Closing in on our first pool

[Dozenmonkeyz]

They delivered the walls, steps and other parts! PB said he was planning to dig Monday but it’s looking like rain most of the early part of the week so he may be delayed a bit. My dad and I cut down a bad tree today and I’ve relocated some shrubs that were in the way. It’s getting real!

 

[kimkats]

Just now finding this one but love what I see already! I hope you are able to fence in the whole area but sure do understand if it needs to wait for the wallet to get a bit fatter.

You can go ahead and test your fill water. That will allow us to get you a shopping list going so when the water is ready to hit the liner you will have everything you need!

Kim

 

[Dozenmonkeyz]

Just now finding this one but love what I see already! I hope you are able to fence in the whole area but sure do understand if it needs to wait for the wallet to get a bit fatter.

You can go ahead and test your fill water. That will allow us to get you a shopping list going so when the water is ready to hit the liner you will have everything you need!

Kim

We’ll likely have the fill water trucked in so I’ll have to see if a pre-test is feasible. That’s a great idea tho and thanks for mentioning.

 

[kimkats]

Even if you truck in water you should go ahead and test your house water as you will be topping off the water due to evaporation and such.

Where will you be trucking in the water from? Will it be "clean" water or pond/river water?

 

[Dozenmonkeyz]

Even if you truck in water you should go ahead and test your house water as you will be topping off the water due to evaporation and such.

Where will you be trucking in the water from? Will it be "clean" water or pond/river water?

I expect it will be city water and not pond or river water. Just not sure what city as the PB is coordinating that and I don’t know the vendor yet.
I’ll work on testing our house water this week and share the results. Probably about time to get Pool Math app as well.

 

[kimkats]

Do not bother testing for CYA as it is something that has to be added to water. Everything else is good to know.

 

[Dozenmonkeyz]

PB delivered the equipment and some supplies today as well as confirmed our layout. Dig is scheduled for next Monday and he expects to have the walls and rough plumbing in by the end of that week.

A couple questions for the TFP experts:
1. They typically use flexible pipe but I'm having them use rigid. Since it's not their norm I want to make sure there aren't any obvious issues with the materials. The box they left are Spears 406-020S 90* Sweep Elbow Socket Sch 40. Are these elbows the correct fitting type for 2" Sch 40 PVC?
2. Although we are going SWG, he still left a Jandy TruGuard sanitizer and I didn't notice it until he left. I'll likely have them not install it. Anyone know if the value is worth asking him to return it for a credit on something else?

 

[Newdude]

1). Sweep elbows are needed in certain applications like drainage so they don’t slow down the already low flow. Or in miles and miles of water mains bringing it to your house. They aren’t needed for the short pool runs, but they certainly won’t hurt. The biggest thing is to make sure they aren’t stamped DWV (drain waste vent). Those sockets are shallower because the pipes aren’t pressurized.

2). Get any credit you can. Only the SWG is needed.

 

[Dozenmonkeyz]

1). Sweep elbows are needed in certain applications like drainage so they don’t slow down the already low flow. Or in miles and miles of water mains bringing it to your house. They aren’t needed for the short pool runs, but they certainly won’t hurt. The biggest thing is to make sure they aren’t stamped DWV (drain waste vent). Those sockets are shallower because the pipes aren’t pressurized.

2). Get any credit you can. Only the SWG is needed.

The DWV/pressure issue is what had me wondering. I don't see DWV on the label and wasn't sure how to tell from the part number.

I'll send the sanitizer back with him and see if I can get any value from it. Appreciate the feedback!

 

[Newdude]

The DWV/pressure issue is what had me wondering. I don't see DWV on the label and wasn't sure how to tell from the part number.

It will be clearly marked. Also you can tell by looking. If the collar is about 1/4 inch deep it’s DWV. If it’s about 3/4 inch it’s for pressure.

