In floor “Pop Up” Cleaning Systems

In this lesson I will tell you about in floor or “pop up” cleaning systems. Generally how they function, the pros and cons of them, and I’ll give you my opinion of them based on my experience with them.
Hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and also, please check out my website poolschooler.com for exclusive DIY pool maintenance tools and more direct and priority communication with my for your pool maintenance needs.
DIY Pool Care

[@billcornejo758]

Thanks for the info ,have had Hydroclean(pop ups ) for twenty five years paid extra 3500$ ,has kept my pool very clean .I have replaced the internal parts probably 3 times , very easy to do .Easy utube on line to replace ,never regretted .Your videos has been very useful,Thank You

[@arthurvin2937]

The second pool looks very similar to mine in Phoenix done by Shasta Pools. In my example popups work extremely well when under high pressure. I run 3-horse Pentair pump at 3450rpm, shared with filter, and it makes thunderstorms go almost unnoticeable, cleans everything till the last leaf. However, the major disadvantage is that it raises pH very quickly by agitating the water under high pressures.

[@craigjackson4032]

Very thorough and informative, thanks for taking the time to create & post this!

[@christophfahr-becker9914]

Interesting & worth LISTENING too. What I would like to hear about is a solution where the normal suction system is helped by water inflows near the pool floor which are part of the regular inflow system.

[@Sharkie626]

Great video! I always thought this system was the coolest thing with our previous pool. Our's just went off the main return. It was set up such as, at the near end of the return line, we had a diverter valve. One side had it go only to the wall jets, and the other side is where it would go to the valve actuator. It contained 5 pipes. Two of them went to the wall jets, I guess so those would be on the longest, and then the other three went to each one in the pool. One for the shallow end, one for the middle, and one for the deep end. Pretty simple. We usually kept the system on all the time. With the exception of when the pool would first be opened for the season, so as not to stir up all the stuff on the floor before the initial vacuuming. The separate pump system I think is cool too, and probably ensures the best pressure. I guess the immediate drawback is the extra electricity usage.

[@casimirok2760]

Thanks for vid.. I have a Shasta pool 5 years old with pop ups... I love them👍

[@PoolSchooler]

So glad they work well for you. That's good to hear.

[@bluev3nom]

Shasta sold their popups rights to some California company. They sent me duds last year. The middle part of the popup was not furnaced correctly and water came up at the top. The plastic needs to be melted with low heat so when you install the heads, water comes out the head and not on top. They sent me new ones but ended up sending me the wrong amount of high flow and wrong amount of low flow heads. Basically got them backwards. Finally got them installed and now my popups are stuck on the pool steps and stay there all day. The deep end where the high flows won't pop up. The gears are healthy and are turning. Not sure what it could be.

[@kevingray8616]

I think the key is that you can't cut corners. I have a PV3 for four years. (I skimmed through the video as it is fairly long.) I love not having to deal with a suction-type cleaner. Where I have steps and benches, the pop-ups act like gentle water features. A big advantage is how quickly an in-floor can distribute chemicals. It also works to circulate water so that you don't have hot and cold spots. I have one dead spot, but it's not bad when compared to dealing with a suction-type and I easily clear it while brushing the walls. (manufacturer claims it will clean 99% of the entire pool and for mine that is true) The gear assembly has only once been jammed by debris; which was easy to clear. One pop-up got jammed with debris, but was easily removed and cleared using the provided pole attachment. Thus far the dedicated pump has been rock solid. You need to make sure your builder knows what they're doing. (one quoter said that they would determine pop-up placement on their own because they'd been doing it for so long and to supposedly save me money; nope I wanted the manufacturer to determine pop-up placement; once the installation is done, you're stuck) My builder sent a specialist to seal all of the pool penetrations. A disadvantage of an in-floor is all of the penetrations so you definitely want to make sure those are sealed properly.

[@jasonkolacinski6065]

Great video! I learned alot. Thank you! Was wanting more info on these systems. I only have one client with a pop-up system. Very similar to the 3rd pool in video. Just did some work last week at a pool that has a pop-up system with a noisy 5 port caretaker valve. Will probably be referring them to someone else for servicing that valve.

[@PoolSchooler]

Or see if they’d be willing to convert their pop up system to a suction side, vacuum using a VacMate

[@descendantoffools9767]

That first system was installed by the company I used to work at 20 years ago. It the PCC2000 with the Hydra 6 module. On either side of the main drain are 2 fixed non rotating heads that point toward the main drain that send debris up to the deck canister. And then there are 2 returns pointing down the wall toward the fixed head to clean behind them and create what we called a water curtain. Anything that passed into that area should get forced to the drain. And we used a dedicated pump to get plenty of water flow. I'm surprised to see other systems that steal water from the main return to feed the water valve.

[@lauriegereaue1561]

Hi Kenny, great video. Thanks for the explanation of the pop ups. We have a pool that was built in 2004. Unfortunately, we're not the original owner....guess no lifetime warranty for us! I have asked my pool cleaner about the pop ups but it seems that his knowledge is minimal. The problem we have now is (1) there are bubbles coming out of the pop ups (2) it makes a gurgling sound....pretty noisy (3) out of 9 pop ups, only 4 pop up & 1 is stuck about 1/3 of the way. The water level is correct, not low. It seems to grow algae & will turn green. I asked the pool cleaner about the pop ups and he told me that it will be green occasionally because there are only 4 jets at the deep end of the pool (facing downward) & unless we get in the pool and circulate the water, it will not circulate enough on its own. One of the pop ups said PCC2000....I am assuming this is the manufacturer of the pop up units.If we need to get someone to look at this system, what type of service person would we look to help us? thanks for your help!

