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  1. alanpaul

    Questions... Water Bugs, Pool Tiles and Pump Clouds

    KH, Raise your FC to 5-6; that may kill the bugs. IMO, for a CYA of 60, maintaining an FC level of 3 seems like a welcoming invitation to living things in your pool. Bugs, algae etc. I'd think 4 is likely a better minimum, and 6 probably a recommended target. Please type CYA Chart in the...
  2. alanpaul

    The TFP Name the Shock Process Contest Finals

    Hey techguy, me too! Not to SLAM anyone, but ICEe CLEARly that the moderators went for acronyms. :-D Congrats to the Winner!! :cheers:
  3. alanpaul

    cloudy pool for 5 weeks

    Eventually the filter will catch all the debris. We can't give you any specifics regarding your pool, because we still don't know what your specific pool set-up is. That's why we have signature sections (see my info below). You can put your signature in at the User Control Panel (black...
  4. alanpaul

    Are we on the right track???

    Hip-Hip....
  5. alanpaul

    Newbie pool owner just opening

    Bev, We're very glad you've read Pool School. You can't imagine how many new posters ask questions but don't try to learn. So, believe me, we appreciate your desire to take control, and your willingness to learn. It's paramount. And aside from your filter being out of commission, your...
  6. alanpaul

    Thinking about changing filter system

    KM, For cartridge filter size, many here will divide your gallons by 66. 18,000 divided by 66 equals approximately 275, best choice square footage of cartridge filter. Minimum would be 18,000 divided by 75, equaling 240 square feet of filter, so your smallest would be in the 250 square foot...
  7. alanpaul

    Newbie pool owner just opening

    BB, Call me suspicious, but you haven't posted that you've read Pool School. It takes several reads to assimilate the info, so start now, if you haven't already. You'll also find the answers to many of your questions. AP
  8. alanpaul

    Thinking about changing filter system

    And FYI, I noticed that your pair of cartridges cost about $300 at Pool Supply World.
  9. alanpaul

    No strength on the Bleach

    I noticed that Top Job Bleach (dollar store) is only 2.75%. Pretty useless for a bleach product! It says it's gentle on clothes. I'd bet it is.
  10. alanpaul

    Timer can turn on but not turn off the filter?

    Shinachen, Many manuals are also available online, so if you can identify your manufacturer and your model number on the timer, you may be able to locate the manual without too much difficulty. Most companies let you download their manuals to your computer.
  11. alanpaul

    Thinking about changing filter system

    I know you're up for a change in your filter system, but I wanted to clarify that your current cartridge filter should have been in the 275 sq. ft. range, so 300 sq. feet isn't twice the size you required, just a little generous. In any case, here's hoping you get exactly the filter you want...
  12. alanpaul

    My backyard 2.0 - another Baltimore pool build.

    Yes, we do need pictures. Otherwise, we'll just think you've been "Gaslighting" us.
  13. alanpaul

    is pump adequate?

    100W, My opinion? Try to avoid ball valves, especially cheap ones. They often degrade and break within a few years, usually requiring re-plumbing, repairs, adjustments, and often digging too. Please use quality valves, for your own sake. AP
  14. alanpaul

    I really like the look of travertine

    I'd suggest starting with an internet search for Travertine Pavers, in your area, if possible. Also be sure to read up on whether the salt from salt water chlorine generators might affect travertine in any way, if you are ever considering that as a possibility. From what I've heard, salt can...
  15. alanpaul

    Newbie pool owner just opening

    FIRST add some CYA to get it to about 30. Shock Process NEXT. Note: The higher your CYA, the more chlorine/bleach you'll need to kill the algae, but CYA also keeps the chlorine from dissipating in the sunlight, and that's why it's used. Read Pool School. Use the Pool Calculator, plug in...
  16. alanpaul

    BBB General Questions

    James and Victoria Lightweight (sounds very British, doesn't it?! :-D ), 1. Best use for a solar cover is heating. Owners DO truly report a lessening of chlorine requirement when using a cover in the day time, while others were concerned that it could harbor algae, if not kept very clean. 2...
  17. alanpaul

    Baby Pool Fence: Life Saver vs Pool Guard

    I don't see any manufacturer's name or label on our black safety fencing which is at least 8 or 9 years old. (They were here when we purchased the house.) The vinyl coated mesh has a 1" binding top and bottom with 2 rows of heavy stitching each. Screws every 6 inches vertically on each...
  18. alanpaul

    Esther Williams passed away!

    Yes, and she was a nice woman. Usually pretty relaxed, she liked to 'hang out' with friends, and make new acquaintances. She had just enough attitude, and a good sense of humor.
  19. alanpaul

    Saturation Index

    NT, I'd be much more concerned about the 1.6 and 2.4 on your last two FC readings. Are you flirting with disaster? Alan
  20. alanpaul

    1st in-ground pool - need help! Lots of questions!

    Nice to know you've 86ed the DB. And glad to note you're enlarging the deck. On our deck we have 3', 4', 5', and 7' wide areas. The 3' areas are just too tight for comfortable walking, and even for comfortable cleaning of the pool. The 4' walkway is only marginally better but still should...
  21. alanpaul

    Help with filter replacement

    FBtfp, If you like Cartridge filters, which you've had, I'd consider upgrading to a 150 sq. foot, or even 200 sq. feet, for less frequent cleanings. Also, for simplicity, you might try to find out if anyone makes a filter that would slip right in with your plumbing, requiring little or no...
  22. alanpaul

    Liquid Silicon or Vaseline in the POOL?

    Harley, At 5'2", you'd say I'm still a minnow! And my games were gymnastics and soccer. In high school, we all played SMEAR. You know, everyone tackles the guy (or girl) who has the football. No rules. Same idea as Killball. Also, I worked as a lifeguard for 4 or 5 summers, so I have some...
  23. alanpaul

    My Chlorine Consumption is Down Year To Year

    It sounds reasonable. If your pool cleaner is removing debris from the water, the chlorine has less work to do, hence the chlorine lasts longer. Although other factors, such as pool usage, chemistry and weather can also influence your chlorine residual. In any case, it seems like a good outcome.
  24. alanpaul

    Suggestions on Placement of Pool

    Looks like a nice, clean install. Congrats! I'll bet you're enjoying it!
  25. alanpaul

    Liquid Silicon or Vaseline in the POOL?

    I know it sounds like fun, but why would you do a field game in the pool? It could be dangerous to some kid. Why have a watermelon destroyed in your pool? That's a clean-up I'd like to watch. But most importantly, why would you take the chance of compromising or damaging your filter, and...
  26. alanpaul

    Suction side air leak

    Thanks for telling us how it was done. We're glad you're leak free now. :-D
  27. alanpaul

    cloudy pool for 5 weeks

    JMA2013, According to the Pool Calculator, you've about 10,400 gallons of water in your pool. Once you get the algae killed and the pool cleared, you'll probably be using around a quart of 8% to 10% chlorine bleach per day to maintain safety and cleanliness, just to give you a ballpark idea...
  28. alanpaul

    My first opening, after my first closing... not so good

    We are very glad you got it under control, and have learned to DIY! congrats :cheers:
  29. alanpaul

    In the Olden Days...

    Thanks, BPPatrickB, I just think my tile is ugly. (Although you can easily see the water depth as it changes on those tiles!) And the painted pool surface is degraded and needs resurfacing. So it will require some attention eventually.
  30. alanpaul

    In the Olden Days...

    RobbieH, Red white and blue; Your pool is very patriotic! And my paint job is looking a lot like your plaster :(