Thursday, May 31, 2018

Advanced Cleaning Tools to Save You Time on Your Pool Route

In This Podcast I cover some tools I use on my Pool Route to speed up my day out in the field. These tools will cut hours off of your work week allowing you to add more accounts or to just finish your day earlier. Here is a brief preview of some of the equipment I talk about in the Podcast.



PRECISION 2.0
This is the Precision 2.0 Li Battery Powered Cleaner by Water Tech. The Precision 2.0 is Water Tech's latest cleaner made exclusively for the pool service professional. The Precision has been in the works for over two years and Water Tech has made many improvements that make this cleaner reliable and highly effective.

The Precision is only for sale to pool service professionals and won't be available online. For more info on pricing and availability check with your local pool supply wholesaler. With that said, if you are a homeowner looking for a powerful portable vacuum like this one, check out their Volt FX-8 cleaner. Water Tech may in the future make the Precision available to homeowners, but for now it is marketed and sold to pool service techs.

The Precision is Water Tech's upgrade of the Pro 1500 which is a solid cleaner in it's own respect. The Precision is designed to be used as a portable vacuum separate from the pools filtration system and it comes with three bags for various situational use. The Xtreme Multi Layer Bag is for standard use and is great at picking up dirt and debris. The Sand & Silt Bag is designed for fine dirt and sand and works well at trapping smaller dirt particles. And the All Purpose Bag is for pools with large leaf debris with little dirt.  These bags all work great and they really trap the dirt and debris well.

The Precision comes with two Lithium Ion Batteries that will last longer and are much lighter than their previous batteries. Also included is a car charger that you can use to charge the battery while you are driving around on your pool route. Each battery will last for about one hour of continuous use. It takes about 4 hours to charge the batteries from the wall charger, less time for the car charger.

Water Tech Precision 2.0Li Professional Pool Vacuum Overview & Review: https://youtu.be/oY5uGxSRLOI

POWER VAC:
This is the Power Vac Large Service Cart for the Power Vac PV2100, PV2200 and PV2500. The service cart is truly a thing of beauty. If you are thinking about getting a Power Vac for your pool route definitely get it with this cart. You will love it.

Getting the PV2100 with the Large Service Cart is actually a good package deal. The PV2100 without the cart is around $1,000 and with it about $1,600. If you decide to purchase the cart later it sells for around $1,000 just by itself. So you get the cart along with the PV2100 for about half price.

There are so many great details about the cart, I couldn't cover all of them in the video otherwise it would be too long. I will touch on each point here.

The cart has a powder coated aluminum frame that is welded so well that it feels like it was cut out as one solid piece. The welds are that good and that strong. The powder coating is so thick I doubt you will have to get it re-coated for years. It is a a solid piece of equipment made in the USA. It just looks and feels very well built.

Power Vac Large Service Cart for PV2100, PV220 & PV2500 Vacuum: https://youtu.be/y9ORwr_DQtI

RIPTIDE  SL VACUUM SYSTEM:
This is the New Riptide SL Pool Vacuum System. The Riptide vacuum uses a 30 Lbs thrust motor to spin a propeller on top and suck large debris into the large debris bag on top. I have been using the Riptide Commercial Cart on my Pool Route and the SL cart uses the same Vacuum head but the cart is more compact and maneuverable.

The Riptide Vacuum System is an essential tool if you service pools that get destroyed by the winds or work in an area where the pools get a lot of large debris all season long. For the homeowner or service tech who doesn't want or need the SL cart, you can now order the Riptide Vacuum Head with just a Battery Box. It will work exactly the same as far as vacuuming power, but the time between charges will be shorter. The 35 AH battery for the Battery Box should last around 3 hours of continuous use before charging.

The SL Cart can hold up to a class 27 100 AH battery which gives you about 6-8 hours of vacuuming time with the Riptide.

The Riptide SL cart comes loaded with some great features which I will touch on briefly here. One of the things I really like is the dedicated plug on the cart itself. The Vacuum Cord plugs right into the cart  and the plug is very well made and actually holds the cord in even if you tug really hard on t while vacuuming a pool. Right above the plug is the easy to reach on/off switch. The ease of use of the Riptide SL makes this an ideal Vacuum System for you. Simply connect your pole to the Riptide Vacuum head, uncoil the cord from the top, plug it in, drop the vacuum in the pool and turn it on.

Riptide SL Pool Vacuum System Review & Overview: https://youtu.be/Wp2c9CLDrgY


PORTAVAC BY ADVANTAGE MANUFACTURING:
The PORTAVAC by Advantage Manufacturing is a self contained portable filtration system that can be used for a great many swimming pool applications. The best way to describe it to you is that the PORTAVAC is like having your pool equipment on a a dolly that you can move around.