[@PoolSchooler]

You just listed several reasons I don't like the in floor Pop up cleaning systems. As far as your points. #1. The bubbles are due to air getting into your pool plumbing system maybe through the pop up actuator but more than likely it's somewhere in the intake of the system (suction side). #2. The noise could be that the water flow is being restricted. #3. Yup, you can replace the heads and "maybe" they'll all work and maybe not. My suggestion would be to convert your pop system to a stay in the pool suction side vacuum using a Pentair VacMate skimmer adaptor. Here's a link to a video I did on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTJk4GsadiJla8feature=shared HOWEVER I recommend getting a Barracuda G3 pool vacuum rather than the one I show in that video. Here's a video I did on the G3 and why it's my absolute favorite: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHekmqx6oZudiNEfeature=shared Lastly, in answer to your question I'd recommend contacting a local pool supply store and ask for a referral or you can contact the manufacturer (if they're still in business) for a referral of someone in your area who knows that product. BTW sounds like you have a Paramount pop up system.AND they're heck of a expensive to replace the heads and repair (heads run between $70 and $130 each!). Save your money and trouble and convert to a vacuum.

[@lauriegereaue1561]

@@PoolSchooler Thank you so much for your response. I will look into all of your suggestions! Cheers!

[@sowhat10able]

Thank you so much . Your videos are very educative and you are a very generous instructor. Thank you again

[@PoolSchooler]

You’re welcome.

[@tonym2881]

I just had a new pool built March 2021 all new pentair equip, A&A infloor system with venturi heads....I wish I knew more about this I would never have got the system. The heads seem to pop up sometimes all the way and sometimes not. I removed all the heads and let it flush the system to get any debris cleared. The heads are suppost to cleat a vacuum and pull from above also while pushing water-flow but they do not. I was told I need to increase my pump speed a bit. My pump it a VARIABLE SPEED PUMP intelliflo vsf ALL NEW EVERYTHING. I would not recommend pop up system. I still need to see if I can get the pump adjusted though

[@PoolSchooler]

I am sorry too. I am just not a fan of those in floor cleaning systems at all.

[@karlfreienmuth6320]

Replacement Vacuum system parts are very expensive to repair and replace also. Why didn't mention that? (maybe future episode I haven't gotten to yet) I had a Barricade vacuum system, 30+ years ago. Cost me an arm & a leg to maintain all the hose sections, plastic, rubber and breakable parts. Have a pop-up system now, for the last 20 years and couldn't be happier! Sure, some brushing is required. But my labor is cheap. And yes, original owner with lifetime cleaning system parts. Thanks for your info

[@PoolSchooler]

That really depends on the vacuum. The Barracuda G3 (my favorite) is easy to maintain and the aftermarket parts are very cheap compared to the manufacturers versions. It's ONE of the reasons the G3 is my favorite.

[@ThomasThePoolBuilder]

Hey Kenny! In my experience the quick skim/ ultra skim skimmers work really well when setup with the suction turned off and running off of the return only. I hope this helps you. Let me know if it does. I love your content, by the way.

[@PoolSchooler]

good to know .Thanks for sharing.

[@qh4007]

I love mine and my pool also has a floor drain at deep end and an overflow leaf catcher. Runs off one pump and i would never go back to a motorized suction system.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

For me, this beats having an expensive tethered device swimming constantly in pool. My pop up system works great and keeps the pool clean.

[@michaelschloeman2191]

You just saved me $144.95 plus tax. Reminded me about lifetime parts on the in floor system! Fixed.

[@PoolSchooler]

Michael Schloeman glad I could help.

[@1saronikos]

Hi pool school. Thank you for the educational videos. Is it possible to advise or make a video of 1. How to adjust the % chlorine generation from a salt cell and 2. How to reduce phosphates in pool along with the whole procedure. Thx and keep up the good work

[@PoolSchooler]

I can indeed. I have done videos on phosphates and how to reduce them and all that. Check out these: Algae and Algaecides and Why You Don't Need Them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6uqoH5qeMlqqsU Keeping Phosphate Levels Low: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6uuaHR6ZZx7d7s How I Cleared My Green Pool: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joqQc3Sad75jsKs I also did a three part series on Salt Systems BUT I don't think I mentioned specifically how to adjust the output level. So I will do one on that next week. Thanks for the suggestions.

[@arthurvin2937]

One note on the QuickSkim feature. Actually, it is very effective on boosting skimmer action, but it requires high flow rate to operate properly. Those pools that are always dirty simply doesn't have enough flow rate. Many pool owners today believe those stupid ads and promises by pool pump manufacturers which typically advertise something like "save the energy, you don't need 3hp motor, 500rpm is what you need". That's just horribly wrong! You always want to buy most powerful pump out there your plumbing can survive.

[@seoulbrooks]

You did not discuss the Low or High pressure heads and what the differences are. If high pressure pop up is installed with a low pressure system they will not work properly. It is very important the pop ups are matched with the pressure of the system. I have seen many pools here in Florida with the wrong pop ups installed. You can test the pressure at the pop up so you know the correct pop up to replace with. Thanks for your videos.

