New pool owner in Texas

[gounseen]

Hi there,

New homeowner (and new pool owner) writing in from the DFW area in Texas. The previous owner took care of his pool himself, so I’m committed to making my best effort to do the same without hiring anyone for routine things. But, there seems to be a lot to learn.

Stats I know so far:
- Approx 14,000 gallon in-ground pool
- Resurfaced with PebbleTec in 2023
- Pump replaced in 2020 (Pentair Intelliflo variable speed)
- Filter replaced in 2020 (DE)
- Pool heater replaced in 2021
- Robot included (unsure of model)
- Current schedule runs filter 8h per day with 1 hour on clean mode

There has been about a 2 week gap between when they left and when we took possession of the house, so my initial concern is making sure the chemicals are in order. Any immediate suggestions? Thinking of taking water to the local pool store to start, then learning the TFP method over time.

Scott

 

[PoolStored]

Welcome to TFP!!!

I would get a proper test kit on order. Pool Store testing is notoriously wrong. As a result, we need results from your test kit to give you help. Why? Because the store testing is inaccurate and we can do more harm than good. A proper test kit will save you LOTS of money in the long run.

Link to recommended kits-->Test Kits Compared

 

[Newdude]

+1. Bad data = bad advice. Possibly damaging advice.

And Welcome to TFP.

 

[gounseen]

Nice - will give it a shot myself first then! Why not? Haha

I know the prior owner had a kit he left for us. Pretty sure it’s a Taylor. We’ll be fully moved in by the weekend so I’ll be able to better assess then.

Any thoughts on the run time / schedule already in place on the pool? Ok if things are balanced and the water is clear?

 

[PoolStored]

I know the prior owner had a kit he left for us. Pretty sure it’s a Taylor.

Start out right. Reagents go bad. Get a new kit and store in a cool dark place...they will last longer.

We've had THOUSANDS start on the journey and become successful out of the gate.

 

[Newdude]

Any thoughts on the run time / schedule already in place on the pool?

You run the pump for a reason. It takes 15 mins to mix the chemicals, twice a day is even better.

Skimming and filtering needs vary wildly across the season. Heck, they can vary wildly across any given day when half of it is windy.

Heating usually needs a slight bump in RPMs, again all over the map with frequency due to the weather.

Pump powered cleaners also need an RPM boost. An hour a day is ridiculous IMO. I manually vac once a week or even every other week. Every couple of days is reasonable. and only because it's easier with a cleaner. Lol.

Anywho, you'll have to move in to figure out what speeds to run each function and how often you'll need to run them.

 

[HermanTX]

Thinking of taking water to the local pool store to start, then learning the TFP method over time.

Starting out with your own test kit is best. If you go to pool store you will likely question your own test results because they do not match to pool store test. It is just the opposite. Your tests are correct. Go with it now!!! We are here to help once you get started