Steps in new pool startup with equipment

[mmdhar]

Hello,

I recently got a new pool build done and the new pool startup procedure helped me a lot. But, I haven't found much about what steps need to be taken on the equipment side if you are doing your own startup. Of course it depends on the equipment and setup. Here are a few things I missed...

Applying lube to O-rings (realized plumber didn't apply it after having priming issues for long)
Teflon tape for auto-leveler
Screwing the valve actuator (electrician just tied it with zip ties)
installing the water temp sensor
Cleaning up around Skimmer door/flapper. Had lot of plaster blocking it from opening freely.

Is there anything else I missed?

Also, I have a basketball hoop close to my pool equipment (attached picture). What is the best option for me to preventing from equipment/plumbing getting damaged? or shouldn't I worry about it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[kimkats]

Use ping pong balls to watch the flow of water. They can show you dead spots and such. The water should flow in a circular movement so that anything on the surface of the water will make it to the skimmer. The returns (eyeballs) should not be turned in such a way to roll the surface of the water. It might take some tweaking but after a while you will get the purrfect water movement.

Balancing the water-I am guessing you have this dialed in from your last pool. If not let me know and I can share the links with you.

Fill in your siggy with your new pool!

Equipment protection-I would put something around it to protect it from tripping feet! Sure don't want someone's feet getting in there and messing things up or they getting hurt. Make sure it is something you can work with when you need to work on the equipment. I am thinking plastic lattice. It is pretty, easy to work with, easy to clean.

Kim

 

[mmdhar]

Great Tips. Thanks Kim! Will test with Ping-pong balls. I adjusted all the eyeballs to point upwards... wasn't sure if I set those correctly.

Yes, I think I got the water balancing right... current readings are... CYA -30, FC - Maintaining at 3, Ph-maintaining at 7.2, TA-80, CH-250. Added Sequestrant in the first week.

I'll explore plastic lattice available in the area.

 

[cfherrman]

Run filter on rinse first is what I miss every spring, but maybe not next

 

[mmdhar]

That doesn't apply to catridge filter, right?

- - - Updated - - -

One more question I forgot to ask... You can see in my picture that kitchen hood exhaust outlet is right above the Heat Pump... Whenever the heatpump is running, the exhaust doors inside the kitchen right above the hood make lot of noise... Any tips on how to make it stop?

 

[kimkats]

That can be done when you build the equipment protection. Put a slanted something so that the fan wind goes away from the wall. It may take some tweaking to get it just right. Just make sure there is plenty of room for the fan wind to move up and out.

Kim

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Make sure your skimmer basket is in place when tossing ping pong balls in the pool. They sure look like the perfect size to clog a line, y'know?

Maddie

 

[mmdhar]

Thank you Kim and Maddie!