Let’s face it, one of the biggest expenses of owning and using your vacuum system is the bags. Reggie of Mako Bags has been making these vacuum system bags for years now and with the recent upgrades, these bags are top-notch. They feature more stitching and a very thick cloth bottom area and the drawstring has also been beefed up.
I have been using the Mako Vacuum System Bags for a few years now and these are very good quality aftermarket vacuum systems bags at affordable pricing. There have been some changes to the micron ratings with the Standard bag now rated at 80 microns, the MX-120 is 120 microns and the MX-140 is 140 microns.
If you are currently using a 100-micron bag you will not notice much difference going to the 120-micron bag (MX-120) or down to an 80-micron bag. If you are using a 200-micron bag, I would suggest trying the MX-140 which is 140 microns and will give you the same durability plus a better micron rating. For some, the sweet spot is a higher micron bag because of the longer lifespan and the fact that there is not a lot of fine dust that even a 120-micron bag leaves behind. Truthfully you wouldn’t really see much of a difference between 80 microns and 120 microns in my testing.
These bags feature a convenient drawstring lock that is a universal fit to all vacuum systems. The bags will work on the Riptide, Bottom Feeder, Hammer-Head, and Power Vac as well as any Leaf Baggers and Leaf Master. The universal fit is great if you own more than one vacuum system as you can easily interchange the bags between the systems. You just have to put the bag on and pull the drawstring really tight to avoid the bag blowing off the top. Sometimes it helps to wet the bag and string to get it on tighter.
Reggie the owner makes the bags here in Florida and is well known in the pool industry. His bags have always been top-notch and if you have any issues with them he is happy to help you. You can order directly from their site at:
The chlorine shortage of the 2021 season was epic, to say the least. Searching all over town for chlorine and buying all the Clorox bleach off of the shelves in Walmart was a common event. What caused the shortage and what does the 2022 season look like? I sat down with Chris Brink the CEO of HASA – one of the leaders in the production of liquid chlorine to get some answers.
Not to place too much blame on the current supply and demand crunch, what I like to call “The Not Enough Economy” but this was a factor. As Chris explains it the base ingredient for liquid chlorine and muriatic acid was in high demand. They use it for other industries and of course to make drinking water safe across the nation. So with a shortage of the base ingredient, there was a shortage of all types of chlorine.
Add to that the Bio Lab factory burning down in 2020 which was the main production of Tri-Chlor in the industry at 2 million pounds a year, a perfect storm was created in 2021 for the swimming pool industry. I use the analogy of flour being in short supply. Pizza parlors, donut shops, grocery stores and the like will be scrambling to get flour. With only so much available your local donut shop might only have chocolate cake sprinkle donuts and not Bear Claws and the like. The pizza parlor may only have medium pizzas and no large pizzas available. Not a disaster but frustrating.
With a limited chlorine supply, it is not just inconvenient but disastrous as every pool needs it to stay blue and safe to swim in. Not only that with one type of chlorine out of the market (Tri-Chlor) or extremely limited, but the demand for the other chlorine types also went up. So even though HASA shipped more liquid chlorine than they ever have before it wasn’t enough.
Shipping issues affected HASA and their liquid returnable cases as well as a shortage of available labor and drivers. All of this is to say that 2021 was a bad year for chlorine suppliers and a tough year for the pool pro.
How does it look in 2022? My sources say there will be 30% more chlorine available. The Bio Lab factory will not be back online until the Spring of 2022. That means Tri-Chlor will be in short supply still for the 2022 season. 30% more chlorine is better but may not be enough with new pools being built at a record pace and Commercial pools opening up fully in 2022. Chris Brink suggests sitting down with your supplier and working out some type of plan to get you the chlorine you will need. Not a bad idea.
He also mentioned that there was some waste of chlorine product with overuse. I agree that many of us don’t really measure the dosage that well, including me. Since you had a ton of chlorine on your truck adding a gallon or an extra bag of shock just because is and was common. Maybe we were overusing chlorine and this crisis will make us all more aware of how much chlorine a pool needs week to week and not overdo it as much since we won’t have the extra chlorine on our trucks. If the donut shop is out of Bear claws, maybe you didn’t really need it anyway? I think that is the thought and a valid point.
The big silver lining in all this is that we were able to raise service rates easily based on the rate of economic inflation and explaining the shortage the increased prices in the industry. Maybe not high enough but any rate increase helped offset the higher chlorine costs.
It also led many to add borates to their service accounts or a PoolRX to stretch out the chlorine and make it last longer. So some good has come of this, not in any way saying it was not painful and frustrating but you may have made your service more efficient and cost-effective because of the chlorine shortage.
If you are looking for the smallest and most compact 400 BTU heater for your pool or spa look no further. Because you can place the Hayward Universal HC Series right up against a wall and the fact that everything is accessed from the top, means that this is the heater with the smallest equipment pad footprint.
Another reason I like this heater is the fact that it is virtually rodent-proof. If you do pool service you know that there are many heaters that rats and other rodents favor for a nesting area. They will chew the wires in the heater and other parts and find it very easy to get into most heaters. This heater is completely sealed in the most common entry areas for rodents, so rest assured rats will not be making their home inside this heater.