[@PoolSchooler]

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Good information Kenny, but I respectfully disagree with your final assessment. I’m a new pool owner (6 months) and couldn’t be happier with our in-floor cleaning system. The system works great and reduces the amount of vacuuming required to keep the pool clean. Importantly, it eliminated the need to have an expensive tethered vacuum and (long and unattractive) hose constantly in the pool. Also, the system eliminTed the need to maintain, store and haul a remote vacuum to-and-from and in-and out of the pool. Yes, there is a dead area where large debris will sometimes (not always) accumulate. However, I simply brush the debris from the corner toward the Main Drain with one swipe and its on its way. Takes 10 seconds to do, maybe once a week. Like any installed system, the effectiveness is dependent on the quality of the system and the installer, etc. You see hundreds of pools each week and rightfully have a different perspective. Before building the pool, I weighed the cost/benefit and, in retrospect, feel it was one of the best decisions that I made. 😎

[@PoolSchooler]

I really appreciate your comment and am delighted your system functions well.

[@nasegura]

I agree. We love ours!

[@alextube1099]

It works well if it’s done right.

[@brandonmugele2224]

Everybody who owns a pool should subscribe to your channel! Thanks for the great in depth information! I have an in floor cleaning system and the pop up nozzles rotate. I was under the impression that they're supposed to point towards the drain at all times. Are they designed to pop up in a rotating fashion? What ends up happening is all the dirt ends up in the corners of my pool and not in the drain. Thanks.

[@PoolSchooler]

Thank you for your kind comment. Yes, pop up heads are designed to rotate (about 1/8 of a turn or so) every time they drop back down. Its supposed to allow them to create a 360˚ "spray" pattern. But what you're describing is very VERY common with pop up cleaning systems (which is one reason I prefer a suction side pool vac like the Barracuda G3).

[@ericowens4001]

Really enjoyed your videos, very informative. I am in need of some advice and/or your services. I have an inground pool/spa pebble-tec floor with pop-up cleaners. I have a single pump that runs everything. The problem started when I noticed my pump pressure was very high and the pop-ups weren't functioning. I backwashed several times with no change. Come to discover, an unidentified piece of plastic is blocking the flow of water into the actuator, from the pump. No idea what it is or where it came from. It's about 3 inches long with a circular bottom and a two-prong fork at the other end. Bottom line, can't get it out. I had to take out the gear kit to try to remove the obstruction. To compound matters, the metal rod in the middle of the gears has fallen down one of the pipes leading to the popups. It was recommended that I dig and cut the pipe from the pump to the actuator, in order to remove the piece of plastic (no experience with this). As I said, looking for advice and/or possible service. Would I be better off going the vacuum route? Which is best for pebble-tec

[@PoolSchooler]

Wow! That is really a bummer and I’m sorry that you’re having to experience all that. Just for the record you just listed a myriad of reasons as to why I’m not a fan of pop-up cleaning systems. It’s hard for me to comment on what is stuck in your unit if you wanted to email me a picture of it that might be helpful. My email address is [e-mail]. My own personal suggestion would be to disable your pop-ups and convert your pool to a suction side vacuum specifically the barracuda G3 and use a vacmate skimmer converter to do it. I have a video on that it’s in titled “converting your pop of system to a vacuum using a VacMate”. Check it out, it might be helpful.

[@TheLansang]

Thank you, im gonna get a robotic or pressure side cleaner

[@jimandreae3458]

Great videos for a new pool owner - Thanks!! Can’ find the video for the Pop up conversion? My pop ups work ok but would rather change over to a pool vac.

[@PoolSchooler]

Jim Andreae that video isn’t done yet. I’ve got one coming out today in changing a pop up head and then I’m gonna post the one in converting a pop up pool to a vacuum mid next week. Stay tuned.

[@gunnersecuador7515]

I had a pool in AZ with the caretaker popups, it sucked. One motor, always had to vacuum the pool. If they are set up right I ques they can be good, if not you wasted a lot of money and will still do a lot of work.

[@PoolSchooler]

Gunners Ecuador yup. Sadly that seems to be the common experience I’ve had doing pools. Just not a fan of them.

[@gunnersecuador7515]

@@PoolSchooler Hey Ken thanks for the reply. I also had a question about the 3" tablets and the floaters. The pool store says my pool which is 8250 Gal only needs one tablet, and that I can put 3 tablets in the floater so long as I have the adjuster set for 10K or less. Is this correct?

[@00HiGhGuY00]

In regards to children getting their fingers stuck in drain and drowning, a much more logical solution than rendering the drain ineffective at removing leaves would be to keep the larger holes but make the drain cover removable and held on by magnets. That way if a child (or anyone) got their fingers stuck, they could simply pull the cover off and worry about how to get their finger out once above the surface.

[@PoolSchooler]

That is absolutely brilliant. I'm serious!! May I suggest that you pursue that? Someone could make a mint on an innovative product like that.

[@theblinkstykrab3106]

Couldn't that also bring up another safety issue, being that children could get whole limbs stuck in the return drain pipe, or would there noy be enough suction for that to happen?

[@thebubbacontinuum2645]

No cover. I'm a lawyer, and you're making my mouth water.

[@markeasterwood1187]

Some of my pop ups turn while they're operating. Mainly it's the pop ups on the steps and seats.

