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  1. DanF

    Lowest Ever TA - Explainable?

    I just did a full test of my pool's chemistry, except for salt. I drained my pool just before Xmas and I won't run my SWCG for a while so I haven't added salt since then. My TA result sort of opened my eye, so I tested twice to be sure. I have been using more MA than normal to bring pH and...
  2. DanF

    Should I Drain My Pool?

    I'm trying to decide whether to drain my pool, now that the weather is cool enough to do so. Goal is avoid scaling of salt cell and pool waterline. Here are my readings, taken today: FC 8.0 CC 0.0 pH 7.6 TA 80 CH 850 CYA 80 Temp 54 CSI -.13 Yes, I could probably knock the CSI down a bit with...
  3. DanF

    Best Suction-Side Pool Cleaners

    After my robot bit the dust, I'm considering going back to a suction side cleaner. I'm aware of most of the pros and cons between a robot and a suction side cleaner, but if you have any input in this area I would appreciate it. What I am mainly looking for are your thoughts on a suction side...
  4. DanF

    Advice for Dolphin S200-Not Working

    I guess I'm another one to add to this list :(. Purchased my Maytronics Dolphin S200 from Marina nearly 3 years ago to the day, and I believe it is dead, but would welcome any advice: I have removed the top cover and impeller cover and the impeller spins freely and has never had any...
  5. DanF

    Questions for Purchasing a New Cartridge Filter

    I have decided to switch out my DE filter for a cartridge one. What is the best way to buy a new one? Online and if so which retailer --- is inyo pools preferred? Also, I understand that I should buy the biggest filter that I can. Exactly how big is that? For example I have a 13K gallon...
  6. DanF

    Done with DE and Looking to Switch to Cartridge

    Hi, As the title states I no longer want to mess with DE - the backwashing, DE additions to the skimmer, the semi-annual cleanings, and the occasional DE coming into the pool when something isn't right inside the filter. Questions I have: 1) Do I need to replace my DE filter, or can I...
  7. DanF

    Weir Door Stop (I Think) Broken Off

    I was cleaning out my Dolphin robot yesterday and came across this in the basket. I put it into the "look into later" pile. Then this morning I noticed a large amount of air bubbles coming from the returns. I went over to the skimmer (I have only one), and saw that that the weir door was...
  8. DanF

    Circupool RJ45+ Cover Door Not Staying Latched

    Hi Folks I've had my unit for about 18 months and so far have been really happy with it. However...starting last month, every time there is a slight wind (and it's been a pretty windy month), the door flops down. I then walk out and put it back up and it doesn't seem to "seat" very securely...
  9. DanF

    Question for Apera Users: Time to Finalize pH Reading

    I find that I need to wait quite some time before my pH reading stabilizes using my Apera PH60. The smiley face, which should indicate that the reading is stable, comes on shortly after immersion in the sample, but then oscillates off/on while the pH reading continues to rise. For example, the...
  10. DanF

    Salt Cell Scaling After Less Than One Year

    Hi Folks, My Circupool RJ-45 has been installed for 11 months now and I really like it thus far...except for the significant scaling I'm starting to see on the cell. I have been trying to keep my CSI negative, but with my CH approaching 700 it's becoming pretty difficult to do. I am not...
  11. DanF

    Can Salt Concentration Go up?

    I have been testing my salt content monthly with my K-1766, and until a few months ago it's been pretty stable at 3800 ppm. I have a Circupool RJ45+ so this is right where I want to be. Lately however it's been creeping up. I tested it today, after having been away for 2 weeks, and it's at...
  12. DanF

    Dichlor Then Bleach Method with High Fill TA

    I have started using the dichor-then-bleach method when draining and refilling my spa. The issue I face is that my fill TA is high, so that if I don't add liquid MA soon after refill then my pH remains high (in the 8.2-8.4 range). Once I add enough MA over a one week period to get TA to 50 or...
  13. DanF

    Solar Skimmers: Betta versus Ariel

    I am looking at picking up a solar-powered skimmer to help with surface debris. Based on research here, it appears that the 2 viable candidates are the Ariel by Solar Breeze and the Betta by Instapark. I suppose that not many have owned both, given that both are somewhat new, but looking for...
  14. DanF

    CYA Level After Adding Tablets

    I sanitize my pool with an SWCG, but CYA level has dropped a bit (to 60) so I decided to use trichlor tablets I had on hand to bump it up. Specifically I put 32 oz of trichlor (4 tablets) in a floater 10 days ago. Water temperature is in the mid 80s. Today there is about 10% of the tablet...
  15. DanF

    Couple of Dichlor Questions

    I just recently switched to the "dichlor then bleach" sanitizing method for my spa. Attached is a pic of the dichlor that I am using. From a formula perspective is it OK? Anyone know of a good place to purchase it economically? I am aware that dichlor is acidic and thus lowers pH (as well as...
  16. DanF

    Lowering TA: How Long Should It Take?

