Sabtu, 10 Mei 2014

DIY pond filter-can I bypass the pump so 'muck' does not clog it up! advice !?




Kriller Pi


OK - I am going to make a small (maybe 6' x 8', 1 1/2 deep) pond for 5 ducks. And they poo in the water. Im no newbie to bio filtration so the filter in question I got down - its the water getting there! Pond will be dug in ground, so pump & bio box will be out of pond, above ground.
My initial idea was to take a (GOOD size) pool pump and pump water from pond, into top or a rain barrel/box/whatever with plants/lava rock/sand blah blah blah and 'waterfal ' it back into pond - the barrel/box would be raised up from pond a bit to easily drain into pond.....QUESTION , no PROBLEM is all the duck poo & crap in the water will be going straight through the pump impeller, not the greatest idea. If I make a pre-media filter, all the crap will be stuck in that...I might be thinking this up all wrong (new project Im in brain furry wanting to do it, and its no big fancy thing, just keeping my duckie swimming hole cleanish) and Im googleing to no avail...Id appreciate input or links. Ive been trying to find a something with making a bypass to pump the water, ? _ I dont know with a bypass around the actual pump?? Thanks guys!
btw - was thinking about putting the pump in/at/by the bottom of the barrel/box drawing water through bio filter from pond...tube will connect barrel/ box to pond at the top but trying to pull water through all that bio stuff might just burm it out and make it work to hard, yes??



Answer
classic problem with circulating water. If you make a large pre-media filter or screen you can extend the time between cleaning, but there is no way around the fact that the suction created through pumping will draw and hold material to that filter or screen. If you don't want to clear that material off the screen and remove it from the pond on a regular interval, you'll need a second, reverse flow of water that would push the material back off the screen with sufficient force to relocate it far enough away and disperse it enough to buy more time between clearing/cleaning. The result will be dirty murky water, which it sounds like isn't a major concern for you in this application.

If you want to get fancy, you could probably get a device to monitor the flow of water out of the pump and trigger a second pump with outflow aimed back out the screening device in a wide angle spray. The switch would remain active until the primary pump water pressure returned to normal, and you might have a more or less automatic method to clear the screen off.

But I would probably just go with a large basket style mesh screen of whatever the right size holes is for your water content, that screens the larger gunk that would foul the impeller. Then just clean it off with a garden hose out of the pond so it doesn't just come right back. the gunk is probably nice organic matter you can fertilize your flowers with anyway, right?

urgent help needed on a article?




Altair


please i am tired to death(not kidding)can you write or list some points on a article of how to conserve water.your help is very crucial as my mind is not working plus its 12:00in the night so please help me out.thank you


Answer
100 Ways To Conserve
There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.
#2When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
#3Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
#4Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
#5Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
#6Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
#7Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
#8Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
#9Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
#11Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
#12Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
#13Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
#14Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
#15Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
#16If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
#17Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
#18If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
#19We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
#20If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
#21Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
#22When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
#23Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
#24Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
#25Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
#26When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
#27Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
#29When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
#30Walkways and patios provide space that doesn't ever need to be watered. These useful "rooms" can also add value to your property.
#31Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
#32Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
#33Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
#34Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.
#35Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.
#38Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
#39When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
#40Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
#41Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
Use a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
#43Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
#44Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
#45Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
#46Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
#47To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minu




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Jumat, 09 Mei 2014

My Poolshark Auto Pool Cleaner has left mark on fibreglass pool.Has this happened to you, will it damage pool?




poolconsum


We recently installed a Pentair Water Poolshark Automatic Pool cleaner and it seems to have left a white line mark, that is rough to touch, on the bottom of all sides of the pool and especially the corners. Has anyone else had this experience and will it damage the pool. Thank you.


Answer
id call pool shark maybe its missing a piece of trim or something

how do you install a pool skimmer?




jstoya





Answer
Really depends on what type of pool it is-- above ground, inground vinly liner, fiberglass, concrete... Add some details and I'll help you. Perhaps you have gotten your terminology wrong. Are you talking about an automatic cleaner? (Some people refer to them as skimmers.) Fill me in.




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What is the best automatic pool cleaner?




N.