[@descendantoffools9767]

If any of your in floor pools have dead spots, you might have competing heads. One could start to move debris toward the drain, then when it cycles to the next head that might push it back to where it started. Sometimes I would wait the system to cycle to a head, then with my telescopic pole push down on the head and ratchet it to the direction I wanted. If you do that with each head sometimes it would fix dead spots.

[@PoolSchooler]

Good information. Thanks for commenting.

[@CFazz]

Very interesting. We are going through the process now of getting quotes and on the list is a pop up system. They want 12k AUD for it.

[@PoolSchooler]

Personally I'm not a fan of pop up cleaning systems. I'd suggest getting a dedicated suction line installed for a suction side vacuum and then purchasing the Zodiac Barracuda G3 pool vac. It would cost a ton less and work more efficiently.

[@smashingartful]

Great info as always!

[@bmallett1]

Question, I followed all steps and replaced some worn gears but the (brand new) Impeller still not spinning and stuck on one Zone. Any other suggestions?

[@PoolSchooler]

@@bmallett1 without actually looking at it in person it would be hard for me to help. It’s yet another reason why I don’t care for pop-up systems. I might recommend contacting a Pool Service pro and spend the money to have it fixed right.

[@ql9366]

Hi Kenny. My playpool is Shasta built in 2004. Thanks for all you help since I started doing the pool myself. I have learned a lot. I’m trying to learn about pop ups now . So the pop ups don’t come up the whole time when the pump is on? How do I know if all of them work properly?. I always go brush the pool at night when the pump is on. I only saw one or two up. Do you know if Shasta have life time warranty on pop up heads? Sorry for all the newbie questions . Thank you!

[@PoolSchooler]

I saw your email and responded there. Please check your email for that response.

[@giainhcuamutlv4mfamily616]

I have a hard time to locate the check valve for the Paramount cleaner system cyclean to replace it to keep spa water level up when system is off. Can you please show me? Thank you!

[@PoolSchooler]

I did a video on check valves. Here’s a link it might help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeyaqGPZs-ni6sfeature=shared If it doesn’t help you locate it the only way I can help is if I see a video or pictures of your equipment and plumbing. So if the video doesn’t he’ll email me at [e-mail]. And send me a video and pictures of your pool equipment and Plumbing and I might be able to help me locate it.

[@mayorb3366]

My experience is that these don't do well with any appreciable amount of leaf debris. What I typically see in most in-floor pools is piles of debris in the same places of the pool every week. Though they do well on keeping dirt off of steps, tanning ledges and in spas.

[@user-qp8if2wq9u]

How you do the back wash on this.?? Or this dont need it?? Because of type of filter??

[@PoolSchooler]

@@user-qp8if2wq9u I believe this filter was a cartridge filter so it doesn’t need backwashing.

[@xiafrazer]

Great information! I am about to buy a property with the pop up system and it's already showing some problems. Just wonder how much it would cost me to convert this system to a vacuum system?

[@PoolSchooler]

Just the cost of the vac (I'd recommend the Barracuda G3 - my favorite around $250 online but look for deals). And then I'd suggest using a VacMate(somewhere around $70) to convert. Check out my video on that subject. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTJk4GsadiJla8. I think you'll like the results of a vac over a pop up system. Only real drawback is the vacuum stays in the pool so it's not as "asthetically pretty".

[@jayvila1337]

Thank you again for this video. I have a pop up system, are you able to clean out the actuator basket?? Do leaves or other debris go into the actuator?

[@PoolSchooler]

Typically debris don't get into the actuator. Actuators don't have baskets. Your pump has a basket and your pop up system may have a leaf catcher built into the side of the pool. If your actuator is not rotating the sections of the pop ups then you probably are in need of new actuator gears. They make kits that replace the entire inner workings which would be my suggestion if you need to rather than fixing one gear etc.

[@AZwupatki]

TIP as I RTFM, if you have a dead spot on your steps, did you mix your pop up's. What I mean is that on a Shasta pool system the step pop up's have a smaller nozzle therefore more pressure.

[@kennethsmith5050]

I hate the pop up systems.. in Florida you still have to vacuum the pools every week, sometimes I get lucky but most of the time.. most my clients don’t have vacuums so I have to vac with power vac

[@PoolSchooler]

Kenneth Smith that’s a bummer. That’s been my experience with most pop up systems. They just don’t work well.

[@kennethsmith5050]

I have 1 client out of 8 pop ups that works well..

[@PoolSchooler]

See if they’ll let you convert their pool to a stay in vac.

[@kennethsmith5050]

What all do you have to do to do that?

[@PoolSchooler]

Kenneth Smith I’m actually doing a video on it after I upload my next one. Stay tuned.

[@Getwhiskied]

thanks for the info...my pop ups started to lose pressure and push out air...we have to hand vacuum the pool but now the lack of pressure with air does not create a good vaccuum so now the pool is getting milky...dont know what to do...cant afford a pool dude and besides that I don't trust anyone that would be as good as you are...any advice?

[@PoolSchooler]

Somewhere in your system you have a leak (or more) and you need to find out where the air is getting into it from. Check pump lid, O'ring and also the o'ring on the pop up actuator. Make sure you're filter is clean. Also do you have a DE filter? The milky could be an indication of a torn grid or more in your filter allowing DE to get into the pool. I'd need more info to be able to be more accurate.

