Someone suggested that I should do more of the "mini drains" by draining to waste until it gets to skimmer level and then refilling so that the Texas sun won't hit the plaster. I'm assuming the down side, even if I do a bunch in quick succession, is that it'll waste more water. Would you just try to do a quick 50% drain/refill or mini drains/refills? Minis I feel confident I could do on my own and could start, I mean ...right now really.
Considering a salt system in Austin, Texas
- Thread starter frogkick
- Start date
Just as an addendum to that last comment, my pool is in full sun and the "coldest" day this week will be 98.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 5,384
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45
Yes, doing the mini water exchanges will waste a great deal of water. Check out the article on draining. Consider a no drain water exchange. If you decide to go that route, one of our experts, @mknauss, can help sort through the details.
If you do decide on a traditional exchange, it would be best to do it overnight. While filling, you want to make sure the plaster stays moist.
Talk to your helper and find out how many gallons per hour he can drain. If he can manage about 700 GPH, draining should take about 10 hours.
If you do decide on a traditional exchange, it would be best to do it overnight. While filling, you want to make sure the plaster stays moist.
Talk to your helper and find out how many gallons per hour he can drain. If he can manage about 700 GPH, draining should take about 10 hours.
A no drain water exchange will waste less than mini drains? I read the further reading on draining and I don't know how to calculate my DeltaT. What would I use to test for TDS? Based on that DeltaT, I would put a submersible pump in at the same time as refilling from the garden hose. Do submersible pumps have adjustable flow rates to match the hose or would I need to keep watching and turning it on and off?
- Apr 10, 2018
- 5,384
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45
Sorry, but I have no experience in the no drain exchange process. Would you be able to post temps of the pool water and fill water?
The unknown factor is salt level. When when was the pool last filled?
I'll ping @mknauss for assistance.
The pool was filled in 2017. I've never drained the water, so it would just be whatever has been splashed out in the last 5 years.
The pool water is at 91 in the heat of day, going down to about 87-88 at night. The hose water I just tested at 83. I let it run until it was "cold" and then filled up a bucket for testing.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 5,384
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45
I calculated the Delta T a -49 using the following values:
PWTDS:
CH 500
CYA 160,
Salt (estimate) 1200
PWT:
90 degrees
FWTDS:
75
FWT:
83 degrees
If DeltaT is negative, then you want to extract at the lowest point and fill at the surface and at the greatest distance from the lowest point.
Having never done a No-Drain Exchange, I'm hoping to get a second opinion. Let's see if @JoyfulNoise or @mas985 can confirm.
PWTDS:
CH 500
CYA 160,
Salt (estimate) 1200
PWT:
90 degrees
FWTDS:
75
FWT:
83 degrees
If DeltaT is negative, then you want to extract at the lowest point and fill at the surface and at the greatest distance from the lowest point.
Having never done a No-Drain Exchange, I'm hoping to get a second opinion. Let's see if @JoyfulNoise or @mas985 can confirm.
- May 3, 2007
- 17,111
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
(90 - 1200 / 165) - (83 - 75/165)
83 - 83 = 0
I think it is a wash. There will probably be a lot of mixing either way.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 5,384
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45
- May 3, 2007
- 17,111
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
50% refill is probably only a couple of feet of water. Is that an issue with your water table?
Probably not. I think what I'm wondering about more is the Texas sun hitting that few feet of pebble/plaster. It's 100+ here and the pool is in full sun.
This thread also makes me wonder if I should try to do smaller drains instead for the benefit of the plaster/pebble. - Draining the pool in the middle of the summer in AZ
- May 3, 2007
- 17,111
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Night refill?
Or, just monitor the discharge water for significant changes in TDS level.
Or, just monitor the discharge water for significant changes in TDS level.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 5,384
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45
I like the idea of a night drain. Check with your local water/sewer provider or city on rules regarding pool discharge. Some allow discharge into the street and others require it to be diverted into the sewer.
Consider renting a high volume pump from Home Depot or Lowe's. You can drain overnight and fill the following day. While you're filling, you'll be able to keep the plaster moist.
Just my 2 cents.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your knowledge Mark.
Consider renting a high volume pump from Home Depot or Lowe's. You can drain overnight and fill the following day. While you're filling, you'll be able to keep the plaster moist.
Just my 2 cents.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your knowledge Mark.
- Apr 10, 2018
- 5,384
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45
I forgot to mention, another option is reverse osmosis. Check to see if there are companies in your area that provide the service. Prices in my area are approximately 6 to $800.