I found this site last weekend while searching for parts for my sand filter. I've been a pool owner in sunny southern Arizona for 10 years now without much issue really - at least that's what I've always thought. I attended a pool school class, put on by a BioGuard rep, at my local pool supply house shortly after buying our house and have used BioGuard products exclusively since then. After reading the entire "Pool School" section on here, I can't help but think I've been led down the wrong path. Anyway, I have some equipment questions as well as some water questions that I hope you all can help me with.
My pool is a ±12K gallon in ground with white plaster that was built in 1984. The plaster, tile, and cool deck are all original. Below are the details on the pump and filter:
Filter: Age unknown, but at least 10 years old and probably more like 15 judging by how it looked 10 years ago. Though I'm sure it is not the original 1984 filter since Leslie's is a competitor to the local company that built the pool.
Leslie's Stay Clear Sand Filter by Hayward
Model #: S-LE-42084
Effective Filter Area: 3.14ft^2
Filtration Rate: 20GPM/ft^2
Design Flow Rate: 62GPM
Media Amount: 300lb
Backwash Valve: Replaced 10 years ago with the pump.
Pump: I installed this pump myself 10 years ago.
Challenger High Head
1hp motor with a 1.65 SF
Vacuum is a Classic Kreepy Krauly plugged into a dedicated vacuum port that is teed into the pump's main suction line with a Jandy 3 port valve.
I replaced the sand in my filter 10 years ago when we bought the house and realize now that it's way past due to be changed again.
Is it worth it to put new sand in this filter given the age?
This thing has been sitting in the hot sun for 15+ years - how long does the outer shell normally last?
Below are the test results from today taken at the pool store using their BioGuard Accu-Scan water analyzer and ALEX software.
FC: .6
Total Chlorine: .6 (meaning CC is 0?)
pH: 7.6
TA: 173
Total Hardness: 377 (meaning CH is ±251?)
CYA: 147
Water Temp - 86°F
TDS (Total Disolved Solids): 1,900
Total Alkalinity: 173
Adjusted Total Alkalinity: 129
Water is clear.
I have used the following BioGuard products for the past 10 years.
3" Silk Tabs - Trichlor
Burnout Shock - Calcium Hypochlorite
Balance Pak 200 - Sodium Carbonate
Balance Pak 100 - Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Used to have to add acid to correct pH, but have not needed any during the past few years - lots of Balance Pak 200 though (±12 lbs the past two weeks). Not sure why.
Based on today's test, I added some Trichlor tabs to the skimmer and a bag of shock. The guys at the pool store tell me I'm close to needing to drain and refill I think due to my CYA readings. Can I save the water or will I have to drain it?
Based on what I read in the "Pool School" section here, I'm assuming I need to stop using BioGuard products. Looks like I'll probably need to construct an aerator and purchase a better test kit as well.
Thanks in advance for the help!
Shawn
My pool is a ±12K gallon in ground with white plaster that was built in 1984. The plaster, tile, and cool deck are all original. Below are the details on the pump and filter:
Filter: Age unknown, but at least 10 years old and probably more like 15 judging by how it looked 10 years ago. Though I'm sure it is not the original 1984 filter since Leslie's is a competitor to the local company that built the pool.
Leslie's Stay Clear Sand Filter by Hayward
Model #: S-LE-42084
Effective Filter Area: 3.14ft^2
Filtration Rate: 20GPM/ft^2
Design Flow Rate: 62GPM
Media Amount: 300lb
Backwash Valve: Replaced 10 years ago with the pump.
Pump: I installed this pump myself 10 years ago.
Challenger High Head
1hp motor with a 1.65 SF
Vacuum is a Classic Kreepy Krauly plugged into a dedicated vacuum port that is teed into the pump's main suction line with a Jandy 3 port valve.
I replaced the sand in my filter 10 years ago when we bought the house and realize now that it's way past due to be changed again.
Is it worth it to put new sand in this filter given the age?
This thing has been sitting in the hot sun for 15+ years - how long does the outer shell normally last?
Below are the test results from today taken at the pool store using their BioGuard Accu-Scan water analyzer and ALEX software.
FC: .6
Total Chlorine: .6 (meaning CC is 0?)
pH: 7.6
TA: 173
Total Hardness: 377 (meaning CH is ±251?)
CYA: 147
Water Temp - 86°F
TDS (Total Disolved Solids): 1,900
Total Alkalinity: 173
Adjusted Total Alkalinity: 129
Water is clear.
I have used the following BioGuard products for the past 10 years.
3" Silk Tabs - Trichlor
Burnout Shock - Calcium Hypochlorite
Balance Pak 200 - Sodium Carbonate
Balance Pak 100 - Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Used to have to add acid to correct pH, but have not needed any during the past few years - lots of Balance Pak 200 though (±12 lbs the past two weeks). Not sure why.
Based on today's test, I added some Trichlor tabs to the skimmer and a bag of shock. The guys at the pool store tell me I'm close to needing to drain and refill I think due to my CYA readings. Can I save the water or will I have to drain it?
Based on what I read in the "Pool School" section here, I'm assuming I need to stop using BioGuard products. Looks like I'll probably need to construct an aerator and purchase a better test kit as well.
Thanks in advance for the help!
Shawn