Here are some specs on the PORTAVAC directly from the manufacturer:

1.5 HP self priming pump with oversized trap
150 Sq. Ft. cartridge filter
35' of 12 gauge insulated cord
Heavy duty tubed tires
Rugged 0.090 wall steel
Powder coated finish
On/Off switch with GFI

I will touch on these features some more later in this article. I wanted to highlight some uses for the PORTAVAC. First, let me make a distinction from the closest portable Vacuum type when compared to the PORTAVAC. This is not at all like the Hammer-Head, Riptide Vac, or Power Vac. Those types of portable vacuums use a fine filter bag on top to trap debris and work off of a Deep Cycle Marine Battery attached to the cart. The limitation of these types of vacuums is that they only trap dirt and debris down to about 60 microns, with the finest bag attached.

The PORTAVAC uses a 150 sq ft cartridge filter, so it traps dirt and debris down to about 10 or 15 microns. This means that the PORTAVAC will pick up very fine dust, sand and algae dust where the other types of vacuums fail at this. You would use your standard pool vacuum head and a 1.5” pool hose attached to the PORTAVAC to pick up the dirt and debris. It is just like manually vacuuming from your pools existing filtration system.

PORTAVAC: Portable Filtration System by Advantage Manufacturing – Overview: https://youtu.be/uhGYALoLdWs

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index:  http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos:

Monday, May 28, 2018

Green Pool Clean Up a Step by Step Video Guide: Using PoolRx


I have filmed many Green Pool Clean Up Videos over the years with various different Algaecides and pool types. In this video I focus on a Green to Clean using the PoolRx Unit. PoolRx is a great way to prevent algae from forming in your pool but it can also be used to clear up a Green Pool. I will list the steps here for you and they are the same found on the PoolRx website with a slight variation.



Here is the step by step process:
Step One: Clean the pool filter – more than likely it is full of green algae. If you have a D.E. Filter check also for torn or damaged grids. Also check the Top Manifold for cracks. If you have a Cartridge Filter hose off the cartridges. If you have a Sand Filter simply backwash it and get the filter pressure down. Depending on how bad the pool is you may need to clean the filter one more time or several more times.

Step Two: Brush the pool. At this point you will not be vacuuming the pool. First you want to aggressively brush the pool walls and floor to loosen up the algae so it can be destroyed more easily. If the pool is full of debris you can skim it out also.

Step Three: Check the Water Chemistry. More than likely the pool will have no chlorine in it. This is basically what you are looking for in this step. If the Conditioner levels are high at this point I wouldn't worry about it for now. First things first, the chlorine level at zero is contributing to the problem more than high CYA.

Step Four: Balance the pH. In a normal Green Pool Clean Up I don't worry too much about the pH. But for the PoolRx, the Minerals are more effective if the pH is at 7.2-7.4. So if the pH is high add some Muriatic Acid to lower it down to that range.

Step Five: Bring Chlorine level up to 10.0 ppm. This is where the steps differ from the PoolRx Green Pool Guide. They suggest a level of at least 2.0 ppm but in my experience it is better to add more Chlorine as the organics in the water will destroy much of the chlorine within the first few hours. I post different green pool levels in the video from a light green or level one to the very swamp like level five where you will have mosquito larvae and frogs in the water. With each shade of green you will need to add more and more Chlorine to get the pool to 10 ppm. For example in a level 2 Green Pool you can easily bring the pool up to 10.0 ppm with just 2 gallons of 12.5% liquid Chlorine (20,000 gallon pool). But the same size pool at a level four Green Pool you will need to add 8 gallons of 12.5% liquid Chlorine to hope for 10 ppm. All of the organic junk in the water will destroy the Chlorine level rapidly.

So basically you are adding more and more Chlorine as the pool get greener to reach that 10 ppm threshold.



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Step Six: Insert a PoolRx unit into the pump basket. You will want to choose the right size PoolRx unit depending on the pool size and how green it is. If your pool is 15,000 gallons but the pool is dark green you will want to use the Black PoolRx Unit which is rated for up to a 30,000 gallon pool. Much of the Minerals will be used up by the green algae and the Black Unit has 12 oz of Minerals as opposed to the Blue Unit which has 8 oz of the Mineral. If your pool is 20,000 gallons but just a very light green, you can use the Blue PoolRx Unit. So it is pool size and the severity of the Green Pool which will determine which size unit to use.

Step Seven: Run Pool for 24 Hours. This is a critical part of this process for two reasons. First, you want to run the pool for 24 hours because you want as much of the green water to pass through the filter as possible - this helps clear up the pool. This also allows the Chlorine to circulate in the water. And if you run the pool 24 hours this allows for the Minerals to completely dissolve in the water since you may need to clean the pool filter a second or third time. This will ensure that most of the Minerals are in the water and not trapped in the filter.

Step Eight: Recheck the pool water chemistry. After 24 hours under normal circumstances most of the Chlorine will be used up from the green algae. It is not uncommon for a pool to have zero Chlorine again the next day. Even if you pour in 8-10 gallons this is likely to happen. So recheck the Chlorine level and add more if needed. I prefer to bring it back up to shock levels again – 10.0 ppm.