 

[Dozenmonkeyz]

Ran tests on our tap water today. It’s my first run with the TF-100 and colors often give me trouble. But I had some help from my son and we felt like we did the procedures right. Here are the results:
Fc-2
cc-0
ph-7.2 by test, 8.3 with meter
ta-90
ch-150
cya-N/A
I need to calibrate the PH meter.
And I don’t follow the difference between the chlorine drop test for FC & CC vs the comparator block. Can anyone shed light on that?
Any thoughts on a shopping list would be appreciated as well. Dig starts tomorrow!

 

[kimkats]

That is some solid and easy to work with numbers right there!

Don't bother using the comparator block for the FC. It is more of "oh there is chlorine in the water" rather than a good level indicator. Use the powder test for the FC moving forward.

Shopping list:
-2 2cup plastic measuring cups (one is for muriatic acid and other one for all other chemicals.)
-a toothbrush (hehe yes really!) for when you want to brush the small stuff
-muriatic acid AND something plastic to keep it in that is vented - find a place away from metal and kids to store it.
-liquid chlorine (don't buy yet. Just need to know where to get it from)
-plastic cups for by the pool-NO glass allowed anywhere near the pool

Kim

 

[Dozenmonkeyz]

DIG DAY!!!

 

[kimkats]

Let the MUD begin!!!

 

[Casey]

Just now finding this one but love what I see already! I hope you are able to fence in the whole area but sure do understand if it needs to wait for the wallet to get a bit fatter.

Just putting this out there... pools need to be fully enclosed, whether it's just the pool or the whole back yard, to pass inspection. At least that's what my permit says. I cant occupy my pool until its completely enclosed.

Fencing is beyond ridiculous right now along with everything else.

 

[Dozenmonkeyz]

Yeah the fence is required, but they’ll allow a temp fence until I get the permanent one installed. Looking like we’ll enclose the full backyard.
Today they poured the collar and equipment pad. Rough plumbing is in along with the empty light conduits. They would have rolled into the vermiculite bottom but it’s rained all afternoon and looks to be rain all day tomorrow. Big muddy mess but it’s starting to look like a swimming pool!

 

[Dozenmonkeyz]

PB managed to get a full days work in today. They backfilled and set the equipment pad. Happy with some things. Not quite happy with some others. Nothing to be upset about and I’m glad they’re making good progress.

 

[Dozenmonkeyz]

Been a busy weekend working on things around the pool. Last Friday PB installed bonding, coping, and finished up the equipment. Over the weekend I worked on the equipment pad retaining wall and fence to prep for the electrician who’s coming this Thursday. I'll have fence panels on the two outer sides and will put a mounting board inside for the subpanel and controllers to be installed. They put the salt controller in the wrong spot but nothing is connected yet so not a big deal to move it now. We'll put decorative gravel down around the pad area to ensure good drainage; maybe some simple paver stones to better serve bare feet. PB won’t be back until after the electrical is wrapped up and they can pour the concrete deck.

 

[Dozenmonkeyz]

Spoiler: More...

That is some solid and easy to work with numbers right there!

Don't bother using the comparator block for the FC. It is more of "oh there is chlorine in the water" rather than a good level indicator. Use the powder test for the FC moving forward.

Shopping list:
-2 2cup plastic measuring cups (one is for muriatic acid and other one for all other chemicals.) Got them!
-a toothbrush (hehe yes really!) for when you want to brush the small stuff Got it!
-muriatic acid AND something plastic to keep it in that is vented - find a place away from metal and kids to store it.
-liquid chlorine (don't buy yet. Just need to know where to get it from)
-plastic cups for by the pool-NO glass allowed anywhere near the pool Got plenty and will be posting signs, haha!

Kim

On the muriatic acid, here are my options at the local Home Depot. Is either better than the others? Should I expect to need two gallons?


For chlorine, how many gallons should I plan to have handy for startup and the first few weeks? I think pool volume will be right around 24k gallons.

 

[kimkats]

Do NOT get the "green" as it is less active ingredient for more money. Either one of the HDX will work. Go ahead and get the 2 pack as you will end up using it over time.