[@PoolSchooler]

You may want to convert your pop up system to a in pool suction side vacuum. This video may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTJk4GsadiJla8feature=shared

[@Getwhiskied]

Thank you, I'm ready to bury the whole thing... @@PoolSchooler

[@PoolSchooler]

@@Getwhiskied I know a lot of people who have chosen to do so. Can’t say that I blame you.

[@jerrydeuby3882]

We have pop up system what psi should be at while running pop up ours only 5 psi .last time I try to adjust handle for flow I blew up filter canister .what did I do wrong thanks Jerry

[@PoolSchooler]

Hey Jerry, it’s hard to tell based on just what you’re saying, some pop-up systems are different than others. The older ones are more prone to blow a filter. If the pop-up actuators don’t rotate and open the different flaps to each section the newer ones have more of a failsafe so you can dedicate most all of the return flow to the pop-ups, and if it gets stuck in the actuator, it will never have all the flaps closed. So it’s very hard for me to comment on it, my suggestion would be to convert your pop-up system to a stay in the pool, vacuum system using a vac mate skimmer adapter by Pentair. And put any zodiac barracuda G3. I have a video on converting your pop-up system to a suction side, vacuum using the vacmate skimmer adapter. But I recommend getting a zodiac barracuda G3 over the pool cleaner which is in the video.

[@billpennock8585]

If a quikclean popup wont turn to get it out what are your options?

[@PoolSchooler]

You may have to break it out but be careful you don't damage the fitting it goes into. Or this may be a good time to contact a licensed insured pool repair person to do it. Or convert to a stay in the pool suction side vacuum like I did in the pool in the video in this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTJk4GsadiJla8feature=shared

[@jeffreytaylor8182]

I have two zones with two pumps for my pop up system. The front zone pump loses pressure when it switches to a different pop up. Both 6 ports are new and just installed. Any ideas?

[@PoolSchooler]

Can you please email me some pics and/or videos of what you're describing so I can more accurately help. My email [e-mail]

[@sharonpizarro4354]

We have a puppet system and it’s so hard we can’t find the tool to service the pop-ups we lost it and we can’t find it anywhere we have an Anthony pool if you can give me any tips on where I can maybe find the tool for the pop-ups I’d really appreciate it thank you

[@PoolSchooler]

Can you email me a picture of the your pop up heads? [e-mail]

[@josephtuccillo6438]

So my pool has the valve on the pump that goes to either the vacuum hole on the side for a automatic vacuum or to the skimmer. However my pool has a pop up system. So I have one of those diverters. I would think I should always have to have the diverter doing its thing in order for the infloor to work since the drains need suction to work. Would this be correct? Is there another way my drains would have suction without the diverter? I don't have a leaf vac. Thanks.

[@PoolSchooler]

Thats interesting. Usually a pool isn't built with both a dedicated vacuum line port AND a pop up system. I guess if you're using just the pop ups for cleaning then you should have all the suction to the skimmer and then adjust the diverter so you get some suction to the floor drain. If you are using a suction side vacuum then you'd want to adjust the suction to approximately 70% to the vacuum and then the rest to the skimmer.

[@normanwong1780]

Can you explain a little bit more on the leaf blower canister? Like how it works and where that debris comes from? I bought a house with a pool that seems to have nearly the same set up but the canister doesn't seem to open? The canister lid is not quite the same as the one in your video which seems easy to open and close. The canister on my pool is very tight and I'm afraid to apply any hard pressure to open it

[@PoolSchooler]

Norman Wong I’m guessing you mean the in deck leaf catcher I show, open and empty at 10:11 in this video. I’m not sure what type of lid yours has but it shouldn’t be hard to remove. Unless it’s different than the one I show here. Also try opening it without the pump motor running. Sometimes it can create suction that can make taking the lid off difficult. The suction is provided by the pump motor and the leaves are sucked in usually through the floor drain and the side port in the wall I show at the very beginning of where I show the leaf catcher. If you email me a picture of what you’re describing I can give you a more accurate and probably more helpful suggestions. [e-mail]

[@normanwong1780]

@@PoolSchooler will do! thanks for all the useful videos

[@PoolSchooler]

@@normanwong1780 You're welcome.

[@clancep]

Great video! I'm in the process of buying a house in AZ and it has a nice pebble tech play pool. For some reason, the pop up cleaning system has been capped off and the plumbing disconnected. There doesn't appear to be be a vacuum running in the pools as well. I'm a little lost on knowing how to fully understand what's truly going on since it's not my home. The current owners live in a different state and have been renting out the home which is now vacant. SO the information is very limited. The pool filter was mentioned to have been changed from a sand filter to a cartridge filter last year. If the pop up system was leaking, could you abandon that line and have it rerouted to another line? Do you know why they would have capped off the system? Possible previous sand filter clogged up the lines? Edit: The pool does have a water feature but does not appear to have a separate dedicated pump.

[@PoolSchooler]

I'm sorry to say without seeing the pool I wouldn't be about make an accurate assessment of the situation. However if they disabled the in floor system you may want to convert it to a stay in the pool vacuum using a VacMate. I did a video on that here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTJk4GsadiJla8 Hope this helps.

[@ameldashaw4821]

Unfortunately my pool is a Paddock pool just like the first pool you showed and they are no longer in business in AZ so I no longer have a warranty. I am still able to get in floor parts as Paramount is still honoring the lifetime warranty.