Step Nine: Vacuum out the pool. Once the dead algae settles on the bottom you can vacuum the pool out. If you have a Sand Filter or D.E. Filter with a Multi-Port Valve you can vacuum to “Waste.” If you don't have that valve or have a Cartridge filter you will need to vacuum it into the filter. You may need to clean or backwash the filter after vacuuming the pool. It might be a good idea to invest in a Portable Clean Up Pump – I have a video that shows you how to build one or if you are a pool service tech you may want to invest in a Portable Filtration System.

Portable Clean-Up Pump to Vacuum out a Pool: https://youtu.be/bU8No8Jfjrw
Prime A Portable Clean-Up Pump: Installing a Check Valve: https://youtu.be/raZH8QmJses
PORTAVAC Portable Filtration System - Set Up and Use Video: https://youtu.be/Qm4zSrKyY48
PORTAVAC: Portable Filtration System by Advantage Manufacturing – Overview: https://youtu.be/uhGYALoLdWs
Mini Vac II Portable Filtration System Set Up and Use Video: https://youtu.be/Wm0EMR3PVSk
Mini Vac II Portable Pool Vacuum System by Advantage Manufacturing: https://youtu.be/rRBYY6scShg

Step 10: Clean the pool filter a second or multiple times. Depending on how bad the pool is you may need to clean the filter a second time and sometimes 4-5 times. You will know to clean the filter again if the PSI rises after one day or the pool circulation is slow. All of the dead algae really clogs up the filter and a second or third cleaning is not uncommon.

So PoolRx to clean up a Green Pool is highly effective. To learn more about PoolRx see these videos:

PoolRx Overview and Use Video: Eliminates and Prevents all Algae: https://youtu.be/vYodIg3hu8g
PoolRx will Solve: Algae Every Week, Constant Low Chlorine Levels, High Phosphates: https://youtu.be/LA7HZ_nIQcA
PoolRx Spa Unit for Crystal Clear Water, Algae Free Water and Use Less Chlorine Each Week!: https://youtu.be/FCOBOPwcEC0



Thursday, May 24, 2018

Swimming Pool Algae 101: Treatment & Prevention


Algae in your swimming pool is a common problem and one that is easily treatable if you jump on it right away. Some of the common causes of algae are no chlorine in the pool, a poorly running pool, a pool that is not running long enough, lots of leaves in the pool, sunny hot weather, and a food source for algae such as phosphates, nitrates, sun tan lotion, body fluids etc. Once you get algae you need to take corrective steps to eliminate it.



YELLOW OR MUSTARD ALGAE:
Any Sodium Bromide product will work effectively in treating Yellow Algae. As long as the active ingredient is Sodium Bromide it will work in clearing up the algae.

Bring the chlorine up to what we refer to as "Blazing High" if it is at zero ppm. One common mistake is not starting with a good chlorine level. Sodium Bromide will convert the chlorine to Bromine and the Sun will also burn some off as the Bromine Molecule does not bond with the Cyanuric Acid molecule (conditioner does not protect Bromine) so even more chlorine will burn off. And some of the chlorine will be "eaten" or used up by the Yellow Algae itself.

So it is very important to have a good chlorine level first 5-10 ppm and to also add a gallon of liquid chlorine or Clorox bleach with each 4 oz. capful of Sodium Bromide. Otherwise you might have an even worse problem.

But if you follow the procedure in the video below the yellow mustard algae will be destroyed and you can use a maintenance dose to prevent it from returning - about 1 oz.
per 10,000 gallons.

I use Sodium Bromide almost exclusively on my route and week to week it is the most effective way to treat algae.


Yellow Algae Removers - Using Sodium Bromide to Treat Mustard Algae: https://youtu.be/tnMUEOTbloA

Green Pool Clean Up Step by Step:
Make sure the pool can be cleared up vs draining it and refilling the pool. A rule of thumb is that if there is more than 4 inches of sediment on the bottom, a draining may be better. This would be a lot of algae and dirt on the pool bottom so more like a pool that has been sitting unattended for over a year or more. Generally a pool that has only been green for a few months can be cleared up with just chemicals and algaecide.

Step One: Scoop out all of the leaves and debris from the bottom and surface. Don't worry about stirring everything up, you will vacuum at the end of the treatment.

Step Two: Brush the pool as best as you can. Some of the algae might be really tough to brush off. If you have a plaster or Pebble Tec Pool a Steel Algae Brush will help. But a lot of the algae will be loosened once you add the chemicals to the pool.

Step Three: If you have a D.E. Or Cartridge filter take it apart and clean it. The filter type is usually on the label on the filter.
If you have a Sand filter you will just be Backwashing it during this process. For a D.E. Or Cartridge filter you probably will have to clean it again at least one more time or more.

Step Four: Bomb the pool out. You want to bring the chlorine level up to 30-50 ppm to start to kill the algae. A lot of the chlorine will be destroyed by the algae and other organic material in the pool in the first 24 hours. A shorthand guide:

14,000 gallon pool: 4-6 gallons of 12.5% liquid chlorine or a combination of that and 1 lbs. Bags of shock.

