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  1. Catanzaro

    Replacement steps for an inground ladder

    I have to replace only the white steps (3 of them) on my ladder. One is still perfectly fine, which is the bottom one, but the middle and top steps just snapped off. They lasted about 9 years. There are a lot of options. For anyone who has replaced steps, which ones did you purchase? There are...
  2. Catanzaro

    Multi Port Base Leaking - Need Help

    Do I need to replace the whole unit? Cracked and leaking water on filter. Put on recirculate and not leaking water. Based is cracked. Thank you.
  3. Catanzaro

    Skim Around for a Skimmer

    I wanted to post a review on the Skim-Around as I feel the Facebook advertisement is very misleading. They show a video of the skimmer basket being dropped in, only 3 minutes later to create this whirl pool effect. What they do not show you is the side by side comparison, and there is a break in...
  4. Catanzaro

    Looking for a pool vacuum recommendation

    As you can see in my signature, I have a smaller vinyl liner IG pool. During the swim season, there is very little debris that gets in the pool, and I am looking for a vacuum that is sturdy, and has a long term warranty (maybe not available). It does not matter if it is a suction side (working...
  5. Catanzaro

    Blow-Thru Valve Winter Pool Plugs

    I wanted to start a new thread as I feel these Blow-Thru Valve Winter Pool Plugs deserve some recognition. Please note that this thread will be linked to my other thread. Most members with an air compressor usually connect an NPT fitting to the pump basket, then clear the lines with an air...
  6. Catanzaro

    Resetting the Salt Cell level (Hayward Aqua Rite)

    My SWG was reading 3,100 for a while. Then, reading 3,000. Monthly I test for salt using the Taylor K-1766, and tested 2,400-2,600 (Did test 3X) as I was not sure what was going on. Then the test strips that came with the unit tested at 2,590. Therefore, I was off by 400. I added one bag at a...
  7. Catanzaro

    Small rust stain on ladder step in water near rail

    This morning I removed the ladder to clean out, inspect the for algae and rinse the cups in the concrete. While inspecting, I saw a small rust stain (or just a dark red-brown stain) about 1/8" by 1" on the middle step. After removing the top and middle step, I inspected the screws (very slight...
  8. Catanzaro

    Algae prevention with a solar cover

    Last year, and prior year, I had no heat pump and used the solar cover from time to time, even leaving on for several days (3-5) without removing, allowing to breathe, etc. with no algae what so ever. Now, let's skip ahead. At the end of the season, a SWG, and heater was installed and used cover...
  9. Catanzaro

    Hayward 2HP super pump issues

    Today, I decided to have everything set up and to turn the filter on to make sure everything is working properly. 8 return plugs out, 2 skimmer Gizzmo's out, MPV on filter, and gauge, sight glass, etc. all in. Took about 15 minutes because I have a simple cover. Went to turn on the pump and...
  10. Catanzaro

    Coating galvanized steel walls prior to liner change

    One of my friends is having his liner changed in the early spring. He asked me a simple question. If the galvanized steel walls have rust on them, what paint can I apply to protect the walls before a liner change? Has anyone had experience with this? Are there any products to protect the...
  11. Catanzaro

    The concept of closing an in ground swimming pool

    I wanted to place a generic post that people can refer to when closing an IG Pool with a sand filter. The information in this thread is based on my experience, how I prefer to close a pool, and extremely valuable information from some of the many talented forum members. Most of the credit...
  12. Catanzaro

    Aqua Check vs. Taylor K-1766 results

    The SWG should be up and running hopefully by this evening. Last week, I checked with the K-1766 and my levels were at 1,400. Added 200 lbs. of salt and allowed to mix for at least 24 hours. Pool Math states that my levels would have increased by 1,626 for a total of 3,026. Aqua Check is...
  13. Catanzaro

    SWG Control Board hook up to the Intermatic Timer

    Even though, the licensed electrician should know this, I was just curious if anyone knows how the SWG Control Box is wired into the Intermatic Timer. He will be here in a few days to hook up the heat pump. Below are some pictures. I picked this up on line, on how the SWG is configured. •...
  14. Catanzaro

    Pool Salt, which brand and where - SWG being installed

    Today, my Taylor Salt Kit came in and my salt levels were at 1,400. The levels must have increased over the last several years through liquid chlorine additions. In order to bring up from 1,400 to about 3,400, which I am guessing, the pool requires 250 lbs. of salt. My permit is complete. The...
  15. Catanzaro

    5 ml vs. 10 ml vs. 25 ml for the extended test

    My friend, who owns the TF-100 kit had water go from crystal clear to cloudy to the start of an algae bloom. Perfect chemicals and he brushes at least 2X weekly, almost every 3 days. I stopped by and the pump basket was full of leaves (slowing down some circulation). The pool only operates on...
  16. Catanzaro