[@PoolSchooler]

Amelda Shaw that’s too bad. Yup that’s why I’m not a fan of lifetime warrantees. Seems like now a days companies come and go so their “lifetime” warrantees are rather worthless.

[@descendantoffools9767]

Yep, worked for them until 2000. Family owned business since 1958 with 8 stores, then they sold to a dishonest guy from out of state in 2005 who basically ran it into the ground. Took people's money and didn't finish pools and stuff like that. Paramount was the sister company to Paddock, they basically ran manufacturing and distribution and Paddock was the retail store and pool builder.

[@thomasblake5959]

Just signed contract for a pool build in Surprise AZ. Went with the in floor system because it sounded like it would be easier for us to maintain. Now we're having second thoughts. If we go forward with the in floor system, any recommendations on to which brand/type we should make sure is installed??

[@PoolSchooler]

Unfortunately I can't endorse pop up systems because I feel they are inefficient. If you do go with that make sure they have a separate pump dedicated solely to the pop ups. The only benefit of pop ups I can honestly see is that they are aesthetically more pleasing where as a stay in the pool vac isn't as visually pleasing.

[@samhallowsdc]

@@PoolSchooler Great stuff. if you're not a fan of all the pentair gear vacs what vac have you had best success with? And how do i prevent my pentair 2 wheel vac from regularly climbing the wall and sucking air and killing the pump for a minute? THX SAM

[@PoolSchooler]

@@samhallowsdc My absolute favorite vac is the Zodiac Barracuda G3. I did a video on it here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHekmqx6oZudiNEfeature=shared As far as it climbing out of the water a simple adjustment of the suction on the vac will take care of that. You want it to come about 1/3 up the wall. MAKE SURE THEY INSTALL A DEDICATED SUCTION LINE FOR THE VACUUM AND have an valve to adjust the suction between the skimmer and THAT vacuum line.

[@mommas04]

Our housing is spraying lots of water out at the lid whenever the water feature is off & the pool pump is on. We changed the O ring & the issue still persists. Do you happen to have any videos on that?

[@PoolSchooler]

Unfortunately I don't You may have a cracked housing tho. That plastic does eventually become brittle over time and in the elements. It may be time to replace the housing.

[@andrasgaspar3889]

I have a somewhat similar system, I think, although it is not working. I was told that it is a "whip" system, where they used to have whips randomly blowing water around. I have around 10 3/4 in threaded outlets around the pool and a capped of inlet near the pump. The system has been disconnected from the pump. What could you tell me about it? I can't find anything about it.

[@PoolSchooler]

I've heard of such systems but not a fan. You'd do. well to convert to a suction side pool vacuum like the Barracuda G3 by Zodiac using a Pentair VacMate. This video may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5LKiXSBrbNrsK8

[@brians.4488]

Have u ever had an infloor sys that needed 2 hydraulic valves? If so how does the timming work? It seems like we're not getting the forceful discharge out of the nozzles like we did last season. How are they piggy backed as there is only one pump for the floor system with one return pipe going into the ground towards the pool. My customer will not convert to a booster pump with the new quatro. No more back up valves or polaris bags or head floats!!!!!! That's what I use to sell a customer on that cleaner

[@PoolSchooler]

Sorry to say I’m not sure. I understand what you’re asking or I probably have not had experience with what you’re talking about. I’m not sure what you mean by hydraulic valves. The pop-up systems that I have in my clients pools and that I’ve worked on have an actuator center that distributes the return water to certain sections of pop-up heads and circulates them sort of like a clock. The pop-ups share the return with the rest of the Pool returns. I.e. there’s a single pump for the filter and the pop-up heads. Then I put the majority of the flow to the pop-up cleaning system and very little to the regular Pool returns. Some of the newer pop-up systems you can dedicate 100% of the return flow to the pop-up floor cleaning system. I have on occasion come across a pool that was designed very poorly and has too many pop-up heads per section, and no matter how much flow you put to the pop-ups it’s never sufficient. To be honest with you if you can’t get more pressure to the pop up heads, you might want to suggest they convert their pool to a suction side vacuum like the barracuda G3 using a Pentair vac mate skimmer adapter here’s a link on that. Converting a Pop Up System to a Vacuum using a VacMate kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTJk4GsadiJla8

[@ruthlessluder]

What is the brand of that pop-up actuator? Actually I have to replace my 5-port Caretaker actuator because the hosing is leaking and the gears are no longer working properly. Is there a particular brand of actuator that you recommend for durability?

[@PoolSchooler]

I always recommend using the same actuator your system is made by.

[@tomthebeekeeper8481]

When I open my pool for the swimming season how do I install the popup head back into the pipe?

[@PoolSchooler]

I did a video on replacing a pop up head. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqCWmZybh5VmbKc Hope that helps.

[@dw-nb2zh]

This guy ain't a fan of pop up systems cuz he wants you to pay him to come clean your pool every week. Built my pool in 2005 with pop up system, and it is awesome. Jandy is very good about sending any parts, heads, etc at NO CHARGE. I'm in Florida and never had to hire a pool guy.

