Yes: Pools are worth it....

[Surly Bevo 24908]

2 hours ago, Bevo said:

Booster pumps are usually cheap. But, in any case, the wetside is probably okay and you just need the motor side. I replaced a 1.5 uprated motor on a Pentair whisperflo used for water features and it was pretty easy. I think $450 instead of a couple thousand for a new pump. The reason I did it is that I haven't found any good repair guys. I hired one company and he told me that since Covid the prices have skyrocketed and that the part itself was going to cost $2000 and then approximately $500 in labor. Fuck that noise.

The downside, I have some Intellchem issue that is keeping my saltwater chlorinator from working properly. The online stuff that I have found so far is outdated so I may have to find a repair guy who knows his stuff. That equipment supposedly only lasts a couple years and only controls acid which is easy to keep in range manually and the parts are expensive - acid pump is $500. New pH sensor and ORB sensor are $200. New computer module is $1500. It really is a waste of money.

 

 

The other option is to just fuck off whatever you are using for a pressure side cleaner that probably has or will break, the pump and put the money in a robot cleaner.  That's what I finally did after over 10 years doing multiple minor repairs and then ultimately replacing a Polaris and a few years after that finally starting to hear the same noises out of my booster pump that indicated it was on its last legs.

Edited April 29 by Surly Bevo

[KeysPhoneWallet 807]

The other option is to just fuck off whatever you are using for a pressure side cleaner that probably has or will break, the pump and put the money in a robot cleaner.  That's what I finally did after over 10 years doing multiple minor repairs and then ultimately replacing a Polaris and a few years after that finally starting to hear the same noises out of my booster pump that indicated it was on its last legs.

I had to wrestle with a Polaris and booster pump for years. Polaris repairs at Leslie’s pool supplies were always expensive. Shit didn’t work that well, and then the pump started making a racket and needed to be replaced or rebuilt. I pulled the whole thing and bought an electric dolphin with a 3 year warranty. It’s worked much better for me than the Polaris did.

[Bevo 13558]

2 hours ago, Surly Bevo said:

The other option is to just fuck off whatever you are using for a pressure side cleaner that probably has or will break, the pump and put the money in a robot cleaner.  That's what I finally did after over 10 years doing multiple minor repairs and then ultimately replacing a Polaris and a few years after that finally starting to hear the same noises out of my booster pump that indicated it was on its last legs.

Good point - I was thinking that it was used for a hot tub. No reason to have one if it is used for a pool cleaner.

[El Tri 412]

2 hours ago, KeysPhoneWallet said:

Ended up being closer to $15k bc I replaced the filter system, added some additional rock wall thing, and had him tear out the framing for the deck and reorder because he used sealed wood instead of pressure treated and I wanted all pressure treated wood.

We just used it for the first time this weekend and the extra space was definitely worth it, happy to start getting some payback from the investment.

that sounds like an amazing deal. if you're in the austin area send me the contact info for the company you used.

[fattyflattie 4639]

1 hour ago, KeysPhoneWallet said:

I had to wrestle with a Polaris and booster pump for years. Polaris repairs at Leslie’s pool supplies were always expensive. Shit didn’t work that well, and then the pump started making a racket and needed to be replaced or rebuilt. I pulled the whole thing and bought an electric dolphin with a 3 year warranty. It’s worked much better for me than the Polaris did.

About to enter my first Polaris rebuild. I haven't been impressed with that unit since day 1.   Pump is in great shape, but thinking about just going to a robot anyhow.   Maybe I’ll run one rebuild and see how it goes.  Just want something that works well. 

[El Tri 412]

11 minutes ago, fattyflattie said:

About to enter my first Polaris rebuild. I haven't been impressed with that unit since day 1.   Pump is in great shape, but thinking about just going to a robot anyhow.   Maybe I’ll run one rebuild and see how it goes.  Just want something that works well. 

then get a robot. it's so much better

[LosIllini 91]

7 hours ago, fattyflattie said:

About to enter my first Polaris rebuild. I haven't been impressed with that unit since day 1.   Pump is in great shape, but thinking about just going to a robot anyhow.   Maybe I’ll run one rebuild and see how it goes.  Just want something that works well. 

Just rebuilt my Polaris 280.  Luckily it was pretty simple--- new wheel--- had a stripped gear, and new rubber for all the tires.  Went ahead and replaced a couple of leaking swivels and the backup valve too.  Found all the parts on Amazon.  Some good vids on youtube. 

