If you have paper pleated filters (probably 4 of them) inside the filter housing -- that's NOT a diatomaceous filter. Clean them all up and DO NOT add any earth.... and your pool will be fine.
I'm with these guys. Pools are a money pit. Wife had to have one...
Not trying to hijack the thread, but what about a hot tub? Is it just a smaller money pit or worth the hassle? We don't have any kids so a pool isn't needed but the thought of relaxing in a hot tub is enticing.
__________________ Herb
1966 El Camino LS408/T56Magnum
1966 Chevelle 509/T56Magnum
1963 C10 454/4L80
I worked my way through college running a pool company. As others mentioned, you have DE there on the bottom. This again comes from a tear in the crescent shaped filers or one of the filters is not seated correctly in the manifold. Super simple to take apart inspect and replace bad filters or reinstall if there's a seating issue. Make sure you reinstall the filter lid carefully and completely. Those are under pressure and I've seen them blow 50 feet in the air when the band clamp fails. Typically about a quarter to a half inch separation on the band clamp when tightened will do (don't over tighten). Step back after turning the system on and observe the pump/filter getting primed and pressurized.
The skimmer should be at least 50/50, sometimes more when the wind blows to keep the pool clean and water as healthy as it can be. Chlorine sanitizes, filtration keeps the water nice and clear. Skimming breaks the water tension where bacteria builds up and allows the chlorine to do its job. Keep the chemicals balanced via testing, never too much acid (!) and add conditioner once a year which allows the chlorine to do its job and not dissipate right away. Done right, pool water is more bacteria-free than tap water (assuming all the kids in the neighborhood aren't swimming in it, lol).
Oh, and they are a PITA.
Happy to help via PM if you have any more questions.
We just finished our new house with a small 15 x 25 x 4 ft deep lounging pool it is a "Saltwater" pool with plaster. I have a retractable cover on it ost of the day to keep vermin and KIDS out but here is the think the dirt gets on top of the cover. I vacuum mine probably 3 times a week takes about 15 mins. I have the paper filters and no DE so no issues. the chemicals that is a different deal. I need to buy Muratic acid by the 5 gal to keep the ph down. and am still figuring out the chlorine generator deal, seems to depend on the weather and sunlight. anyway the wife wanted it so she got it now I have to deal with it. lol
Bill Gates decided to hold a contest for the lawyers.
Whoever wins gets to handle all of Microsoft's business. The day of the event, the Gates' estate is swamped with lawyers, all eager for the nod from the richest man in the world. "Gentlemen," Gates starts, "please follow me." He leads them to an enormous swimming pool filled with piranha.
Then he snaps his fingers. With that, a servant opens the door. A cow rushes out and stumbles into the pool. In no time at all, the cow is nothing but bones.
Gates says, "Any man who can swim the length of that pool shall represent me in all my business and personal dealings." Instantly, a lawyer named Carl pitches into the water. Furiously he swims across the pool, hauls himself out and stands there panting." "Bravo!" shouts Gates. "You have proven to me how much you want my business."
"Actually, I want just one thing." Carl gasps. "What's that?" "The name of the sob that pushed me in."
lol
Here's ours. Yeah it's ancient, but it still works good.
Ours is saltwater, we run the filter for 4 hours a day in winter 8 hours in summer (summer heat plays havoc with chlorine levels). We have a pool cleaner as said and it runs daily
I actually find the pool to be a breeze. Test chemicals every few days when in heavy use, other than that a bit of filter and skimmer box maintenance that takes about 10-15 mins a week
__________________
68 Camaro 632 BBC 800+ HP Project (600Kw)
61 Buick Lesabre Bubbletop (daily driver)......miles of smiles
Looks like there's something up with your D.E.... unless its not D.E. sand.. then you could have a leak in the lines, of which your getting dirt in the pool.
Do you have any air bubbles that jet out, when you start it up?... or while its running?.. this would be a sign of a leak.
I tend to set people up with Cartridge type filters.. that you don't backwash.. but wash out and replace every other year.
The pool you have there is a San Juan Fiberglass Pools.. depending on size, either a Dallas, Pacific, Phoenix, Vegas or (Colorado - discontinued). (I am/was a San Juan Pool dealer).
Cleaner -- if you have a separate cleaner connection on the wall.. those lines typically are plumbed with 1.5" pvc.. If your running the cleaner.. each cleaner has a suction level of which they work best at. too much.. may not work well, to little.. same thing.
IMO... Its best to run ...or 70 drain/30 skimmer.. ... since debris tends to settle on the bottom.. you'll have more crap down lower.. However. you'll need to move it.. if your cleaner hooks up to the skimmer.. to give your cleaner more suction. - for a say.. 2-3 hour time period... ( which I do with automation).
Art Correa
California Construction Co
Sun Splash Pools and Outdoor Living
831-902-8551 mbl
I really enjoy our pool. Our 10 month old daughter is gonna swim about the time she walks I'm thinking. Our pool is a salt water pool and the lack of Chlorine taste is great. We have some kind of vacuum the goes on the bottom. And a debris filter on the south side at surface level. My pool guy is 60 bucks a month for chemicals and service. I can make more the 15 bucks an hour at the shop on some days. So I would rather pay for his service. And that includes the salt they put in the pool a few times a year.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
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