    Heat Pump recommendations - Gulf Stream

    Has anyone used a Gulf Stream Heat Pump and if so, what are your thoughts? What other brands are recommended, etc. I am ready to pull the plug on something. Although, a gas heater may still be in the picture. Our swimming demands are not needed in an instant, so a heat pump would work. Also...
  17. Catanzaro

    Liner fading progression after 3 years

    Ever since I started with TFP, there has never been a spot of algae and always crystal clear water. In the beginning (right away), I have kept my FC within range. The first few years, my CYA was around 40-50 and now I keep around 30 so the FC can be kept lower. In addition, I really do not...
  18. Catanzaro

    Return Jets in Step Issue (Friends home)

    Below, you will find some pictures of a closed return, open return with a rubber plug, and the front and back of the actual cap that is screwed into the return jet. The threads are broken inside the return housing. Ironically the person who closed the pool today stated that there is air...
  19. Catanzaro

    PH Drop over the winter months

    It is nice to be back on the forum. Opened my pool a few days ago and my PH level has dropped from 7.5 to 6.8 during the winter months (may be even less based on kit). I added the remainder of Borax to raise the PH. Last year, my TA was at 120 and I managed to bring the level down to 100 (prior...
  20. Catanzaro

    CSI (Calcite Saturation Index)

    I am trying to grasp this concept, but having a tough time with the "Less than" and "Greater than" part. -0.6 until 0.6 (Is this good)? Thank you. Calcite Saturation Index - requires pH, TA, CH, CYA, Temp, uses Borate, Salt Less than -0.6 is suggestive of problems for plaster, tile...
  21. Catanzaro

    How much does liquid chlorine raise PH & for how long?

    Here are the latest results and ranges for the season. Pool is closed. CYA 40-50 FC (In range always) 3-6 , based on CYA CC (99% of the time) 0 TA (90-110) CH (175-225) PH 7.5-7.6 (As it rises to around 7.8, I lower back to 7.5-7.6 with about 10 oz. MA weekly). A lot of aeration with 4...
  22. Catanzaro

    Winter Plugs (Any experience with the threaded ones)

    Attached is a link with the winter plugs. Pool and Spa Winter Plugs to Protect Lines from Freezing I closed the pool yesterday and there are 4 returns on each side (House and Yard). The steps have a special thread, so I used the black rubber plugs with the wing nut. I used the threaded...
  23. Catanzaro

    Storage for Liquid Chlorine over Fall and Winter Months

    I probably have about 20 gallons of 12.5% left (Now at about 10% concentration). The current temperature is around 75*. By next month, the temperatures will be dropping quickly, especially during the evening outside. Should I store the liquid chlorine down in the basement (covered up) or in the...
  24. Catanzaro

    CSI and levels for closing swimming pool

    Because NJ temperatures will drop accordingly and water will freeze in the pool (only a few inches at most), while the remaining water will probably stay between 34-45 * (best guess, but could be wrong), what should the levels be adjusted to: My CSI, if I close with FC of 8 (50% of shock level...
  25. Catanzaro

    Is it possible not to backwash for months at a time?

    Listed below is the scenario: I have 2 main drains, 2 skimmers, 8 returns. The pool was opened on April 26th, 2015. After the first few days, the pressure rose slightly and I backwashed just because it was the beginning of the season. Pressure usually runs around 13 psi. During the summer, I...
  26. Catanzaro

    Taylor K-100 PH Indicator (How to read)

    Unfortunately, in order to protect myself, I will have to have my water tested (probably every 2 weeks) at the PB and keep the results. This is all due to an issue where screws rusted and Hayward sent me a different type (where now there is no rust 2 days later) & I am keeping my fingers...
  27. Catanzaro

    PH & Acidity of Water on metal parts in pool water

    I figured a new thread would be more in line. Can PH drift (upwards) that stays in the 8.0-8.2 range for a period of possibly 2 weeks, cause any type of rust transfer on screw heads? I know that we have been attacking this subject for a while. I spoke to the warranty dept. about the screw...
  28. Catanzaro

    Sequence of chemicals and possibly any effects on what happened to screws at light.

    Each day I dose the pool with approximately 3ppm of liquid chlorine, and adjusting every few days if necessary. On average, every 4 days, I have to add 10 oz. of Muriatic Acid to lower my PH down to 7.5. The color is usually between 7.6 & 7.8. Ironically the PH this year started at 7.2, raised...
  29. Catanzaro

    Closing Pool (What chemicals and where to purchase them)

    Can someone please recommend which Polyquat-60 Algaecide they use to close their pool. I understand that the non-foaming (non metallic) is the best one to use. I have read and re-read the threads from many members, etc. Last year, the pool company closed my pool and added chemicals. Also...
  30. Catanzaro

    Yearly results and progress - Levels that change

    I had a difficult time giving this thread a name. Attached is a condensed spreadsheet of only testing that was done with the TF-100 test kit for my pool. I have followed the instructions to a T. The kit stays inside and water bottle goes from pool to inside home after water has thoroughly mixed...