I have almost finished doing what your about to start. Its definately worth it! - our old pad was causing us no end of grief and really needed to be something a little more robust, remote controllable and maintenance free. After the rebuild its been super smooth. By the time I finish it should be fully automated, including back washing the sand filter. Here are some piccies of how im going so far. They might be of interest.
Progress piccies of the power pool pad -
- This is the original layout, in much need of some attention, especially after a pipe split due to the weight of the sand filter pulling on it. (no slab)
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//PoolPad%21.JPG
- PoolpadCAD: The functional design of the pad.
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//PUMPPADSCH.pdf
- Crazy plans: The design on how it should actually look.
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//poolpadlayout.png
- Site cleared and measured up.
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//cleaned_site.JPG
- Area boxed and rebar'd.
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//boxed%2Brebar.JPG
- Wired the American two phase Pentair VF intelliflo ready for use.
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//pentairwired.JPG
- Slabs in and im ready to start buiding.
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//slabsin.JPG
- Existing pipe work repaired. Solar (black) and vac (white) installed. To go, water feature and waste.
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//piperepair.JPG
- Got the old filter up and running in a very temporary setup whilst the new pad is built.
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//tempsetup.JPG
- Cutting off and removing the PVC cemented multiport valve from the sand filter
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//pvchere.JPG
- Clean and ready for priming and connection of new unions to a new electronic backwash valve
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//pvcgone.JPG
- A pre-layout to get an idea of how close to the plan it will go
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//dryrun.JPG
- Equipment goes in - plugs up good- looks like the CAD version - passes leak test with flying colours!
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//layoutdown.JPG
- Actuators are now in, but not wired yet.
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//Actuatorsin.JPG
- Power, sensors, chlorinator control, electronic gauges and actuators are all installed.
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//pumpnparts.JPG
- Digital backwash gauge and electric back wash valve
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//pressuregauge.JPG
- Weather proofing cover
http://users.tpg.com.au/srkh//cover.JPG
steve