[@deseanhalwood1460]

Pop up systems suckk. Who has better pools after a storm? Lol

[@slfrandsen]

A couple questions. First, my pop up system is blowing air (a lot of bubbles come up) out of the jets as it switches from area to area. Any ideas on that? Second, I had a pool guy switch my system from a two pump system to a single pump system. I understood that the second pump was just drawing extra power but after watching this video I am now thinking it may be reducing the pressure on my jets as that pump was pulling more water. Could that be right? Can you generally switch a two pump system to a single pump system that runs skimmer and the in-floor system?

[@PoolSchooler]

Hi Steve. This video may help with your first issue: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKe1n5akd7l2Y8k On your second issue, "yes" I believe you could be right. That other pump was probably a dedicated booster pump to drive the pop ups and now that you only have one, the return flow is being shared by your returns and your pop ups. I think you were better off with the additional pump to drive the pop ups.

[@dbelcher5761]

How often should the pop up system run? My system looks identical to the first example but mine is not on a timer. I have to manually turn that separate pump on. How often should I run the cleaning system?

[@PoolSchooler]

First MAKE SURE THAT THE FILTER PUMP RUNS THE SAME TIME AS THE POP UP PUMP. I have a video on pump/filter run times and usually in the peak season you should run both filter and pop up motors for 8-9 hours a day. Then in the off season you'd want to run your filter and pop up motors for 4-7. Here's a link to that video in case you want to watch it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOkeZ-Ym76drck

[@hollyzack201]

Our step pop ups make a really loud suctioning noise when on, why is this?

[@PoolSchooler]

Probably because of their proximity to the surface of the water so it’s creating probably a vortex or mini whirlpool, which is sucking air from the surface creating that noise. Not uncommon.

[@janebleu3386]

Can you explain the purpose of the in deck leaf canister and how that is supposed to suck water? Mine hardly has any water trickling in and the intake is well below the water line. Cover is always difficult/airlocked... Right now with a brand new actuator I'm only getting 8 PSI on my cleaning system so the heads are not popping up all the way and not turning. Thank you for your help.

[@PoolSchooler]

I will do a video on that subject this week and release it in two weeks. Stay tuned, subscribe and enable notifications.

[@PoolSchooler]

In the meantime direct more of your return flow to the "cleaning" system (the majority of it) that should help. Don't try to open the cover of the leaf canister when the motor is running it creates a huge vacuum. DO you have a separate pop up/cleaning system motor/pump?

[@janebleu3386]

I have the valve turned to direct all the flow to the in floor cleaning system, however there is a line that Ts off prior as overflow release (no shut off for that one) to our one and only jet. I have no other water features.

[@janebleu3386]

And no separate pump for the cleaning system, but nothing else connected either... Had a heater but it died so now on bypass. I look forward to your video.

[@PoolSchooler]

@@janebleu3386 unfortunately unless I saw a picture of what you’re describing I couldn’t comment accurately on that.

[@rs2543]

What are other reasons to use the pop ups. I’ve read it helps with circulation when heating the water and chemical balance?

[@PoolSchooler]

I guess pop ups can "assist" in circulation when heating the water and chemical balance, but truthfully it's not going to adding so much better circulation to your pool. In a typical, well made pool you should have ample suction and return circulation to your pool without pop ups. Remember, most pop up systems share the return pressure from the main pump/motor with all the other return items on your pool so that means to run the pop ups they are taking away return flow from your return ports. Unless you have a dedicated pump/motor solely for the pop ups. Then you would be increasing the circulation BUT unless THAT pump was connected to your heater it wouldn't help with heating since most heaters I know of run off the main pump for flow.

[@marioa9350]

How do you convert your pop up system to a vacuum system?

[@PoolSchooler]

Here's a video I did on how to do that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYTJk4GsadiJla8

[@amitparol44]

Do you recommend robotic cleaner ? I ve suction zodiz z4 but it just gets stuck to one side. Plus i have many leaves falling into pool each day. Thanks

[@PoolSchooler]

I'm not a big fan of robotic cleaners as they are pretty expensive and most that I know of have to be put in the pool and plugged in to clean the pool then taken out after cleaning cycle is complete. Whereas the suction vacs can and do stay in 24/7. That said, one of the drawbacks of the random vacs like yours and the ones I recommend as well can leave "dead" spots. I'm not really a fan the z4, I think it's over engineered, BUT if you read over the manual for that vac it should give a recommendation on the direction to point your return ports (usually it's down). Follow their recommendations for that and you may find that your vac gets those dead spots (maybe). Also if you have any sort of water fall or water feature that can also create a current that may push your vac or the hose away from certain areas. Try those things and see if they help.

[@amitparol44]

@@PoolSchooler thanks for the detailed reply. Any suction cleaner you recommend that can take care of many leaves etc Many thanks

[@PoolSchooler]

@@amitparol44 My current favorite is The Pool Cleaner. Two wheel version for play pools. 4 Wheel version for diving pools (w/deep ends). Here's a link to the two wheel version: the pool cleaner two wheel NOTE: no pool vac can get a ton of leaves especially large ones. But this vac has done the best for me. You may also want to get an inline leaf canister like this one: www.amazon.com/Hayward-Capacity-Canister-Replacement-Cleaners/dp/B07RXZMTDP They are really helpful and catch the leaves/debris before they get to the pump basket.

[@timmallardi]

Do you know what brand of the second system you presented, the one you said you liked least?

[@PoolSchooler]

Unfortunately I do not.