    Hi, I started the 'MA then Aerate' process three days ago. I have added a total of 86 ounces of MA over that time, which Pool Math says should reduce TA by 27. I'm aware that Pool Math's calculations are approximate, but just wondering when I should perform the final test in order to consider...
  17. DanF

    Adding a Pool in Pool Math

    Hi - I added another pool in PoolMath on my desktop PC. I added test results there also. This "pool" represents my spa. The pool did not show up on my phone, so I manually added it there also. Now, the logs that I added on my PC do not show up on my phone. Do I need to add those manually...
  18. DanF

    Calcium Ring @ Waterline - PebbleTec Surface

    Hi, I needed to lower the level of my pool water about 5" for a concrete decking repair starting tomorrow. When I did I realized I had a white ring which I presume to be calcium around the circumference of the pool. See attached pic. The ring is on the PebbleTec surface; I have no tile. I'm...
  19. DanF

    HP of My Pump and Other Questions

    Hi, Attached is the label from my 2-speed filter motor pump. I don't understand the 1.5/.20 HP specification. Does anyone have any ideas? Also I suspect the issue I am having with it requires a new run capacitor. I replaced the start capacitor this morning and it didn't resolve the issue...
  20. DanF

    SWG Owners in Warm Climates: Remove Cell During Colder Months?

    Hi, I just installed a Circupool RJ45+ SWG and I am wondering whether it is beneficial to remove the cell during the colder months when the pool is still running...but either chlorine demands are very low or the SWG isn't producing chlorine due to low water temps. Just an informal poll. If...
  21. DanF

    Lost Pin/Plunger on PSI Gauge

    I was replacing the air relief valve on my DE filter and needed to remove the filter's pressure gauge (link below). Upon taking it to the garage to apply some teflon tape to the threads prior to reinstalling, I seem to have lost the little metal plunger that sits on top. Is this a problem...
  22. DanF

    Hayward DE Filter Air Relief Valve Leaking

    Hi All, Noticed that my air relief valve is leaking at the bottom and out the hole where the air/water escape, as shown in the picture. I am guessing that as a minimum I will need to replace the valve, but do you think I should replace the entire assembly? Filter is 5 1/2 years old. Thanks.
  23. DanF

    DE Coming Through Main Drain

    Hi, I installed a new salt cell over the weekend, and that required cutting PVC from my filter to the return line. After doing so, I noticed DE coming up through the main drain. I did a search here and most of the "DE in Main Drain" posts reported this happening when the pump shuts off. In my...
  24. DanF

    Help Wiring A New SWG

    Hi, Looking to see if I can tackle wiring a new Circupool RJ45 so that the SWG comes on when my pump comes on. I have very basic electrical skills and I'm not averse to calling in an electrician, but figured I'd leverage the good folks on this forum to see if the job is within my pay grade...
  25. DanF

    Prepping Water Chemistry For Upcoming SWCG

    Hi, I bit the bullet and ordered the CircuPool RJ45; it should be here today. Plan is to install over the weekend. Although my pool is ~13K gallons and I could have gotten away with the RJ30 I opted for the 45 because I am hoping the cell will last longer and hoping I can benefit from reduced...
  26. DanF

    Reducing TA

    This may be a dumb question but... The approach given here for lowering TA is to lower pH with MA, then aerate to bring pH back up again, then repeat the process. If the higher TA is causing pH to drift upward already, is the aeration necessary? Thanks!
  27. DanF

    Suggestions for Layout of New SWCG

    I'm leaning toward picking up a Circupool RJ30+. I'd like to try and install it myself. I'm pretty handy with PVC from the numerous irrigation fixes I've had to make over the years, but I may need a hand with the wiring to my 230V pump. Anyway, looking for ideas on how to re-build the PVC...
  28. DanF

    High CH and Thinking About an SWCG

    Hi, Just ran a full set of tests today: FC 9.0 CC 0.0 pH 7.7 CYA 70* TA 70 CH 480-510** * I usually run CYA at 50-60 but went on a month long vacation requiring a temporary weekly pool service. I asked the service to use LC and tabs, knowing that only LC would not keep the pool algae-free...
  29. DanF

    Pool Pump Stopped Working

    Hi, Pump was working this morning. I left the house for some errands and when I returned it had stopped. The pump is a 6-year old US Motors 2-speed programmable pump. The display is still working. When I try to fire the pump back up, I hear a click then nothing. The impeller is free of...
  30. DanF

    Test Kit Storage

    Hi, I noticed that the my test kit (Taylor K-2006C) says that reagent should be stored in a cool dry place. We're leaving for an extended vacation and will be turning up the A/C to 88F at our house in AZ. Will the test kit be OK when I return? Thanks.