=rge7h9fobc71edkmem85m31ub7 ceramic grills. I like the idea of indestructibility and using less fuel (sustainability is a very big thing for me, and...
  5. Z

    LP Grill purchase help - likely buying tomorrow

    ... and then there's the unheard of brand wild card used grill that sounds pretty darned good (and has nice clean picture): Cherry hill deluxe bbq grill.They don't come any nicer than this.3 stainless steel main burners with 54,000 btu's.1 side burner with 12,000 btu's.1 infared back burner with...
  6. Z

    LP Grill purchase help - likely buying tomorrow

    Hi Fellow TFP folks! Questions: 1. Which brand/model do you think best fits my needs and budget? (below) 2. What should I look for to determine grill quality: a. Sturdy construction - what areas typically poop out on grills and how to tell good quality from disposable construction? b...
  7. Z

    Solar heater finished on custom built deck roof!

    Remember in Florida you'll get tons more sunshine than I do in Seattle, WA. I'd say it increased the pool ~7 or maybe 10 degrees warmer after using it on a couple consecutive sunny days (compared to bypassing the solar heater). Even with ~19 gallons per minute flow the water is noticeably warmer...
  8. Z

    Cloudy in Seattle - every day of the season!

    What I've learned: 1. Clouds are algae, even though I had FC above 20. 2. CYA level makes a huge impact in how much bleach and test solution you use. CYA 70 takes much more bleach and test solution than lower CYA. I'll definitely lower my CYA level next season (backwash/drain below skimmer for...
  9. Z

    you say you liked pics?

    WOW! Even with subcontracting the dig and the cement you did a ton of work... and it's beautiful :goodjob: . The diagonal stone path took lots of extra cutting but looks fabulous and is a testament to your craftsmanship. I have a 100% DIY above ground pool that is nice but no where near as...
  10. Z

    My thoughts on solar heating and help me make it better....

    Water traveling through PVC at night will cool it a little, but not enough to fuss over. Water traveling through your solar array at night would definitely cool the pool like a radiator. That's one major reason why a bypass valve is important component for solar hot water configuration. Heat...
  11. Z

    Cloudy in Seattle - every day of the season!

    Quick update: The clouds are a bit thinner but not that much (perhaps extra 3-4" visibility). I can make out the bottom and any items on the bottom, but liner floor pattern is not clearly visible. Two days ago I removed the stairs and scrubbed off a bunch of brown film (dead algae) from behind...
  12. Z

    Soundproofing to reduce pump noise

    Thanks for posting the additional reference links Greg. It sounds like your lot size constraint is tighter than my 1/4 acre corner lot :). I like the idea of using a computer fan to provide positive ventillation (as mentioned on soundproofingamerica.com link). I might also use the flexible...
  13. Z

    Solar heater finished on custom built deck roof!

    Hi Geekgranny. I'm glad my solar panel deck description is giving you some ideas to use. You should definitely post a new thread (in the "under construction" section?) with your problem description, requirements and desired bonuses, and a couple pictures (or description with measurements) of the...
  14. Z

    Soundproofing to reduce pump noise

    I found putting weight on the top of the motor reduces some noise (by reducing ability to vibrate). My plan is to buy some MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl) and some stiff wire. I'll construct a set of half- cylinder "hangers" with one open end using stiff wire as my framing, then drape MLV over the...
  15. Z

    Cloudy in Seattle - every day of the season!

    I'm still cloudy, but I can see the bottom of the pool a little! I'll try posting a picture later tonight (gotta run now). Today's test results: FC=31.5 CC=.5 (likely closer to .25) Why 34 ppm yesterday? I'm in overkill mode. I've never read any posts saying too much chlorine is bad (other...