Ended up having to dial back in the hose floats, and adjust the back jet--- wasn't hitting all areas of the pool.  Working like a champ the last few days.

[fattyflattie 4639]

24 minutes ago, LosIllini said:

Just rebuilt my Polaris 280.  Luckily it was pretty simple--- new wheel--- had a stripped gear, and new rubber for all the tires.  Went ahead and replaced a couple of leaking swivels and the backup valve too.  Found all the parts on Amazon.  Some good vids on youtube. 

Ended up having to dial back in the hose floats, and adjust the back jet--- wasn't hitting all areas of the pool.  Working like a champ the last few days.

Were they actual Polaris parts? I’ve been seeing a bunch of knock off stuff.  The pool is only 2.5 yo, figured it would last longer before rebuild. 

[LosIllini 91]

Didn't buy OEM parts- but, 3rd party with good ratings from Amazon. So, we'll see how long things last.

Not exactly sure how old my Polaris is, but, it is at least 6 years old.  2.5 years sounds really short- would expect it to go longer before breaking down.  So, hopefully minor repairs.  One rebuild is probably worth it, and shouldn't cost you alot, assuming you don't have to do major surgery.

...pools and boats--- nothing cheap

[Storm the Field 5289]

Haven't touched the pool since October or so, but looks like Summer starts next week for all intents and purposes. Several days in the low 90's on the forecast starting Tuesday. Water will still be chilly, but might have to think about jumping in next Saturday.

[jofus 2266]

What are the best pool robots?

We got a Pentair/Dolphin corded robot with our project. It’s still new in box in case I’m better off with something else…

[rage-a-holic 4369]

2 hours ago, jofus said:

What are the best pool robots?

We got a Pentair/Dolphin corded robot with our project. It’s still new in box in case I’m better off with something else…

Dolphin, hands down. First one I got lasted 7 years, the new one is on year 2.

[fattyflattie 4639]

On 4/30/2024 at 7:29 PM, LosIllini said:

...pools and boats--- nothing cheap

Well, I’m going on 25 years straight with at least one boat at all times, so I know what to expect there.  Was hoping the pool would give me a few more years of grace. 

[jofus 2266]

Dolphin, hands down. First one I got lasted 7 years, the new one is on year 2.

Corded, or does anyone recommended battery powdered,

[Mother mopar 3318]

...pools and boats--- nothing cheap

If it flies, floats or fucks just rent it.

[boilerhorn 1371]

I've had a corded Aqua Products EVO 614iq for about 5 months.  Happy with the results so far.  I bought from Marina Pool and Spa in Colorado, based on recommendations from folks at TroubleFreePool.com (a site I highly recommend).  Posters on that site have had very positive experience w/ Marina, their service, and the handling of warranty issues.  EVO is part of the Jandy/Polaris conglomerate, fwiw.

https://marinapoolspaandpatio.com/

 https://www.aquaproducts.com/en/products/pool-cleaners/evo-614-iq

[freyguy 4258]

Very happy with my M600.  Only had it for 3 months so far.

[SHOOTER12 8800]

On 4/29/2024 at 8:17 AM, KeysPhoneWallet said:

Ended up being closer to $15k bc I replaced the filter system, added some additional rock wall thing, and had him tear out the framing for the deck and reorder because he used sealed wood instead of pressure treated and I wanted all pressure treated wood.

We just used it for the first time this weekend and the extra space was definitely worth it, happy to start getting some payback from the investment.

One thing about building or upgrading a pool, it's like a woman going to buy 1 single thing at a dept. store...you always wind up getting more as the job progresses.

We started out at $22,000.00 for our our pool....and wound up at $45,000.00, and couldn’t be happier.

[Buzzrock 14901]

New pebble came out nice. Way better than the old dark plaster I had before, it really pops in the sun.

Samson approves.

[twosheds 374]

On 4/28/2024 at 9:09 PM, twosheds said:

We have a 9 year old Hayward 6060 0.5 HP Booster Pump for the leaf crawler.  It has been whistling for a while and yesterday it finally gave up the ghost.  Am I married to the Hayward Pump, or can I get a generic pump and just re-align the fittings if the input/output doesn't match the current piping?

I ended up turning off the timer to the Polaris Creeper.  I had amassed free Amazon points from a vendor and found a knock off Robot for less than $500.  We are going on now about three weeks and it seems to be doing a pretty good job so far.  It picks up most of the small debris, leaves, etc.  I like the way it climbs the walls and "scrubs" at the same time.  It is rechargeable and the battery seems to last about two hours.  I have been running it mostly every other day.  I wish there was a solar option so that I could leave it in the pool all day and it would recharge while it vacuumed.   And I am not sure how it will work in the fall when the acorns start to fall.  That seemed to be a big issue with the Polaris as well.  

