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  1. tucsontico

    SWG occasionally brings chlorine to 0

    Tell us more about your pool, e.g., total volume in gallons, which SWG, how do you test your water, etc. From your limited info, I can see the CYA is way too low for an SWG pool. The FC is being burned off by the sun and you most likely have a beginning algae bloom due to the low FC levels. You...
  2. tucsontico

    Should I correct my phosphates

    Welcome, bent1933! The absolute first thing you should do is STOP going to the pool $tore! The second thing you MUST do is purchase a good quality test kit (TFP only recommends either a Taylor K2006 or the TFP-100.) and learn how to use it correctly. While waiting for your test kit to arrive...
  3. tucsontico

    Adding CYA to SWG pool

    Do not add CYA directly into your skimmer basket. It will eventually destroy the plastic basket. The "sock method" TFP refers to is to use an old white sock, fill it with granular CYA and secure it on your pool decking so it dangles in the water directly in front of a return outlet.Personally...
  4. tucsontico

    IntelliCenter Upgrade from EasyTouch Advice Request

    As per my signature block, I own a 2012 vintage EasyTouch panel with a QuickTouch 4-button remote. I don't have ScreenLogic but did install an Autelis WiFi controller to allow remote control of the system via WiFi. I've reviewed most of the IntelliCenter posts but have a few questions for my...
  5. tucsontico

    Garden Hose Recommendation

    I bought a Flexzilla hose last spring to replace a decades old Craftsman branded hose. The Flexzilla has performed admirably. I also drag mine around concrete decking and decorative gravel with no noticeable wear. The huge temperature swings in the desert southwest do not affect the hose at all...
  6. tucsontico

    Pool colors in Tucson or Phoenix area

    My pool was built by "Pools By Design" in 2013. Unfortunately, I do not know the plaster contractor for my pool.
  7. tucsontico

    Pool colors in Tucson or Phoenix area

    If you look at my "avatar" photo, you'll see my pool in PebbleTec Tahoe Blue. Unlike Joyfulnoise, my pool has retained its color for 11+ years. My pool is in full sun year round. There are some streaks from improper chemical additions (my fault) but they are minor compared the overall look of...
  8. tucsontico

    Would like recommendation for good defoamer.

    Not to be a wise guy, but look at the cost of the chemicals versus the cost of the water to drain, rinse and refill. In situations like you're experiencing, I find it less expensive to refill than buy chemicals.
  9. tucsontico

    IC40 replaced flow control switch still says low salt

    A few questions: 1) Since you cleaned the cell, do the plates look clean or corroded around the edges? 2) Do you have any automation to give you a readout of the salt level the IC40 "thinks" is in the water? 3) What is you water temperature? 4) Which titration test kit did you use and are...
  10. tucsontico

    Liquid shock, chlorine free shock, or regular shock

    Liquid chlorine is the preferred chemical for sanitizing and "shocking" your pool. BTW, as TX Splash said, "shock" is a marketing term. Look carefully at the ingredient list on a container of "shock" and you'll see the active ingredient is chlorine. To make shock shelf-stable the add stabilizer...
  11. tucsontico

    Pool cleaners - Polaris Epic 8642IQ vs 9650IQ Sport vs Maytronics Active 30i

    My Maytronics Dolphin Plus (AKA "Robbie") is 7 years old this spring and still cleaning nicely. Like any device with moving parts, maintenance is key. If you throw your robot in the pool and pull it out without checking it for wear and tear every time you use it, you may end up with an early...
  12. tucsontico

    The Ultimate Thermometer

    Dirk, Thanks for the offer! I have about 40 Insteon devices and 10 Z-wave on my Indigo HA system. I've used the Z-wave to replace my failing Insteon stuff (mostly switches and motion sensors.) The Z-wave devices seem to be working pretty well. Cannot speak to their longevity as most have only...
  13. tucsontico

    The Ultimate Thermometer

    I'm running Indigo as well. Recognize the X-10 lamp module and the controller! I, too started with X-10 then migrated to Indigo as I've been an Apple convert (fanboy?) since 1987. Not near as adept at scripting as I should be. Need to PM you sometime regarding your HA setup. Since Smarthome went...
  14. tucsontico

    The Ultimate Thermometer

    Very nice work! What HA program do you use?
  15. tucsontico

    Replaced cable on Nautilus CC plus robot and now the robot won't stay upright

    Be certain the internally mounted floats (styrofoam blocks) are in their correct position and the impeller is turning freely. I've had an issue in the past when I replaced the treads and climbing wheels. The floats near the treads weren't properly seated and got caught in the treads. Of course...
  16. tucsontico

    Why does it seem like my CYA is always low?

