Results for "plumbing connections"

Salt Water Medium 45 minutes 312 👍 0

How to Know If Your Pool Salt Cell Is Bad - 7 Warning Signs

Opened up my new place's pool equipment for the first time and this salt cell has crusty white buildup everywhere while chlorine levels keep tanking.

What are the telltale signs that a salt cell is actually failing? I don't want to replace it unnecessarily, but I also don't want to keep throwing money at chemicals if the real problem is a dead cell. Are there specific things I should check or test to know for sure?…more

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Heaters Medium 2-4 hours 282 👍 0

Do You Need a Pool Heater Bypass? Installation Guide

Before I connect my new pool heater to the system, it's making this weird whistling sound when water flows through and now I'm wondering if a bypass valve would fix it. The manufacturer's documentation mentions bypass considerations, but I need clarity on whether this is mandatory or optional equipment.

Specifically, I'm concerned about maintaining proper flow rates through the heating unit and having the ability to isolate the heater during routine maintenance procedures. What are the technical requirements and operational benefits of incorporating a bypass valve system into the heater plumbing layout?…more

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Salt Water Medium 5-10 days with mail-in service 263 👍 0

Can Pool Salt Cells Be Rebuilt? Complete Repair Guide

Woke up to a dead salt cell again — thing works flawlessly when it's under 85 degrees but won't generate a drop of chlorine once we hit the 90s. A local pool tech mentioned that these cells can sometimes be rebuilt by replacing the internal titanium plates, which would cost significantly less than buying a brand new unit.

I'm worried about whether a rebuilt cell would be as reliable and safe for my kids as a new one. The housing on our current cell looks fine, no cracks or damage that I can see. Has anyone had experience with rebuilding salt cells? I want to make sure we're not compromising water quality or safety just to save money. What should I consider before deciding between rebuilding versus replacing entirely?…more

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4.6 (28,500 reviews)

Salt Water Medium 2-4 hours for complete winterization 242 👍 0

Do Salt Water Pools Freeze? Winter Protection Guide

Between the $800 winterizing quote I just got and hearing horror stories about frozen saltwater pools, I'm wondering if there's anything special I need to know before winter hits.
The pool store told me that salt water systems are different from regular chlorine pools, but they didn't really explain much about winterization.

Do salt water pools actually freeze like regular pools? I've heard conflicting things - some people say the salt prevents freezing, others say it doesn't matter. I want to make sure I'm preparing properly and not going to come back to any nasty surprises in the spring. Any guidance would be really appreciated!…more

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Leaks Medium 45 minutes 229 👍 0

Can Pool Jets Leak? Diagnosis & Repair Guide

I turned to a second opinion after my pool contractor quoted $3,000 to replumb my entire return system when I suspect these leaking jets might just need a simple repair. I keep losing water and can't pinpoint where it's going. The jets seem like the obvious suspect since they're these openings in the wall, but I honestly have no clue how they're put together or what could go wrong with them.

Is it even possible for the actual jets to leak? And if so, where would the leak typically happen - like around the edges where they meet the pool wall, or somewhere else entirely?…more

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Leaks Medium 2-4 hours for inspection and testing 229 👍 0

Can Pool Leak Through Tile Grout? Expert Detection Guide

Woke up to my pool losing another 3 inches this week from my 20,000-gallon inground — before I jackhammer the tile grout, will homeowner's insurance cover this mess? I've checked all the obvious spots like the skimmer, return lines, and pump connections, but haven't found any obvious leaks.

What's got me wondering about the grout is that I've noticed some areas where it looks cracked or slightly deteriorated, especially on the north side of the pool where we get the most freeze-thaw action during winter. The tile and grout are probably 8-10 years old now. My water chemistry has been pretty stable - chlorine around 2-3 ppm, pH 7.4, alkalinity 120 ppm - so I don't think chemical imbalance is causing rapid deterioration.

Is it actually possible for pool water to leak through damaged grout at the waterline? I'm trying to figure out if I should focus my leak detection efforts there or keep looking elsewhere. The water level seems to stabilize when it drops below the tile line, which makes me think the grout theory might be on the right track.…more

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Pump Problems Easy 15 minutes 220 👍 0

Do Variable Speed Pool Pumps Last Longer? Expert Analysis

Noticed this is the third pool pump that's died on me in five years and I'm done guessing whether upgrading to variable speed will actually give me better longevity. While the upfront investment is significantly higher than single speed units, I need to understand the actual lifespan differences between these pump types to calculate true ROI.

