5 Quick COST SAVING TIPS For Your Pool

[@drdrew3]

I have been using the same recommendations in this video after coming to the same conclusion after years of caring for my own pool. They don’t just save money but also time and personal labor. The satisfaction in having a pristine pool with minimal effort is unmeasurable The one addition I’d make is the use of skimmer socks. They don’t restrict flow and yet keep 100% of debris out of the pump basket. Only the absolutely 0:01 finest particles make it to the filter such that you can actually rinse it much LESS OFTEN. Cartridge filters get a little damage with every spray down and soak

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

I also like skimmer socks and if you have pine needles they are a must have!

[@DJL-zi3qo]

What about a small plunge pool 10x12x 42” deep. Approx 3100 gal. Is there a vs pump for small pools with out having to much pump? Hard to find a correct size pump for small pool but still have 2” connections.

[@ROMA--AETERNA]

Wonderful advice on the variable-speed pumps; I happened to figure out that exact speed programming myself throughout my first year as a pool owner-great to hear! 😁 By the way, curious what you recommend for pump, skimmer, etc., while you're away from home for a week or more? I.E., How to “pause” a pool until you return?

[@drdrew3]

First I check the weather forecast for the upcoming week in terms of sun, rain and temperature. Adjust water level accordingly. Clean out skimmer and pump baskets to avoid blockage. Test chemicals and adjust before leaving town. Put in a floater with a couple of chlorine tablets. Kreepy Krawley does the vacuum and brushing automatically while away. Consider shocking upon return if chlorine zeroed out or big rain. That being said with borates at 50ppm you can have no chlorine for 2-3 weeks without any algae growth. I travel a lot and never a problem with that routine

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

There is not a pause button. I would operate the pool as per the normal schedule. Consider having a local pool company check in for a quick visit while you are gone.

[@marialuisatrujillo-arzave8210]

Im working on lowering the cyanuric acid, it's at around 98 ppm by using liquid chlorine. How do I measure borates? which brand should i buy?

[@TheNine6]

I like asking customers if they put pucks in theirs skimmer basket and they say no, but you can tell they do as the liner is bleeched around the main drain.

[@abrahamsegurav]

Hi Steve, Regarding savings, I’m planning to purchase two 50GPM for my 1.5hp Black + Decker VS pump. The reason for that is because my plumbing is 2” and these filters have 1.5” in/outlets. Doing this is more cost effective than buying a single Hayward bigger filter with 2” in/outlets. Would this be something you would recommend? Contractors are building a new swimming pool for us now. Thanks in advanced.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

If you are asking about your filter, I would not install tandem filters. I would install one larger filter suitably sized to the pumps / flow from the system.

[@archewing]

I am running issues with low cyanuric acid levels what do I do from there? all of the other levels are looking normal with a saltwater system

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Just buy some stabilizer (cya) from the local pool store. Raise your levels to 50ppm

[@archewing]

@@Swimmingpoolsteve is it okay to run the chlorinator in boost mode when pouring the stabilizer with pump set to recirculate?

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

@archewing with the pump running its probably fine. For the once a year you need to add the CYA I think you will get away with it. Note, generally I advise do not use boost. It just means it runs non stop. The control dial is just a timer for often the chlorinator makes chlorine. If ypu need so much that you need "boost" just add some liquid chlorine directly. The salt cell makes a finite amount of chlorine in its life. Save it for day to day maintenance dosing and use liquid chlorine to raise FC quickly, or to do breakpoint chlorination.

[@danaparish1644]

Steve, what about Borates and pets? Aren’t borates a problem (toxic) for pets (drinking pool water from time-to-time)?

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

It is my understanding that the concentrations in pools are low enough that dogs would need to ingest huge quantities to be a concern.

[@danaparish1644]

@@Swimmingpoolsteve Thanks Steve!

[@mcpain2006]

This might be a dumb question, but is my motorized retractable pool cover the same thing as a solar blanket or is that something separate that I should be investing in? Cost of heating the pool is crazy.

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

A retractable cover is better than a solar blanket. It eliminates evaporation. Heating is very expensive in pools so keep the pool covered when not in use

[@BomberR6]

Where are you supposed to put the chlorine pucks??

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Chlorine pucks should go in a chlorine pucks feeder / erosion feeder which is installed (last) in the equipment set.

[@lg7530]

I have lost 4 solar blankets to the wind 16X32 size - waste of money

[@KevinDavenport15]

What would you say are things to spend extra money on or upgrades?

[@Swimmingpoolsteve]

Here is an article about that exact question: www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pages/new-options.html