I have a below ground pool and am trying to find reviews on automatic pool cleaners. Consumer Reports doesn't seem to have anything on the subject :( Can anyone lend some insight and perspective on automatic pool cleaners and make a recommendation? Much thanks in advance.


Answer
Suction-Side Automatic Pool Cleaners

In researching suction-side cleaners, weâve found that the Stanley PoolTec DLX In-Ground Automatic Pool Vacuum Cleaner is the newest and most innovative way to keep your pool clean. The trusted brand of Stanley, with its master craftsmanship and innovative design provides a cleaner that is easy to install and operate and provides continuous cleaning of most in-ground pools. Operating with your poolâs filter, this suction cleaning mechanism maintains a proper angle for optimal performance while cleaning pools with depths of 9 ft.

Pressure-Side Automatic Pool Cleaners

If you are looking for a pressure-side cleaner and you want your pool cleaned quickly and completely, we recommend the Kreepy Krauly Legend cleaner from Pentair. A host of design features combine to keep the Legend cleaner on the move, thoroughly cleaning most pools in just 1 to 3 hours. The debris channel and large intake throat handles leaves, twigs and other large debris with ease. The Front-wheel drive generates maximum traction on inclined surfaces for total coverage of pool bottom and walls. The independent booster pump helps provide optimum cleaning power and unimpeded surface skimming. Another great feature is that disposable cleaner bags are also availableâno need to empty or touch debris again.



Robotic / Electronic Automatic Pool Cleaners

Many consumers are now selecting incredibly efficient robotic units as their cleaners of choice. These are great at cleaning small debris and sand as well as one of the only types that clean and scrub the walls and tile line. The Dolphin Supreme M3 and M4 from Maytronics are great options for robotic cleaners. These award-winning models have features that are designed for customers and are backed by the Maytronics name which has provided 25 years of technological leadership. Not only are Dolphin M3 and M4 energy efficient (average cost of less than $0.15 to clean the pool), but they have weekly timers where a user can preset cleanings throughout the week.

Here are some more links to more information. I hope this helps.

what is best automatic pool cleaner vaccuum for in ground pool?




john p


i know some have their own filter and some use the pools filter, but im looking for a low maintenance, inexpensive and good cleaning unit without alot of parts that break. anyone like the polaris 165?


Answer
Depends on wether you get mostly leaves or dirt.
If you get lots of leaves,a pressure side cleaner like polaris or hayward viper is best
If you get mostly dirt,then I would say a suction cleaner like a kreepy krauly or hayward navigator




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Kamis, 08 Mei 2014

Over 300psi pressure in my Purex 3-cartridge pool filter blew cover off the canister.Filters were Clean. Why?




setonrock2


The pressure gage was pegged/stuck at 300psi. Previously under same conditions, i.e. clean filters, the pressure gage burst. This gage had a maximum of 60psi. On another occasion the 3/4" circulating lines that are about 2 feet below the pool water surface jettisoned water about 3 feet above the water surface for several seconds. Does anybody sell automatic (say 50 psi) pressure relief valves to prevent such dangerous operation? Can power disturbances-high voltage/frequency swings create such dangerous conditions? Being an electrical engineer I know that motor torque increases with increase with voltage and that motor speed increases with increase in frequency. These increases then can cause the pump to push more water through and if the water lines cannot handle the volume the result then could cause dangerous pressure to develop.


Answer
You must have some form of restriction in the outlet from the cartridge canister to cause such a pressure build up. Check that there is nothing floating around loose that could block the outlet. Are the outlet hoses flexible or rigid, sometimes the inner lining of a flexible hos can separate and block the hose. The idea that power frequency fluctuations would speed the motor up can be ruled out as if the frequency fluctuated enought to cause that to happen the Power Station Generators/transformers etc would all have tripped way before it could happen.

why my swimming pool water gets cloudy?




ali b





Answer
Your filter might not be working properly. Have you changed the sand or cartridge within the last 5 years? If not, this could be the problem.

You could also be getting an algae problem, in which case you should look into getting some algaecide into your water as soon as possible.

Have you recently dumped in a lot of chemicals? If so, it could be stirring up your water and making it seem cloudy. If it is still cloudy or hasn't improved in a day or two, then it's not from the burst of chemicals.