20,000 gallon pool: 8-10 gallons of 12.5% chlorine.

30,000 gallon pool: 12-16 gallons of liquid chlorine.

Again, you want to bring the chlorine level up to Blazing High levels.

I suggest using Sodium Bromide to help kill the algae. Sodium Bromide is very effective, however it does “use up” some of the chlorine so don't over do it. I suggest one capful added with one gallon of liquid chlorine. So if you are adding 8 gallons of liquid chlorine, 4 capfuls of Sodium Bromide should be sufficient. You want some of the chlorine to be active so you don't want to add 8 capfuls of Sodium Bromide to the pool. Each Capful is about 4 oz.

Step Five: Run the pool for 24-48 hours straight during the process. You may have to add more chlorine after 24 hours and clean the filter again. No need to vacuum the pool yet. Let everything slowly settle to the bottom first. This may take a couple of days.

Step 6: After the pool has cleared enough for you to see the bottom, you can manually vacuum out the pool. The stuff on the bottom will be dead algae and other organics like dead mosquito larvae and other bugs and plants. If you have a sand filter or a D.E. Filter with a “Waste Mode” vacuum the pool with the Multi-Port Valve to that setting. If you do not have a backwash valve with a “Waste Mode” you can vacuum directly to the filter. Note that you will need to clean the filter after vacuuming if you do not vacuum to Waste.


BLACK ALGAE:
Black algae can be tough to treat and get rid of as the roots extend into the plaster and even if you keep high chlorine levels in the pool the black algae can still persist. It doesn't help that the heads of the black algae also offer a protective film that keeps the chlorine from killing it.

The most effective treatment in a white plaster pool or older color plaster pool is with granular Trichlor which is the same chemical found in the 3” tablets but in granular form. A popular brand is the HASA Algi-Ban. You would aggressively brush the heads off the black algae and then sprinkle the granular Trichlor even on the pool bottom, covering as much black algae as possible. Unhook any automatic cleaner and turn the system off for 24 hours if possible. The chlorine level will be really high so no swimming for at least a week or more. By the next day the black algae should be gone. I typically use a 10 lb bucket in a large pool (20,000 gallons) with moderate to severe black algae. If you pool us smaller you can use less. Careful not to let it pool up in a pile in one area as it could stain the plaster.

Watch this video to see the Black Algae Treatment Step by Step:
Black Algae Treatment, Get Rid of Black Algae in Your Pool: http://youtu.be/qga1ZxU6m6U

Monday, May 21, 2018

Aqaubot Spirit Above Ground Pool Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: Filters down to an Amazing 2 Microns!


The Aquabot Spirit is Aquabot's newest Above Ground Robotic Pool Cleaner. Aquabot features many models that con be used for an Above Ground Pool and the Spirit would be the ideal choice for your above ground pool. Below are some of the great features of the Aquabot Spirit.



Most powerful motor in the industry – up to 85 GPM
Dual impeller high flow jet propulsion system
TwinBody™ Innovative Chassis for easy access to everything
NeverStuck™ Obstacle Guidance System
New for 2016 - 360° Anti-tangle Cable Swivel
Better circulation reduces chemical demand
Ultra-fine dual filters for 2 micron filtration
Easy clean top access filters
Multi-cycle cleaning programs (1 or 2 hour)
2 Year Limited Warranty

LIGHTWEIGHT TWINBODYCHASSIS
For incredibly easy filter access and maintenance, the patented TwinBody™ design makes regular filter maintenance a breeze.
ANTI-TANGLE SWIVEL
New for 2016- The Anti-Tangle Swivel delivers peace of mind that your new pool robot will do the job without suffering from the dreaded spaghetti cord tangle.

BETTER WATER CIRCULATION
With better water circulation you can greatly reduce your pools reliance on chemical additives, lowering your pools expenses and leaving you with peace of mind.

DUAL ULTRA-FINE FILTRATION
The Spirit's refined dual filtration system filters particulate down to 2 microns in size, capable of removing more debris than comparable pool cleaner models.

BEST-IN-CLASS 2 YEAR WARRANTY
The Aquabot Spirit is simply the best robotic cleaner value available today. Along with that comes a 2 year limited warranty unmatched in the sub-$500 cleaner category.
This cleaner is loaded with features and would be ideal for your Above Ground Pool. One of the issues with keeping an Above Ground Pool clean each week is that many of them come with undersized pumps and filters. So you can't really use a suction side cleaner as the equipment won't generate enough power to allow it to clean well. And manually vacuuming it is a real chore and pain. The Aqaubot Spirit runs independently from the pool's filtration system so you simply plug it in and drop it into your pool. After the cleaning cycle your pool will be spotless.

It is a very simple cleaner to use and maintain. Since it uses a simple back and forth cleaning pattern there are no tracks, gears or multiple parts that need to be replaced each year. Drop it in your pool each week and let it clean the pool without worrying about expensive repairs or maintenance. The top easily snaps off for easy debris removal. And the cleaner is so light that you can easily drop it in your pool and retrieve it without any real effort. An all around great choice for your Above Ground Pool.