Specifically, I'm looking for data on operational longevity - how many years can I realistically expect from a variable speed pump compared to a traditional single speed unit? Are there mechanical advantages to variable speed operation that translate to extended equipment life, or is this primarily marketing?…more

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Leaks Medium 2-4 hours for DIY repairs 213 👍 0

Can Fiberglass Pools Leak? Yes - Here's How to Fix It

Looked like just a minor water drop in my fiberglass pool last month but now it's become a massive leak draining faster than any evaporation. I've heard people say fiberglass pools don't leak like other types, but that can't be true, right?

I'm wondering if there are common spots where fiberglass pools develop leaks? I'm hoping this is something that can actually be fixed without having to tear the whole thing apart. Has anyone dealt with this before and found a solution that actually works?…more

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Above Ground Easy 5 minutes reading 209 👍 0

How Long Do Above Ground Pools Last? Complete Lifespan Guide

Before this heat wave hit, my above-ground pool looked practically brand new, but now that we're hitting 90+ degrees it's aging like crazy.

I'm looking at different types of above ground pools - steel frame, resin, inflatable - and I want the real truth about their lifespans. I don't want to dump money into something that'll fall apart in 3 years, but I also don't want to overspend if I don't need to. What can I realistically expect from each type, and are there any DIY maintenance tricks that actually make a difference in longevity?…more

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Equipment Medium 45 minutes 191 👍 0

How to Vacuum Pool Without a Skimmer - 4 Easy Methods

Before the pool season even starts, my skimmer cracks from freeze damage every single year, leaving me staring at a swampy disaster. I've been dumping shock and algaecide for weeks but I know I need to vacuum out all this debris and dead algae to actually win this battle.

The problem is my skimmer is completely shot and won't be replaced for another week. Is there any way to vacuum without using the skimmer? I'm willing to try anything at this point - manual methods, different equipment, whatever it takes. I just need to get this gunk out of my pool before it gets any worse!…more

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Maintenance Easy 30 minutes 191 👍 0

How Long Do Inground Pools Last? Complete Lifespan Guide

Walked into three pool showrooms with my checkbook ready, but now I need the straight truth about which inground pools actually last before I commit. I'm looking at concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass pools, but each one claims theirs is superior.

I don't want to make a $50k+ decision and then have to replace or major renovate in 10 years. I'm willing to do proper maintenance myself to save on service costs, but I need to know realistic lifespans for each type. Which pool materials actually last and which ones are just marketing hype?…more

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4.5 (11,300 reviews)

Equipment Easy 15 minutes 188 👍 0

How Long Do Pool Pumps Last? Complete Lifespan Guide

Finally, my 4-year-old pool pump is making weird noises during startup — should I repair it or start shopping for a replacement?…more

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Pump Problems Medium 15 minutes reading 187 👍 0

How Variable Speed Pool Pumps Work - Complete Guide

Woke up to another $400 electric bill after replacing my pool filter, cleaning the skimmer baskets, checking all the connections — my single-speed pump is still draining my wallet on this 20,000-gallon inground pool. My utility bills have been astronomical running the pump 8-10 hours daily, and I'm trying to understand exactly how these newer pumps achieve such significant energy savings.

Specifically, I'd like to know what type of motor technology variable speed pumps use and how they're able to adjust their speed so precisely. My current pump seems to be either on full blast or off completely. What's the RPM range these variable speed units can operate in, and how does that translate to better flow control and lower energy costs? I want to make sure I understand the technology before investing in what seems like a more expensive upfront purchase.…more

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Leaks Medium 30 minutes to 2 hours 186 👍 0

Can Pool Leaks Be Fixed? Complete Repair Guide 2024

Got a pool that keeps losing water with exposed equipment around the edges — is this dangerous with kids constantly playing in the yard? I've tried those DIY leak detection methods I found online but honestly can't tell if it's the liner, the plumbing, or something else entirely.

Before I throw in the towel and call it quits on pool ownership, I need to know - can pool leaks actually be fixed for good? I don't want some temporary band-aid solution that'll fail again next season. Are there reliable repair methods that will solve this nightmare once and for all, or am I just fooling myself thinking this can be permanently resolved?…more

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Leaks Medium 2-3 hours 184 👍 0

Can Pool Leak Through Plaster? Causes & Detection Guide

Every time I check my pool it's down another few inches, the pool store wants $300 for leak detection, AND they're already pushing a full replaster job. Before I drop thousands of dollars, I need to know - can water actually leak through the plaster itself or are they just trying to make money off me?

I've noticed some hairline cracks and a few rough spots where the plaster feels different, but I'm not sure if that's normal wear or actual leak points. Is there a way I can test this myself instead of paying their ridiculous diagnostic fees? I'm tired of these stores pushing expensive solutions when maybe it's something I can identify and even fix on my own.…more

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