[@leo8505]

How long should the pop up system run each day

[@don8801]

the ones that don't work is because the builder failed to send pool plan to manufacturer to have floor system designed by manufacturer. the just wing it... and usually always have to many popups on a zone so no pressure. not spaced or positioned in the pool to reach everywhere. so leaves will sit in certain areas. the lifetime warranty is nonexistent if the builder doesn't get specs and plumb the system according to manufacturer specs...

[@PoolSchooler]

Yup.

[@musicboy5450]

What happens if you turn on the pump it's not fine and there's no water in it

[@PoolSchooler]

You don't want to run it dry. Watch my video on Priming Your Pump: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXXCaIygra6Hjpo And if your pump is always losing it's prime you may want to watch this video as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKe1n5akd7l2Y8k Hope they help.

[@christybasso76]

I have pop ups that are stuck. I know you can buy the correct tool to loosen them but how exactly does this work without replacing the whole thing?

[@PoolSchooler]

Christy Basso you definitely want to get the specific tool for that particular pop up. I thought I showed how to replace a pop up head in my video. I’ll have to check and if not I’ll do one on that.

[@PoolSchooler]

Ah I was right I did do a video on replacing a pop up head. Give it a watch. I think it’ll answer your question. Here’s a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqCWmZybh5VmbKc

[@staceyburton9303]

How many popups should I have on a baja shelf that is 5x15 feet?

[@PoolSchooler]

Stacey Burton unfortunately I’m not a pool builder or an engineer so sadly I can’t be of any help in this one. Sorry. 😢

[@michaelambrosino5631]

What pop up system do you rRecommend

[@PoolSchooler]

Unfortunately I don't recommend any of them since I don't really care for pop up systems. Sorry.

[@dennisskinner2339]

How do you winterize a pool in the northeast with kind of system? Is it even possible?

[@PoolSchooler]

It's totally possible but unfortunately I have no idea how to do so since we never freeze like that in AZ. So sorry I can't be of more help.

[@Sharkie626]

I'll help you here. It is possible! What they did with ours is they take off the valve mechanism, and then attach the blower hose to each pop up zone pipe one at a time. Once there is air coming out of the heads, they immediately put a rubber plug in the pipe opening. Since the air cannot come back out, the air pressure itself prevents the water from coming back up the pipe. Any water that manages to make it inside is well below the frost line and will not freeze.

[@ANDERSONEXPRESS7]

I still like my kreepy krauly

[@vincentmarceca7416]

My system needs service, is there anyone in north New Jersey you can recommend?

[@PoolSchooler]

I'm sorry to say I don't. I would recommend contacting your local pool supply store and ask for referrals and then ask for references.

[@thebubbacontinuum2645]

I hate these things. As far as I can tell, they do nothing at all, and now I have a mysterious leak which may turn out to be somewhere in the network of PVC under my expensive concrete. I think pop-ups are a deliberate scam used to get more money up front and then generate more repairs later. Getting a pool is a stupid idea for most people. You will use it all the time for two months. You will use it once in a while for the rest of the year. After that, it will basically be your sponging friends and relatives coming over to make noise and wear out your grill while putting you at risk of lawsuits. And you still have to work on it and spend money. You can't just rip it out of the ground and put something useful where it used to be. Oh, I forgot: it increases the cost of your homeowner's insurance, and you can't have a diving board or a slide because of lawyers. And you have to put a supremely annoying fence around it so you feel like you're swimming in a little bird cage.

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I just don't see how this can actually replace a proper pool vacuum.

[@PoolSchooler]

I agree with you. As I said in the video, I’m not a fan of the inflow mor pop-up cleaning systems.

[@Julia-Julia]

What are pop ups?

[@PoolSchooler]

They are the part of the in floor cleaning system that 'pop up' to blow water across the bottom of the pool to clean it,.

[@PoolSchooler]

If you watch the whole video it'll explain it.

[@SoloGuitar1000]

TO me, VGB makes no sense for residential pools. Every single pool already has a foolproof safety device. It's called the OFF switch. Turn your pump off when you go swimming. No possibility of an accident. But why use common sense when you can create costly nuisance regulations?

[@probono9341]

SoloGuitar1000 Because safety systems have to be idiot proof.

[@billsmith987]

I wouldn't recommend a dedicated pump for any infloor cleaning system. Too many benefits (chemical distribution, natural convection heating, single pump cleaning). Zero benefits from a dedicated pump. Dead spots are not common, that is a product of installation. Pipes should be painted for protection. Also many areas require a split suction for safety.

[@johnstack4316]

Good content, please make shorter videos. Condense down to 12 min or less. You will get more views. I have a busy life and 36 min to watch a video is way to long. Thanks.

[@PoolSchooler]

Hi John, thank you for your comment I truly appreciate your suggestion and I appreciate how kind you were and how you presented it. As I continue to learn about how to make videos that are helping people I will definitely take your advice to heart and try to apply it.

[@blackwhitegiantstalk2022]

That pool looks really dirty.

[@PoolSchooler]

Actually, it’s not dirty. It’s just old pebble tech and they don’t want to spend the money to have it redone or acid washed so it’s more stained. It’s not really dirty.

[@infinityalfa3979]

I agree with you 100%, Pop up cleaning systems are like pseudoscience looks good expensive a total waste of money, A pool is already a money pit why add a fireplace to burn your money, Don't piss your money away.