Other Aquabot models:
Aquabot Robotic Cleaners Overview Video: https://youtu.be/DSQWPtxaZU0
Aqaubot Elite Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Loaded with Great Features and a 3 Year Warranty!:
Aquabot X4 Robotic Pool Cleaner - True 4WD, Filters Down to 2 Microns and a 3 Year Warranty!: https://youtu.be/PzeG5wOuqrc
Aquabot Breeze 4WD Robotic Pool Cleaner, True 4WD & Filters Down to an Industry Leading 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/DveXg6bAjZc
Aqaubot Spirit Above Ground Pool Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: Filters down to an Amazing 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/eVTx7bDse3o
Aqaubot Breeze SE: Best Robotic Cleaner Priced Under $500, Period!: https://youtu.be/doPllX_VbBo
Aquabot Turbo T4RC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner -Remote Control, 75 FT of Cable and More!: https://youtu.be/xRAqfAemwXk
Aquabot Turbo Plus Robotic Pool cleaner: Filters Down to 2 Microns, Cleans Floor, Walls & Waterline!: https://youtu.be/sAfj2MzzBLw
Aquabot Turbo T2 Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Cord Swivel and Filtration down to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/4tFQNlsj5eo
Aquabot Breeze XLS Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Priced Under $500: https://youtu.be/9f7mN1L4EDo
Aquabot Turbo T Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Remote, Cord Swivel, Caddy - Filters to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/E9qV6EJXLUk
Aquabot Breeze IQ Robotic Pool Cleaner: 60 ft of Cable & Filters Down to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/hYpdAslSL7Y
Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/TJ9cZcR1ZSI
Aquabot Pool Rover S2-50 Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above-Ground and Small In-Ground Pools: https://youtu.be/OkivnVfUTQo
Aquabot Rapids 1500 Robotic Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/liCWTQBzXl0
Aquabot Rapids 2000 Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/jqJ8hNOAIwg
Aquabot Rapids XLS Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: https://youtu.be/e7gFvi0MhAc
Aquabot Supreme Robotic Pool Cleaner -Review: https://youtu.be/ZoBVwzEhSPg
Aquabot Turbo T-Jet Robotic Pool Cleaner with Power Washing Jets: https://youtu.be/otVeaCF1gsY
Aquabot Turbo Classic Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/3v2EzfRbYFw
Aquabot Turbo T2 Robotic Pool Cleaner with Caddy – Review: https://youtu.be/u6H1v3XV-ag
Aquabot Turbo T4RC Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/7YtZNPQw7Oo
Aquabot Xtreme Robotic Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/s-bR3jaYua8




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    MSRP starting at only $447




Thursday, May 17, 2018

Swimming Pool Care eBook Overview & Table of Contents: On Sale Now for Only $9.99


I wrote my eBook to bring all of my resources to you in an easy to find guide. The eBook has extensive video links to over 500 videos and the articles are meant to expand your knowledge so that you can easily take care of your pool. I have listed all of the sections in the eBook for you so that you get an idea of the material covered in the book. If you found my videos and website helpful you will really enjoy the eBook. It sells though paypal for a the low price of $9.99!



The eBook is your ultimate guide to pool care and below is the tableo f contents for you so that you can see how extensive the book actually is. I cover everything from chemistry to repairs to automatic cleaners in the book.


Table of Contents:
Title ............................................................................................ I
Title Page ................................................................................... II
Dedication ................................................................................. III
Introduction ............................................................................... IV
About the Author ...................................................................... V
Table of Contents ..................................................................... VII

Section 1: Algae Treatment & Green Pool Clean-Up
Green Pool Clean-Up …........................................................... 12
Yellow Mustard Algae …......................................................... 16
Cloudy Pool Water ….............................................................. 17
Green Pool & Yellow Algae Video Index …........................... 20

Section 2: Balancing Your Pool Water
Basic Pool Chemistry ….......................................................... 21
Pool Chemical Video Index …................................................. 32
Pool 101 for Rookies …........................................................... 33
How to Calculate Your Pool Size …........................................ 36
BBB Method of Pool Care…................................................... 38
Chemistry Video Index …........................................................ 43
How Long To Run Your Pool When You Add Chemicals …... 44
Pool Rx Mineral Technology …............................................... 47
Bugs in Your Pool …................................................................ 52

Section 3: Pool Test Kits
Best Test Kit for Your Pool ...................................................... 55
Digital Water Testers …............................................................ 58
WaterLink Spin Touch …......................................................... 60
Water Testers Video Index …................................................... 62


Section 4: Cleaning Tools
Basic Cleaning Equipment …................................................. 63
Pool Cleaning Tools Video Index …....................................... 66
T. Dula Service Cart ….......................................................... 67

Section 5: Cleaning Tools Advanced Vacuum Systems
Vacuum Systems & Portable Filtration …........................... 69
Power Vac Vacuum System ….............................................. 70
Riptide Vacuum System ….................................................... 74
PORTAVAC by Advantage Manufacturing …....................... 76
Mini Vac II by Advantage Manufacturing …......................... 79
Portable Clean-Up Pump ….................................................. 82
Water Tech Pool Blaster Battery Powered Vacuum ............... 84

