Stressed Newbie pool owner

[Shaybearlv]

Hello Everyone!!! My name is Shannan…a mother of 5 and I live in Iowa. I always grew up having a pool and I know now that I took for granted all my parents did to maintain it! I just recently purchased a 12'x30" metal frame Intex pool for my kiddos and as practice for a bigger one later. I dream of the day of being able to relax by the pool however this thing has me so stressed out already I spend more time dealing with issues than enjoying it. I had a hard time keeping it clear so after tons of research, I upgraded to a larger pump from a lady who got a larger pro series pool and upgraded hers to a bigger pump never using the pump I purchased. The pump I got was a CP Filter pump Model CP2000-C distributed by Polygroup. My husband was able to hook it up to the pool without cutting in to the pool itself and it moved water so much better! I was always having to clean off debris from both intake ports so I purchased a deluxe over the side skimmer kit and hooked it up to one intake port which then I realized it was pointless since I had two intakes. I tried plugging one of the intakes but then it sounds as though the pump is running harder but it does clean the pool but in fear of burning up the pump I unplugged the other side. I purchased a vacuum I was told I could connect right to the blue adapter of the skimmer however the return flow would stop within seconds of turning on the pump. It didn't matter how much I primed the hoses, it wouldn't work for very long. :/ I finally gave up and now I notice that my pump is leaking when it runs where the filter part and the motor part of the pump is fitted together. I just can't catch a break! Did I just ruin my pump or can I fix it?

I am so glad to have come across this forum as I am in need of serious advice! I don't want to feel defeated by this pool! Thank you to all who offer help and advice!

Shannan

 

[BoDarville]

Welcome to TFP!

A larger pump is not necessarily better when it comes to pools. If it is not properly matched to the filter and the plumbing setup, a larger pump can actually cause unnecessary problems. Believe it or not, the starring role of keeping the water clear goes to...chlorine! I'm convinced that if I enclosed my pool in a bubble, I would not need a filter to keep the water clear as long as I was diligent in keeping the proper amount of chlorine in the water.

In order to properly manage your pool, you will need one of the Recommended Test Kits to properly manage your pool. I use the TF-100 because it's the best value and they have a freshness guarantee. You can order it here: TFTestkits.net. They ship fast - you should have it in your hands in 2-3 days with normal shipping. If you want to really do the right thing, I would order one of these test kits tonight. Do not rely on pool store testing - it is notably inaccurate and they will use those results to sell you all sorts of chemicals you do not need that will cost you way more than this test kit.

While you are waiting for your kit to arrive, here are some resources to give you an overview of managing your pool using our methods:
1. ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry
2. Chlorine CYA Chart
3. Recommended Pool Chemicals
4. Recommended Levels
5. Pool Math

And I'll throw in a bonus article: Pool School - Pump Basics