You can try a water clarifier. You can buy it in a liquid form (often called Clear Magic, Clear Blue, True Blue, etc) or a cube form. It's a coagulant, meaning it bonds to the junk making your water cloudy. After putting it on, leave your pump on for at least 8 hours. The junk should be settling at the bottom and you can use your pool vac or automatic cleaner to vacuum it up.

You should also bring a sample of your water in an old water bottle to your local pool store, they can test it for free and tell you if there is some sort of chemical imbalance in your pool.




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In my above ground poolthere is this fine brownish powder residue on the floor - worsens after rain. Any ideas




Heather D


The brownish powder settles onto the pool floor. It is an above ground pool. You can brush your foot over it and it mixes into the water and then settles again. We have tried vacuuming it, but it reappears and we end up having to vacuum practically every day. It is not effecting the clarity of the pool, but the pool begins to look dirty because of this on the bottom. It is also worse on the side that does not get the direct sun all day.


Answer
That's what comes with having pools, that's the stuff that settles, like dirt, pollen, leave particles, just all the iky stuff that collects. Other than buying one of those automatic cleaners that continously skim the bottom, the daily or for some the weekly pool vacuum cleans it.

heating above ground pools?

Q. Has anyone ever heard of, or tried, the 'Solar pill' to heat their above ground pool? It promises to inhibit heat evaporation with 60% effectiveness of conventional plastic solar blankets. It says that it works 24 hrs a day, even while swimming, is this safe, does it work? They say it lasts approx. 30 days-place in pump basket- will not affect the use of automatic cleaners...$34.99 for 4 'pills' is it worth it & is it safe?
has anyone ever actually tried the solar pills?


Answer
Scam..!! ...I have pills that turn water into gasoline




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Selasa, 06 Mei 2014

Swimming pool regulator valves?




Patrick


I recently got a new automatic pool cleaner for my pool and it came with a few extras like a bunch of new hoses and a regulator valve that you connect to the the weir. What I'd like to know is whether these regulator valves actually do anything besides tell you how strong the suction is from your pool pump, and if so, what else do they do?


Answer
Depending on the model you purchased, the extra equipment will have a different function. You should include all the relative information like make and model and double-check the instruct manuals.

what is the correct vacuuming equipment for a 10,000 gallon pool?




generallee





Answer
It depends on what kind of vaccuming you want. Automatic or manual. There are several choices for automatic pool sweepers. Some work off the suction side of your filter, and others use the return water for power.
For manual vacuuming, you will need a pole, vacuum hose, and vacuum attachment. There are two types of vacuum attachments, one is for vinyl lined pools(has brushes on it instead of wheels), one is for standard gunnite pools (has wheels on the bottom).
To vacuum manually: First turn on your filter. Attach the vacuum attachment to the pole, then one end of the hose to the attachment. Hold the hose and insert the vacuum head attachment into the water. Let it sink to the bottom, then keep feeding the hose into the water. This will fill the vacuum hose with water. When you get the entire hose filled with water, insert the end into the skimmer hole that sucks water into the filter. Make sure you get a vacuum hose that's long enough to reach all areas of the pool.
For help selecting an automatic pool cleaner, see your local pool store. Hope this helps.




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Senin, 05 Mei 2014

New house - how do I take care of our pool?




Eric C


Details - Inground pool, approximately 70,000 gallons.