Overall, I am pleased with the purchase so far.  Thanks for the help and input.

[Buzzrock 14901]

Cross posting



Pool szn

[Orange&White 5521]

On 5/21/2024 at 6:44 AM, Buzzrock said:

New pebble came out nice. Way better than the old dark plaster I had before, it really pops in the sun.

Samson approves.

Looks great. How much did you pay for the new pebble? Are you in Austin? Who did you use? Thank you.

[Buzzrock 14901]

6 minutes ago, Orange&White said:

Looks great. How much did you pay for the new pebble? Are you in Austin? Who did you use? Thank you.

17K. Nope. My pool guy. You’re welcome. 

[Mother mopar 3318]

Broke down and finally got a pool vacuum. Picked up an Aiper Scuba P1 Pro during July 4th wknd sales. Reviews seemed positive, but damn, they are expensive.

The app is very simple and UI is basic but its quick and painless...which I like.

[Dbeasy 15039]

A quesiton about concrete, such as on a patio. I know all concrete will likely eventually develop cracks.  Will some of those cracks typically go through the whole slab, top to bottom? I was under the impression most would just be surface cracks.

[Mother mopar 3318]

I've been putting off changing my spa backflow check valve because the calcium building up, position, and cleaning was gonna be a PITA. Well, roughly after 45 mins and some muractic acid, and she's up and running.

[BillyBadAss 189]

On 7/20/2024 at 7:51 PM, Dbeasy said:

A quesiton about concrete, such as on a patio. I know all concrete will likely eventually develop cracks.  Will some of those cracks typically go through the whole slab, top to bottom? I was under the impression most would just be surface cracks.

I'm far from an expert, but if you're having this problem, possible sign of ASR? Check the prior page for lots of posts about ASR. 

[Buzzrock 14901]

So long summer. Leaf net goes up this week. 

[Rimbo 25908]

36 minutes ago, Buzzrock said:

So long summer. Leaf net goes up this week. 

That's a beautiful pool and yard.

What's in the flask, Egg? Magic potion?

Edited September 22 by Rimbo

[Buzzrock 14901]

2 hours ago, Rimbo said:

That's a beautiful pool and yard.

What's in the flask, Egg? Magic potion?

Margarita 

Oh and thanks, it’s my relaxation spot. Nice in the cool weather too around the fire and in the hot tub. 

Edited September 23 by Buzzrock

[Saint Tacky 1613]

 

Any suggestions for a contractor to discuss removal and pool installation in the metroplex? Thanks. 

[jofus 2266]

Robertson Pools in Coppell is one of the best.

They self-perform much of the much, giving them more control over scheduling. They had mine ready for plaster in just 4-months.

[LCHorn 2612]

I'd love a recommendation for a pool resurfacing pro in Austin if anyone has one. 

[Not that Bob 735]

For various reasons have not used the spa in several months. Turned it on today and there is a leak which appears to be coming from a line which feeds the jets. All the lines are in the wall that forms the outside of the spa. Any way to diagnose and fix this other than starting the demolition of the wall?

[freyguy 4258]

Like a visible leak, or is the spa draining while in spa mode?  If draining, you could either have a bad check valve, or one of the actuators on the diverter valves has gone bad.

Edited October 19 by freyguy

[Not that Bob 735]

Unfortunately it is coming through the wall. It's a small amount. Water loss is very small, but it leaks on to steel beams that support everything. Chlorine on steel, no bueno. 

[Tailgate 3021]

On 10/19/2024 at 1:17 PM, Not that Bob said:

For various reasons have not used the spa in several months. Turned it on today and there is a leak which appears to be coming from a line which feeds the jets. All the lines are in the wall that forms the outside of the spa. Any way to diagnose and fix this other than starting the demolition of the wall?

If you want some good advice…call John…he’s awesome.

https://leak-ology.com

[BillyBadAss 189]

On 10/19/2024 at 4:42 PM, Not that Bob said:

Unfortunately it is coming through the wall. It's a small amount. Water loss is very small, but it leaks on to steel beams that support everything. Chlorine on steel, no bueno. 

Was your pool built in just the last 4 years ish? You seeing white lines on your tile grout and weird things like that? If so you may have ASR, aka concrete cancer.