Section 6: Cleaning Your Pool
Cleaning Your Pool Step by Step …...................................... 87
Cleaning Your Pool After a Wind Storm …........................... 91
Easiest Way to Clean Leaves Out of Your Pool …................. 94
How to Drain Water Out of your Pool …............................... 97
Pool Cleaning Video Index …................................................ 99

Section 7: Automatic Pool Cleaners
Which Cleaner is Best For My Pool? …................................ 100
Automatic Cleaner Overview Video Index ........................... 101
Hayward Suction Side Cleaner Video Index ......................... 102
Hayward Cleaners Installation & Maintenance Video Index . 102
Hayward Pressure Side Cleaners Video Index …................... 103
Other Automatic Cleaners Video Index ….............................. 104
Pentair Suction Side Cleaners Video Index …........................ 104
Pentair Cleaners Installation & Maintenance Video Index .... 104
Pentair Pressure Cleaners Video Index ….............................. 105
Polaris Pool Cleaners Video Index …..................................... 105
Polaris Cleaners Installation & Maintenance Video Index ….. 105
Zodiac Suction Side Cleaners Video Index …......................... 107
Zodiac Cleaners Installation & Maintenance Video Index ….. 107
Robotic Pool Cleaners …........................................................ 108
Robotic Pool Cleaners Video Index …................................... 111
Suction Side Pool Cleaner Canister …................................... 113
Solar-Breeze NX …................................................................. 115
The Skim Devil …................................................................... 117
SolaSkimmer …....................................................................... 120

Section 8: Variable Speed Pumps
Variable Speed Pumps …....................................................... 123
Variable Speed RPM & Run Time …...................................... 126
Pentair Superflo VS …........................................................... 129
Variable Speed Pumps Video Index …................................... 131

Section 9: Filters & Pool Filtration
The Three Filter Types …....................................................... 132
D.E. Pool Filters …................................................................. 137
D.E. Pool Filters Video Index …........................................... 137
How Much D.E. Do I Add? …................................................ 139
Cartridge Pool Filters …........................................................ 141
Cartridge Pool Filters Video Index ….................................... 142
Sand Pool Filters …................................................................ 143
Sand Pool Filters Video Index …........................................... 145
Multi-Tork Filter Socket Tool….............................................. 146

Section 10: Pool Equipment & Problems
High Pool Filter PSI ….......................................................... 146
Replacing Your Pool Motor ….............................................. 149
Pump Not Working …............................................................ 151
Pump and Motor Video Index …........................................... 152
Jandy JXi Pool & Spa Heater ….............................................. 153
Pool Heater Tips …................................................................ 156
Pool Equipment and Problems Video Index …..................... 159

Section 11: Pool Skimmer & Skimming Products
PoolSkim …........................................................................... 161
Skim Doctor 2.0 …................................................................ 162
Gator Auto-Skim …............................................................... 164
Skimmer and Skimming Products Video Index ..................... 166
Solar Pool Covers ….............................................................. 168

Section 12: Timers & Automated Systems
Intermatic Timers ….............................................................. 171
Jandy iQPUMP01 …............................................................ 173
Timers and Automated System Video Index ......................... 176

Section 13: Salt Water Pools
Salt Water Pool Truth & Myths …........................................ 177
How to Check Your Pool's Salt Level …............................... 181
Salt Water Pool Video Index …............................................ 182

Section 14: Metals, Stains & Scale in your Pool Water
Ascorbic Acid Treatment …................................................. 184
Metals in Your Pool Water …............................................... 186
Stain & Scale Video Index …............................................... 187

Section 15: Money Saving Tips
Save Tons of Money on Your Pool Care ........................... 188
Money Saving Video Index.................................................. 193

Section 16: So You Wanna Be a Pool Guy/Gal
How to Become a Pool Guy or Gal …................................ 193
General Liability Insurance …............................................ 199
Starting A Pool Route Equipment and Supply List …........ 203
Pool Guy/ Gal Video List …............................................... 207

Section 17: Pool Construction & Pool Remodeling
Building or Remodeling a Pool …..................................... 209
Pool Construction Video Index …...................................... 210
End Notes …........................................................................ 212










Monday, May 14, 2018

Aqaubot Elite Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Loaded with Great Features and a 3 Year Warranty!


The Aqaubot Elite is the complete robotic pool cleaner. It is loaded with tons of great features and comes with a 3 year limited warranty to give you peace of mind also. I will go over some of the key features of the Aqaubot Elite here for you and of course you can watch my review video to see the cleaner in action.



The first feature of note is the Triple Clean Scrubbing Brushes which will leave your pool spotless each week. There are two large brushes, one on front and one on back as well as a third CleanSweep brush that oscillates in the center to loosen up stubborn dirt and debris. The large cleaning path will allow the Elite to scrub and clean your pool rapidly and effectively.

