Search results

I don’t know that it would have helped with a lightning strike that close, but I have two ”whole house” surge protectors installed to protect my equipmen. One on the main panel at the house and a second one on the pool sub pane. So far no problems.

Here in Tucson you need a jackhammer to dig a hole. But if you pour a 5 gallon bucket on the ground, wait a while, then do it again, it gets very easy. I learned this when having to put in a few fence posts.

Repaired and back in service. I found out why local pool service didn’t want this job. It was a PITA, right to the end. Even what I thought wouldn’t be a problem (reconnecting the supply and discharge unions) seemed to take forever. Just couldn’t get them to line up without cross threading...

I’ll try that trick to keep my nuts in place.

Based on all the support from you TFP folks (well, that and none of the local pool services wanted to tackle the repair) I’ve decided to just DIY. Everyone wanted to give me a quote on replacing a 15+ year old heater, but no one wants to repair one. So, I researched and ordered the parts...

I think the high limit is working, the burner shut down before I cut the power to the heater. Based on everyone’s help, I’m pretty sure it’s the bypass valve, but the thermostat should also be replaced. Too bad this looks like a real PITA job to do. Lots to disconnect to move the heater...

There is no external bypass. The spa pump (2hp single speed) the feeds the heater is on a separate loop from the pool filter. It is moving plenty of water, based on the spa jets. I don’t have a pressure or flow gauge on the spa loop.

I don’t use my spa/pool heater often. After all, Tucson has been over 100 degrees every day for weeks now. But today I turned it on. It fired up as normal, but after about a minute or so it sounded like someone was feeding gravel into it. It was so violent it was shaking the entire unit. I...

I setup a very simple iPhone/Alexa control system for some of my lights and spa controls. https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/alexa-pool-control-on-a-shoestring-budget.170894/

I have automated most of my pool without any automation system. Yet, I’m still using an Intermatic mechanical timer for my SWG. They are very dependable and last for many, many years. https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/alexa-pool-control-on-a-shoestring-budget.170894/

https://www.heliocolwest.com/tucson-solar-pool-heating.html

The three way valve for solar is different from your other pool three ways. It has a very small valve in the gate that allows the panels to drain back down when the solar loop is shut off.

That works well with my Pentair Intelliflo pump and Pentair SolarTouch controller. But I’m not sure you can get the same results with Hayward and Pentair. Different brands don’t generally communicate well.

Who’s playing the duck?

If it’s control of your lighting you are looking for, check out what I did. https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/alexa-pool-control-on-a-shoestring-budget.170894/

My current one is for the pool pump. I think it is this one: https://www.amazon.ca/Intermatic-T102-208-277-Volt-Mechanical-Switch/dp/B003A4ISTS/ref=sr_1_29?crid=2UMGCEDDX6ZW1&dchild=1&keywords=intermatic+timer&qid=1628194956&s=hi&sprefix=Intermatic+%2Ctools%2C216&sr=1-29 I don’t know how a...

Fireman’s switch is up to local codes. For timers, I personally prefer old school. I’ve had basic Intermatic timers on my pools for over 20 years and so far have had to replace one clock motor. Not the whole timer, nor even the whole timer mechanism, just the clock motor. Simple and reliable.

2 for $25...

Go to your local hardware store and get some bell wire. It might be a bit stiffer since it’s usually sold copper, but it will work fine.

It’s common for the tab on the light niche to strip or break off. They make a plastic wedge that will hold the light in the niche. Google “pool light wedge”.

1. Most of the ”tricks” in this thread and many, many more have already been suggested in a “Tips and Tricks” sticky thread at the top of the “Everything Else“ category. https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/tips-and-tricks.1615/ 2. For those using hairnet, instead of skimmer angel handle use...

One drop of Dawn dish soap rubbed on the inside lens, then rinsed, works for me.

Take a look at what I did for about $150. https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/alexa-pool-control-on-a-shoestring-budget.170894/

In floor cleaning system added thousands of dollars to my pool cost. It was so ineffective that I’m now using a robot to clean the pool. The money I could have saved by eliminating the popups would bought me a half dozen or more robots. Now, here are some things I don’t regret, the biggest...

I just replaced my pool light bulbs with LEDS, then used hubless smart switches. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D9T25MW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/alexa-pool-control-on-a-shoestring-budget.170894/

I sent a PM. If you have a question please ask.

The rear doors on my house have two locks (one out of reach of kids) plus an alarm. If a kid did get out, they are still faced with a 5’ metal fence, gated with pool safety latch between them and the pool. And we have no children living in our household.

A fence is there 24/7/365, an alarm depends on someone actually hearing the alarm then taking action, in that very short time before its too late.

Nothing beats a physical barrier. An alarm can tell you a child is in danger, a fence can prevent the danger.