Search results

  1. stevenm

    Brand new (and yet dead) Polaris 280

    I'm no expert, but it does sound like there's something seriously wrong with it. Since it's brand new, either take it back or contact Polaris for a warranty replacement.
  2. stevenm

    Zodiac MX8 - Compatible Hoses?

    Just wanted to update and say that I did end up working it out with the eBay seller and my parts are coming in tomorrow! So excited!
  3. stevenm

    Main Drain Repair

    Mostly a lot of clay and heavy packed dirt. I'm in upstate NY, so we've got pretty good soil compared to some other places I've seen on here. I do see your point though. Any other way to go about this that would be safer, or should we just give up and move on with just the skimmer?
  4. stevenm

    My 2013 opening - doing BBB the right way this year!

    Hi all! :wave: Just opened on Memorial Day, and am now working my way through the shocking process to get the water clear. It seems like I'm making good progress with favorable test results. Let me know what you think! Test Results (before initial shocking): pH: 6.8 CYA: 30 Test Results...
  5. stevenm

    Main Drain Repair

    Hi all! :wave: Now that we're back into pool season, we're looking to repair our main drain, which we lost in a rather awful liner replacement experience with a local PB (seriously, you didn't pressure-check the lines?! :grrrr: ). Anyway, we've begun the dig and uncovered the lines, along...
  6. stevenm

    Day 3 with my green pool

    My opinion: don't worry about it. Be happy that it's not going down, because as long as you're doing the test right, it means you're effectively killing the algae and the chlorine doesn't have as much work to do as you thought. Good luck with your opening!
  7. stevenm

    Finally!! New Build in Toronto, ON

    It's a busy time of year; someone more knowledgeable than me will be along as soon as they can. In the meantime, read through Pool School by clicking the button at the top of the page. The test kit members here usually recommend (myself included!) is the TF-100 from http://www.tftestkits.net/...
  8. stevenm

    Good price for an Easy Touch 4?

    I think the real issue is that people expect a reply in under 12 hours. :lol:
  9. stevenm

    Vacation setting

    The issue here is keeping the chemicals up-to-date. If your house sitter isn't comfortable adding chems, you should winterize unless you want to come back to a swamp. A rather expensive and labor-intensive route would be to install a Liquidator and have the house sitter fill it up when it gets...
  10. stevenm

    2 problems

    Welcome to TFP! :party: As suggested above, please read through Pool School to better understand our care methods and terminology. It's not a formality; we really can't help unless you understand where we're coming from. It sounds like you've been heavily pool-stored, probably along with...
  11. stevenm

    Zodiac MX8 - Compatible Hoses?

    Hi again! I got a great deal on a Zodiac MX8, head-only, on Craigslist for $150. :party: Since it doesn't come with the hoses and valves and such, I'm now in the market for some (hopefully) inexpensive hoses to use with it. I've been going back and forth with a seller on eBay regarding...
  12. stevenm

    Aquabot Mamba vs. Kreepy Krauly

    Awww, that's an above-ground cleaner. Oh well. Any other suggestions for inexpensive IG cleaners?
  13. stevenm

    Aquabot Mamba vs. Kreepy Krauly

    Mind sharing the model and where you bought it?
  14. stevenm

    Aquabot Mamba vs. Kreepy Krauly

    Hi all! Looking to get started on pool opening now that the weather is warming up, and this season I'm considering getting an automatic pool cleaner to help cut down on the hours otherwise spent vacuuming. I've been researching cleaners, and it looks like for my price range a suction-side...
  15. stevenm

    OCLT

    Ah, then that explains it. You had mustard algae, which is that "yellow stuff" on your steps. In the future, follow the guide to get rid of mustard algae in Pool School: http://www.troublefreepool.com/pool-school/mustard_algae
  16. stevenm

    New to this....question about Rainbow 320 chlorinator

    :nopic: Seriously, though, a few pics of the pool/spa and the equipment pad can really help us give recommendations. Did you already install the pump? When you test the water, make sure that you use your own FAS-DPD test kit (i.e. the TF-100), DO NOT bring it to a pool store for testing. 99%...
  17. stevenm

    Algee Help

    You're coming right along then! We typically recommend the TF-100 here, although the Taylor K-2006 (or a rebranded version of it) contains the same tests, albeit in smaller quantities. Purchasing the TF-100 also helps support small business and this forum, if those things make a difference to...
  18. stevenm

    Algee Help

    Well, at least they gave you bleach. Not sure about the algaecide, but my bet is that's what's causing the foaming. At least it's not copper-based. :roll: In the future, price-compare what you pay for the liquid shock (bleach) from the pool store to stores like Walmart, Aldi, etc. Remember...
  19. stevenm

    Getting Rid of Algae: My Story

    OK, time for an update! The CYA (4lbs.) has completely dissolved and I've added 6 tablets of Trichlor, which, according to the Pool Calculator and some of my own math, should bring me up to a CYA of about 40. The Trichlor has also done a nice job of maintaining my new shock level of 15, but...
  20. 9-19-12 Deep.jpg

    9-19-12 Deep.jpg

  21. stevenm

    Closing Pool early, need some advice

    Green = algae. I would vacuum to waste, then follow the shocking guide. Once the pool's clean and passes the OCLT, feel free to close.
  22. stevenm

    Getting Rid of Algae: My Story

    I went out and got the necessary chemicals today: [attachment=2:3at6fg1h]9-15-12 Chemicals.jpg[/attachment:3at6fg1h] In went the CYA in two socks by the returns (only 4lbs, but I figured I'd do the rest with Trichlor): [attachment=1:3at6fg1h]9-15-12 Shallow CYA Sock.jpg[/attachment:3at6fg1h]...
  23. 9-15-12 Deep CYA Sock.jpg

    9-15-12 Deep CYA Sock.jpg

  24. 9-15-12 Shallow CYA Sock.jpg

    9-15-12 Shallow CYA Sock.jpg

  25. 9-15-12 Chemicals.jpg

    9-15-12 Chemicals.jpg

  26. stevenm

    Getting Rid of Algae: My Story

    Woohoo! Just got home to find my TF-100 waiting for me! [attachment=0:3604s85b]TF-100.JPG[/attachment:3604s85b] Here's the results of the initial test: FC - 4[/*:m:3604s85b] CC - 1[/*:m:3604s85b] TA -130[/*:m:3604s85b] CH - 230[/*:m:3604s85b] pH - 7.5[/*:m:3604s85b] CYA - < 20 (filled to the...
  27. TF-100.JPG

    TF-100.JPG

  28. stevenm

    Getting Rid of Algae: My Story

    Just ordered the TF-100, which I hope arrives by the end of the week! I added some DE to the filter today per the instructions in pool school to help clear up some of the cloudyness. The sand filter was working, but was taking its dear time. Once the kit arrives I'll run a full array of tests...
  29. stevenm

    Walmart Bleach vs. Pool Store Bleach

    Yep! I've already read all about the pros and cons of bleach. You've got a very comprehensive forum here, remember. :goodjob: I'm currently battling algae, so it's not going to go to waste. Updated the OP with some additional pricing information for those in the Syracuse, NY area. Found a...
  30. stevenm

    Walmart Bleach vs. Pool Store Bleach

    I called up a couple of pool places and checked the prices of Walmart bleach online, and I've come up with the following. The amounts indicated are values from the Pool Calculator based on my pool. I only have cal-hypo in there for comparison purposes. Anyone see anything wrong with my math...