The extra large top loading debris chambers will filter out dirt and debris down to 2 microns. The ports on the debris chamber are one inch wide and 10 inches long allowing the cleaner to pick up very large leaf debris. The JetForce cartridges create a venturi effect allowing the dirt and debris to be trapped and allowing clean water to pass through the filters. The easy access of these filters makes this cleaner very user friendly.

The Elite features the Aqausmart 2.0 Microprocessor which allows the cleaner to map the pool to minimize overlapping paths allowing it to clean your entire pool in 1-2 hours. It is also designed to not only clean the pool floor but the walls and the waterline, completely cleaning your entire pool.

Here are some of the key features of the Aqaubot Elite:

    Front and Rear HyperScrub™ rotating brushes
    Center CleanSweep™ reciprocating brush
    AquaSmart 2.0 Microprocessor-controlled intelligent cleaning
    JetForce™ Filter Cartridge Technology maintains high suction
    Extra Large dual filter cartridges offer debris capacity of 300 square inches
    EverGrip™ continuous rubber tracks
    360° Anti-Tangle Swivel for more cleaning and less frustration
    Extra-wide 10” vacuum path for faster and more efficient cleaning
    Extra-wide suction ports handles oversized debris with ease
    QuickDraw™ cartridges can be removed in just two seconds
    In-pool filter access – no need to remove robot from water
    Ergonomic lightweight design for easy handling
    ClearView™ Panel for easy filter inspection, even in the water
    FeatherLight™ extra-long 60’ cable
    Programmable Smart Timers control schedule and duration
    Fully compatible with external timers and automation systems
    Selectable cleaning cycles conserve energy. Runs only when needed.
    Adjustable Intake Ports for Powerful Vortex™ Suction
    100% Coverage: Cleans Pool Floor, Walls and Waterline
    Includes Convenient Storage and Transport Caddy
    Full Cartridge Indicator at Power Supply
    Longest Warranty Available - 3 Years

What I like about Robotic Pool Cleaners is the fact that all of the dirt and debris is trapped inside of the cleaner and does not enter your pool filtration system. This will allow your filter to run more efficiently and require you to clean it less often. It is also one of the most energy efficient types of cleaners costing about $0.05 per cleaning cycle. So if you have a Variable Speed pump this is the cleaner for you.

Other Aquabot models:
Aquabot Robotic Cleaners Overview Video: https://youtu.be/DSQWPtxaZU0
Aqaubot Elite Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Loaded with Great Features and a 3 Year Warranty!:
Aquabot X4 Robotic Pool Cleaner - True 4WD, Filters Down to 2 Microns and a 3 Year Warranty!: https://youtu.be/PzeG5wOuqrc
Aquabot Breeze 4WD Robotic Pool Cleaner, True 4WD & Filters Down to an Industry Leading 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/DveXg6bAjZc
Aqaubot Spirit Above Ground Pool Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: Filters down to an Amazing 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/eVTx7bDse3o
Aquabot Turbo T2 Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Cord Swivel and Filtration down to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/4tFQNlsj5eo
Aquabot Breeze XLS Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Priced Under $500: https://youtu.be/9f7mN1L4EDo
Aquabot Turbo T Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Remote, Cord Swivel, Caddy - Filters to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/E9qV6EJXLUk
Aquabot Breeze IQ Robotic Pool Cleaner: 60 ft of Cable & Filters Down to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/hYpdAslSL7Y
Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/TJ9cZcR1ZSI
Aquabot Pool Rover S2-50 Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above-Ground and Small In-Ground Pools: https://youtu.be/OkivnVfUTQo
Aquabot Rapids 1500 Robotic Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/liCWTQBzXl0
Aquabot Rapids 2000 Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/jqJ8hNOAIwg
Aquabot Rapids XLS Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: https://youtu.be/e7gFvi0MhAc
Aquabot Supreme Robotic Pool Cleaner -Review: https://youtu.be/ZoBVwzEhSPg
Aquabot Turbo T-Jet Robotic Pool Cleaner with Power Washing Jets: https://youtu.be/otVeaCF1gsY
Aquabot Turbo Classic Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/3v2EzfRbYFw
Aquabot Turbo T2 Robotic Pool Cleaner with Caddy – Review: https://youtu.be/u6H1v3XV-ag
Aquabot Turbo T4RC Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/7YtZNPQw7Oo
Aquabot Xtreme Robotic Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/s-bR3jaYua8





Friday, May 11, 2018

Aquabot Turbo T Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Remote, Cord Swivel, Caddy - Filters to 2 Microns!


The Aquabot Turbo T Plus is the latest revision of one of Aquabot's classic Robotic Cleaners. Aqaubot still manufacturers and produces their robotic cleaners here in the United States and prides itself on being the premiere robotic pool cleaner manufacturer. The design of the Turbo T Plus goes all the way beck to the companies beginnings.



