Put in a pool last year, new to a lot of this

[lordicarus]

Hi everyone! I just put a pool in last year (Thursday Pools Aspen 16x40) and had about a month of use before having to close it up. Had an above ground pool growing up, DE filter. Had an 18' Intex pool before getting the Aspen, had the cartridge filter, but upgraded to sand. Not completely new to balancing chemicals, but definitely no expert. The Aspen is all Pentair stuff with SWG and I went for the Intellicenter which worked out pretty well last year. Still getting used to a much bigger system and pool. Had a company close up last year and they're opening it back up in about a week. I've been a lurker here for a long time, so looking forward to continuing to learn from this community.

A couple things that are on my mind in case anyone has feedback...

1. We didn't get an automatic cover, the cost was just too high but I really wish it could have been in the budget. Looking at solar covers now to try to keep the heat in at night mostly... Reels seem to be hit or miss at the width needed, any feedback is welcome.

2. Turning on the pump sounds like an airplane taking off. Is that what all of these bigger systems sound like? It's been a long time since having the DE pump as a kid and the Intex stuff was pretty small by comparison.

3. I also just posted a question in another thread. Pool is very green right now. Debating whether or not to run the robot before the pool company opens it for me. Not sure if I'm making things worse by circulating water without going through the main filter. Could I throw in some bleach while the robot runs to help?

Thanks everyone! This has been a great community to watch and I'll try to give back as I learn more!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Welcome to TFP!

1. We didn't get an automatic cover, the cost was just too high but I really wish it could have been in the budget. Looking at solar covers now to try to keep the heat in at night mostly... Reels seem to be hit or miss at the width needed, any feedback is welcome.

A solar cover will definitely help to reduce evaporation and retain heat, so you're on the right track. None seem to be made for longevity, so starting with low expectations is best. They are a pain to take off and put in place. Some of us without reels cut them into sections so they're easier to handle, especially when alone. If your pool can easily accommodate a reel, It'll make things much easier. I've had pools with and without reels. I prefer using a reel, but it won't work with my current pool.

2. Turning on the pump sounds like an airplane taking off. Is that what all of these bigger systems sound like? It's been a long time since having the DE pump as a kid and the Intex stuff was pretty small by comparison.

Your signature shows you have a Pentair VS pump. When you start the pump, is there a rush of air bubbles coming out the returns? this would indicate a pressure side leak that allow water to drain from the plumbing when the pump is off. The sudden rush of air leaving the system can shake the pipes and make lots of noise. If the plumbing is holding water, it may that the speed at prime is set too high. A video might help us better understand the problem.

3. I also just posted a question in another thread. Pool is very green right now. Debating whether or not to run the robot before the pool company opens it for me. Not sure if I'm making things worse by circulating water without going through the main filter. Could I throw in some bleach while the robot runs to help?

It looks like this problem has been handled.

 

[lordicarus]

Welcome to TFP!

A solar cover will definitely help to reduce evaporation and retain heat, so you're on the right track. None seem to be made for longevity, so starting with low expectations is best. They are a pain to take off and put in place. Some of us without reels cut them into sections so they're easier to handle, especially when alone. If your pool can easily accommodate a reel, It'll make things much easier. I've had pools with and without reels. I prefer using a reel, but it won't work with my current pool.

Your signature shows you have a Pentair VS pump. When you start the pump, is there a rush of air bubbles coming out the returns? this would indicate a pressure side leak that allow water to drain from the plumbing when the pump is off. The sudden rush of air leaving the system can shake the pipes and make lots of noise. If the plumbing is holding water, it may that the speed at prime is set too high. A video might help us better understand the problem.

It looks like this problem has been handled.

Thanks for the response. Very few if any air bubbles when it starts. They definitely did a good job with sealing things. I checked the manual and a few other posts I found last summer about prime speed and it seems to be set properly. I think I'm just used to the Intex one which made barely any noise by comparison.

As for the solar cover, I really wish there was a good solution out there that was more feasible than a giant reel taking up precious patio real estate. Sectioning isn't ideal but might be the best option given the situation.