    A few questions: 1) How old are the reagents in your test kit? Odd results can be related to test liquids being out of shelf life. 2) What was your CYA level before the recent zero reading? How long between "normal" and zero CYA? 3) How old is your SWG? Sounds like it may be nearing its end of...
  17. tucsontico

    I’m on my own

    Welcome aboard! You've come to the right place for advice on how to get your pool sparkling clear and keep it properly sanitized. Everything @mknauss says is absolutely correct. Pool Store info is notoriously wrong as all they are trying to do is sell you chemicals. The test results you show...
  18. tucsontico

    Proper settings for a Pentair VSF Intelliflow pump in southern California to prevent algae?

    Welcome to TFP! Please go to the signature section of your TFP account and add pool size and equipment data. It will help all the volunteers here provide you more accurate advice. Your pool guy is sort of wrong. The only thing that prevents and kills algae is the sanitizer chemicals (TFP...
  19. tucsontico

    Would love feedback on the pool project

    I agree with most everything JoyfulNoise says, except the IFCS. I do like mine. However, I have had to replace some parts in the mechanism and a pop-up head or two over the nearly 10 years I've owned the pool. That being said, if I were to do it over again, I'd would not install the IFCS and use...
  20. tucsontico

    Would love feedback on the pool project

    Welcome aboard! I will second everything that HermanTx wrote. Since the plan has been finalized, I recommend you look at how the Tucson area predominate W/SW winds will affect what debris gets blown into your pool. I failed to do that and my only skimmer is on the west side of my pool (similar...
  21. tucsontico

    Pentair cc core (part # 59053800) be repaired?

    Ignore my previous post! I didn't notice the part number in your title. Based on the age of your filter core, I'd say it would be best to buy a new core. Gluing the tabs back in place would not last long in pressure and water chemistry.
  22. tucsontico

    Pentair cc core (part # 59053800) be repaired?

    From your description, I'm unsure what part "the core" is. Forum members may be able to give you a better idea of a potential fix if you post a photo of the broken part. If it is the core of the filter cartridges, best to buy new.
  23. tucsontico

    Can't run pool, 90 degree water, best course of action

    How about posting a picture of your pool pump/filter plumbing? The forum could give you more detailed ideas of how to either temporarily bypass the filter or install a new one.
  24. tucsontico

    Aquabot or Dolphin ????

    Yep, it stays in one spot–usually on it's side trying to brush the wall of my beach ledge and steps. If I'm not watching it, it could be there for an hour. Haven't seen any damage related to that spot cleaning either on the PebbleTec or the robot.
  25. tucsontico

    Aquabot or Dolphin ????

    I've owned a Dolphin Nautilus + since 2016. I haven't brushed my pool once since then! My pool is similar in size to yours and the only issue while cleaning is it occasionally gets stuck on my entry step. Other than that, it has been great. The top load filters are necessary and the anti-twist...
  26. tucsontico

    Another Dolphin?

    Below is a link to Marina Pools replacement parts for the Nautilus CC+. As you can see there's lots of parts (mostly stuff that wears out over time) that you can replace yourself. Electrics (other than the cable and battery pack) are best left to the experts because they're supposedly sealed...
  27. tucsontico

    Another Dolphin?

    I own a Dolphin Nautilus CC+. I purchased it in 2016. It still runs great! The great thing about these is they are owner repairable/rebuildable. I've replaced the treads and brushes once about 2 years ago and "Robbie" is till cleaning my pool very well. (I haven't brushed my pool in over 4...
  28. tucsontico

    Pebble sheen color selection has been difficult. We are looking for a lighter water color without green cast. Cool blue, aqua blue, suggestions?

    My pool is PebbleTec in Tahoe Blue. As you can see from my avatar photo of that pool there is very little green–at least to my eyes! However, PebbleSheen is not available in that color. My guess is Cool Blue or Auqa Blue should give you what you're looking for...
  29. tucsontico

    Return Placement in Kidney-Shaped Pool

    One thing to consider about skimmer placement is the predominant direction of wind in your area. I did not do that and my skimmer is on the opposite side of the pool from where the wind blows debris. For example, the wind in Tucson is predominantly from WSW and my skimmer is on the west end of...
  30. tucsontico

    Pentair IntellipH Controller Replacement Questions (2x Fried PCB)

    I understand there are several Internet sites claiming "dielectric" grease is an insulator and should not be used on contact surfaces (pins and sockets) to increase conductivity. That is not true! In fact, silicone dielectric grease has been used for decades in the CATV industry to protect...