This does not mean that the Turbo T Plus is outdated. On the contrary the design has held up well for over 30 plus years and there are some great features that make this one of Aqaubot's top selling cleaners. Let me list the features and then touch on a few of them for you:

Extra Long 60’ Cable with Swivel
Patented Power Washing Jets
Cleans Pool Floor, Wall and Waterline
Never Stuck Rollers
Debris bag filters down to 2 microns
3-Way Wireless Remote Control
1-7 Hour Digital Timer
Pumps 75 gallons per minute while running
Operating cost per hour $0.05
G-Tooth™ tracks to protect your cleaner from excessive rubbing
Storage Caddy included
3 Year Limited Warranty

The classic design gives the Turbo T Plus filtration down to 2 microns which is better than most pool filters on the market. It actually acts like a secondary filtration system and will pump 75 gallons per minute. Running the cleaner in your pool each week will keep your pool filter cleaner as all of the dirt and debris is trapped in the cleaner and does not enter the pool filter. Although the bottom debris bag seems outdated, the level of filtration they provide is unmatched in the industry. It really isn't too hard to clean out the debris bag and you will find the level of filtration it offers simply amazing.

The scrubbing brushes remove dirt and debris from the pool bottom, walls and even the waterline of your pool. The Turbo T Plus follows a per-programmed pattern and it will spend more time on the bottom but will clean all of the pool walls, plus the waterline. You can adjust the time it spends on the waterline by adjusting the handle on top. Note that the cleaning pattern cannot be altered so if you don't need a cleaner to climb and clean the walls you will need a different Aquabot model. They make a number of cleaners that just clean the pool floor to the slope of the walls.

Other great features include the 60 feet of cable with a built in swivel. This swivel will eliminate any cable tangling as the cleaner moves through the pool. The long cable length makes it ideal for a even a large pool. The timer can be set for up to 7 hours and you can also connect it to an external timer if needed. It should clean an average size pool completely in about 2 hours. Since it converts the power down to 12 Volts it only cost about $0.05 per hour to run the cleaner in your pool. So if you have a Variable Speed pump a Robotic Cleaner is a great way to maximize your energy savings. You can run your pool on a low RPM and drop in the cleaner in and not worry about running it on a higher speed to get a Suction Cleaner or Pressure Cleaner running.

The 3-Way Wireless Remote Control is a handy if you need to move the cleaner to any hard to clean areas but in most cases you probably won't need to use it. The remote is good to have just in case, but you will find that the Turbo T Plus does a great job.

The Patented Power Washing Jets found on the bottom of the cleaner will shoot jet streams of water out and loosen up dirt and debris. This along with the front and back scrubbing brushes allows the Turbo T Plus to get even stubborn dirt and debris off of the pool floor and walls. With the Float-to-Turn Technology, the cleaner will also get full coverage of your pool.

With the included Caddy for transport and storage the Turbo T Plus is a complete Robotic Cleaner. Don't let the Old School design deter you, the design might be old but it is highly effective. The 3 year limited warranty ensures many years of trouble free operation and you are getting a lot of features packed into the Turbo T Plus.

Other Aquabot models:
Aquabot Robotic Cleaners Overview Video: https://youtu.be/DSQWPtxaZU0
Aqaubot Elite Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Loaded with Great Features and a 3 Year Warranty!:
Aquabot X4 Robotic Pool Cleaner - True 4WD, Filters Down to 2 Microns and a 3 Year Warranty!: https://youtu.be/PzeG5wOuqrc
Aquabot Breeze 4WD Robotic Pool Cleaner, True 4WD & Filters Down to an Industry Leading 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/DveXg6bAjZc
Aqaubot Spirit Above Ground Pool Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: Filters down to an Amazing 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/eVTx7bDse3o
Aquabot Turbo T2 Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Cord Swivel and Filtration down to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/4tFQNlsj5eo
Aquabot Breeze XLS Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Priced Under $500: https://youtu.be/9f7mN1L4EDo
Aquabot Turbo T Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Remote, Cord Swivel, Caddy - Filters to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/E9qV6EJXLUk
Aquabot Breeze IQ Robotic Pool Cleaner: 60 ft of Cable & Filters Down to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/hYpdAslSL7Y
Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/TJ9cZcR1ZSI
Aquabot Pool Rover S2-50 Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above-Ground and Small In-Ground Pools: https://youtu.be/OkivnVfUTQo
Aquabot Rapids 1500 Robotic Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/liCWTQBzXl0
Aquabot Rapids 2000 Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/jqJ8hNOAIwg
Aquabot Rapids XLS Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: https://youtu.be/e7gFvi0MhAc
Aquabot Supreme Robotic Pool Cleaner -Review: https://youtu.be/ZoBVwzEhSPg
Aquabot Turbo T-Jet Robotic Pool Cleaner with Power Washing Jets: https://youtu.be/otVeaCF1gsY
Aquabot Turbo Classic Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/3v2EzfRbYFw
Aquabot Turbo T2 Robotic Pool Cleaner with Caddy – Review: https://youtu.be/u6H1v3XV-ag
Aquabot Turbo T4RC Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/7YtZNPQw7Oo
Aquabot Xtreme Robotic Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/s-bR3jaYua8