Answer
There's really not much detail here other than the volume. I could write a book and not cover what you need. If you post back with filter type, pool type (concrtet or vinyl), heater or no heater, type of sanitizer being used and any automatic pool cleaners, it would be helpful. There's simply too many things to cover other than basic water chemistry. I usually suggest to new home owners that they get a pool service guy in once, to give them waht our company calls pool 101's. Many service companies will do this for you and it won't cost much more than a service call (50 bucks). You'll get a personalized lesson, that's good for your specific set up and equipment. Take notes and if possible videotape the lesson. Hey, don't laugh, I think I'm starring in over 100 home videos by now. This way you can review what you've learned.
I'll go over some basics, common to most pools.
1/ check your chemistry at least once week. Total alkalinity 80-120 , Ph 7.2- 7.6, Cl or Br 1.0 -3.0. Always adjust your TA before trying to adjust anything else contrary to what I see in some of these posts ( still giggling, little wonder people's pools go green)
2/ Vac out the pool on at least a weekly basis. Keeping it clean helps lower your overall chemical expenditures.
3/ Clean out you pump and skimmer baskets on at least a weekly basis and same goes for whatever filter system you are using, unless it's a DE filter, you can leave those longer.
4/ Every month or so, take a water sample into your pool shop to be tested. They test for things a typical home owner's kit doesn't. If you're developing a calcium hardness issue, total dissolved solids or a dissolved metal issue, they can nip it in the bud before any damage occurs. You should also take in a sample 2 weeks prior to closing the pool (if applicable) and within a few days of pool opening (if applicable). Helps you put the pool to bed properly and get off to a good start in spring.
That's all I can post given the info you provided. Every pool is different. I'll put this on my watch list, if you update and may be able to help further.

What do I need in order to clean a pool?




Super


It is a heated gunite chlorine pool. I have no experience with pools.
Need to know everything from proper chemicals to cleaning equipment. The pool is already open and swimmable, I just need to keep it clean and maintain it. Possibly close the pool at the end of the season.
I don't have any equipment except for the automatic filter that is currently running.

What about those automatic pool vacuum things?
Thank you for your help
Also, if you could point me in the direction of cheaper places to buy the supplies, like online vendors. I'm in New York.



Answer
I would start out with a good water test kit, preferably a liquid drop type. I feel they are much more accurate than the test strips.
Secondly, get some pool tools: a pool pole, net, brush, vacuum (either an automatic unit or a manual vacuum head,and vacuum hose).
Then you will want chemicals. I would suggest talking about that with someone from a local pool company / store. Some chemicals work better than others based on your region.
Lastly, you might consider getting a lesson in pool care from a REPUTABLE pool service company. Check out: Yelp.com, angieslist.com or Google maps for reviews.

I personally do something like that for my customers. I call it "pool school". It generally takes about an hour or so, to go over the basics of pool care. Bring a pen and paper for note taking.




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Minggu, 04 Mei 2014

Tail on Pentair Legend Pool Cleaner is shooting water all over whenever it makes a turn.?




Kimm


I have a Pentair Legend Pool cleaner. The tail constantly whips out of the water whenever it makes a turn and shoots water everywhere. It didn't used to do it so I know that something is not right. I'm tired of cleaning my windows :) Any ideas?


Answer
Two things to try:

1)There should be adjustment screw near tail attatchment point that controls the strength of tail water jet

2)there is a tail weight available from polaris pool cleaner tyhat will also fit on legend

more tips here: http://www.swimming-pool-information.com/automatic-pool-cleaner-problems.html

Can an automatic pool cleaner (a polaris) cause a leak?




NDallasPun


I have an inground fiberglass pool and have been loosing about an inch of water a day. I read other answers and tried the bucket test and also marked the side of the pool with electrical tape to track.
I have noticed that my polaris has been shooting quite a bit of water out of the pool via splashing or getting stuck but the problem only began about a week and a half ago and I have had a polaris for years.
I completely shut the polaris off one morning before work just to test that theory. When I came home at the end of the day, the water level was fine! Then I turned the polaris on and after about an hour of running, the level dropped about a quarter of an inch.
I know water always flows through the polaris piping but could the surge in pressure after turning the polaris motor cause a minor crack to begin leaking?

Side note: my main drain line at the bottom of the pool has either clogged or collapsed but that has been the case for about a year and the pool has always looked crystal clear and maintained good water levels.
Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!



Answer
If the pool only leaks when the polaris pump is running it, it is almost certainly a break in the pipe between the booster pump and the pool. When the pump is running there is a lot mor pressure in the pipe so it will leak a lot quicker.
A leak detection company should be able to pin point where the leak is, and then a pool company can dig it up and fix it.

Look for wet soil in garden beds, etc. with the pump running.
Palm trees are the biggest culprit in breaking pool pipes.




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