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  1. Puffin

    What is a good size for a L shaped pool?

    15x30 for a shallow end sounds pretty ample to me. However, I don't know how many people will be using your pool or how big a pool you're looking for. For some comparisons, alot of the pools we saw when we were house shopping a few years ago were in the 16x32-36 ish range. Your shallow end...
  2. Puffin

    FC Loss Each Day

    lol. This one never seems to work for me.
  3. Puffin

    Sudden Rise in PH and TA...Not sure why?

    I guess, I'll add why, I suggested waiting. Mainly, because when making adjustments its usually best to changing one thing at a time. This give you better control of whats going on and more predictable results. In this case getting the pool back to normal maintenance mode. Then making a TA...
  4. Puffin

    Sudden Rise in PH and TA...Not sure why?

    Me personally. I'd retest. But I'd wait a couple of days. Get your FC back where it belongs and get back into normal maintenance mode. Your pH is in range and the TA isn't going to break anything in a couple of days. On occasion, I'll get a test result that is unexpected or unexplained...
  5. Puffin

    Finding the flow curve

    *UPDATE* Just figured I'd give everyone an update. The new filter is installed. I got a Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420. (The Hayward and Pentair models are so similar, it didn't seem like it mattered which I chose). At any rate, the numbers Clean Filter PSI 9 Vacuum Hg 10 Using the math...
  6. Puffin

    Finding the flow curve

    Oh one more question for your Mark. You say you only clear your filter about once a season. Is that using that 1-2psi rise guideline you mentioned in other posts?
  7. Puffin

    Finding the flow curve

    Thanks again guys. That info about your filter is good to know Mark, once per season is exactly what I'm looking for. Those other reasons are good to know and a great bonuses to boot.
  8. Puffin

    Finding the flow curve

    Not sure if I should post on this thread or start a new one. If I need to start a new one let me know or split thing one off. I've been wanting to replace my filter for awhile and this is kind of an excuse to do so. I don't know, something about using all that water to backwash was the filter...
  9. Puffin

    CH through the roof! CYA high too, 50% drain my only option?

    Re: CH through the roof! CYA high too, 50% drain my only opt Reverse Osmosis (RO) is another option if its available in your area. Although, its more expensive as I understand it.
  10. Puffin

    Finding the flow curve

    I'm trouble finding a vacuum gauge. The local auto parts places don't seem to have them. Even the kind that come on a break bleeder kits. I'll just order one online. If it hasn't been said, thank you Mark and Jason. As always, your opinions and advice are both appreciated and valued.
  11. Puffin

    Finding the flow curve

    *sigh* Well, I appreciate your advice and expertise. I'll still check and confirm it. At least then I'll know. To to fix this I can, replace the impeller, pump or filter?
  12. Puffin

    Finding the flow curve

    There was an assertion that my equipment (filter and pump) are mismatched. Because the flow rate of the pump exceeds the maximum flow rate of the filter. When I attempted to discuss this point, I realized I don't have enough information about my system to be able to do that intelligently. The...
  13. Puffin

    Finding the flow curve

    Thank you. I guess I need to calculate the actual head of my pool, so I can get an accurate flow rate. My filter clean is 15psi using that formula from the hydraulics page. It gives me 37.65 on the return side. For the suction side, I'll go and get a vacuum gauge after work. I do have a...
  14. Puffin

    Finding the flow curve

    Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out what the flow curves are on the pump I have. There is a metal decal on the impeller housing that reads: Model Number: P2RA5E-124L Code number: IL89S STARITE INDUSTRIES. I can't seem to find information on this particular pump. Apparently its been replaced...
  15. Puffin

    New build in Georgia

    wow, looks great! How are the lights working out. The night shots must be spectacular.
  16. Puffin

    Minnesota pool closed at least 2 years in our new house

    Great job by the way. Must feel great to be nearing the home stretch. Hang in there and stick to the conditions for being done. Sometimes that last little bit can really be elusive, especially passing the OCLT. Also what he said. Lol. We'd love to see the pool when it is sparkly clean.
  17. Puffin

    Filter Pressure Advice

    Great! Thanks for the replies. My concerns revolved around undermining optimal filter operation. As for how long it takes for it to get dirty. It takes a long time for the psi to go up 10psi. Last year, after taking care of the initial algae issue I had (thank you TFP for helping through...
  18. Puffin

    Filter Pressure Advice

    I noticed a few posts where it seems the advice on when to clean your filter has changed. For the longest time the advice (not just from here but in general) was to clean when your pressure goes up 8-10psi. Now it seems the suggestion is to clean when the pressure goes up 20%-25% from your...
  19. Puffin

    First time pool owner and I want to swim, but...

    I know its already been mentioned, but get a good kit so you can confirm your numbers. Pool School has some good info on comparing kits http://www.troublefreepool.com/pool-school/pool_test_kit_comparison. I use a TF-100 and am very happy with it, but any of the kits in the article are good. In...
  20. Puffin

    New build in Georgia

    Wow beautiful. Please keep posting. With all the warm weather we've been having I bet you've been itching to use it.
  21. Puffin

    First time pool owner and I want to swim, but...

    Everyone is giving good advice. RO, drain and refill (partial and full) are the most common ways. Some folks here have tried some alternatives like drain and refill in place http://www.troublefreepool.com/refill-experiment-t19800.html. Also, drain and refill with rain water. Richard320...
  22. Puffin

    variable or 2-speed

    I moved out of CA a couple of years ago, but back then I recall PG&E offered rebates for people who bought variable speed and 2-speed pumps. I don't know if they still do, but its worth looking into.
  23. Puffin

    question about adding chemicals

    Re: questoin about adding chemicals First, take a moment and relax. You'll be fine and get through this. I know its a lot to take in at first, but its not rocket science and the folks here are willing to help people get there. I was going to mention something in my original post, but I cut...
  24. Puffin

    question about adding chemicals

    Re: questoin about adding chemicals In most cases, you want to wait 30 minutes to an hour between chemical applications. The idea is you want to get the previous application fully dissolved/integrated before adding another, to prevent any unexpected(or undesirable) interactions.
  25. Puffin

    Had a terrible accident....

    I wouldn't think its going to change your opening process to much. You still have to get your pump, filter etc... in working order first and if anything needs addressing you'll need to take care of that first anyway. After you equipment is in working order, you should vacuum (to waste) to...
  26. Puffin

    filter sand

    If you do replace all the sand, you should take the opportunity to inspect the stand pipe and laterals for damage. Be careful, the laterals can be fairly fragile. If either of those are damaged, sand would get into your pool little by little and it would explain why the sand was low. The...
  27. Puffin

    Liner install cost

    Sorry didn't see your post when I posted that other one. Definitely do your research, learn whats involved. An informed decision is always a better one. If you do go that route you'll save a lot of money. But like I said, it looked like a ton of work.
  28. Puffin

    Liner install cost

    For me personally, liner installation fee, although expensive is money well spent. Watching the installers, its a lot of work and there are a number of little details that came up that I didn't even consider before they started. For example, they ended up replacing the jets (eyeballs), jet...
  29. Puffin

    filter sand

    What kind of trouble have you been having? Certainly, cleaning out the filter isn't going to hurt anything, but depending on what's wrong, it may not fix your problem either.