I like the top access panel and find that super convenient over the front access panels. There is no bending down to work on this unit and the main replaceable parts are within easy reach. It is also automation-ready and will work with most existing automation.
Here is more from Hayward:
The industry’s smallest footprint heater allows the replacement of almost any heater in an existing pad with the efficient reliability of the new Universal HC Series dual-fuel technology heater from Hayward®. Built to fit effortlessly with Hayward plumbing adapters, every detail has been thoughtfully engineered with easy drop-in capability in mind—its dual-fuel technology, its adaptive plumbing, its zero wall-clearance design, and more. And it all adds up to a durable, ultra-powerful heater with the industry’s smallest footprint.
Compact design: The industry’s smallest footprint heater and lightweight design makes installation easy in any environment
Easy-out mixing orifice: Allows for easy in-field conversion between natural gas and propane
Cupro-nickel heat exchanger: Protects against water corrosion and natural wear
Patented Butterfly bypass: Enables flow rates up to 125 GPM without extra accessories
Exclusive plumbing adapters: Allow for simple drop-in replacement with no pipe cutting required
Zero wall clearance: Fits seamlessly into smaller pads and tight spaces
Quick-access reversible top: easily swaps plumbing from right to left while providing access to gas shutoff, voltage selection, and more, all via a single fastener
Low NOx emissions: Meet clean air quality standards while providing premium heating performance.
It does come with Hayward's plumbing adapters and if you are converting over from certain heaters you can use these adapters to minimize the plumbing. For the install in the video, it was easier to cut and replumb which you have the option to do also. But the adapters are a nice touch.
This would be a great heater choice for those tight equipment pads or in a case where the customer does not want a gigantic heater in their equipment area. Whatever the reason this is a real winner in size and functionality for Hayward.
I sat down with the owner and creator of the VacDaddy Matt D’Aguanno and we went over some of the things that make the VacDaddy unique in the portable pool vacuum segment. If you do pool service and you are looking for a solid portable vacuum, the VacDaddy is something unique among these types of vacuums.
No question that it performs as advertised. I have been using it for a few months now. Putting it into a category of vacuum systems is another story. It has the same gallons per minute power as a full-size vacuum system like a Hammer-Head but is designed more like a system vac.
One thing that is in the works is a hose attachment that will allow you to use the VacDaddy to vacuum to waste. This would be a real game-changer in the portable clean-up pump market. They are also working on an easy-to-carry bag for the VacDaddy and a new vacuum head. All of this will soon be available on their site.
To order the VacDaddy at the discounted price of $895.00 go to their site and log in as a "Dealer"
Create an account and buy the VacDaddy for $895.00
Get a FREE EXTRA bag with code: VACBAG at checkout!
Here is more about the VacDaddy from the manufacturer:
The primary benefit of The VacDaddyTM is EASE-OF-USE.
Lightweight and compact. At only 10 pounds, The VacDaddy is easy to operate and maneuver.
The minimal assembly is easy and intuitive. No special training is required to use. Simply plug in and Just Vac It.
Fast pool cleaning with more vacuuming power than other heavy-duty commercial vacuums.
Eliminates the need to set up and prime a bulky hose.
Perfect for touch-ups between weekly cleanings and to reach areas robotic vacuums can’t easily get to.
The VacDaddy is the most powerful, portable pool vacuum new to the market with a continuous power supply. The VacDaddy’s continuous power eliminates dependency on batteries with limited life. The VacDaddy is lightweight, easy to use, powerful, and requires no poolside assembly or training.
The VacDaddy was invented by a 35-year veteran of the pool service industry who has worked with hundreds of pool owners. He has long believed there should be a better way to clean your pool. Commercial vacuums require 20 minutes to set up and detailed instructions to use. Other options include weak battery vacuums or heavy robots which take hours to clean your pool.
Cleaning your carpets doesn’t require all this setup and weightlifting, why should clean your pool? We have devoted ourselves to perfecting The VacDaddy Pool Vacuum System. The goal was to create a durable, lightweight, powerful cleaner that is easy to use and we have done just that. The VacDaddy system will allow users to clean their pools in less time with less effort. Like your carpet vacuum, plugin, and JUST VAC IT!
So with all that said where would I place the VacDaddy as compared to say a Riptide, Hammer-Head, or PowerVac? It does pump a pretty impressive 55-60 GPM so it is not like a Water Tech cleaner, except maybe the Precision 2.0 that pulls about 25 GPM. It has a similar look to the 2.0 but I think the power difference sets the Vac Daddy apart. I mean, it really feels like you are using the pool filtration system with the vacuum connected to the skimmer. In reality, most pool’s will pull about 60 GPM unless they are powered by a 3 hp pump considering the resistance of the plumbing and distance from the skimmer. So having all of that power sitting right behind the vac head is pretty awesome.
With that said vacuuming spas and steps is a little tricky. You have to tilt the vacuum down so that you don’t shoot water everywhere which is something they are addressing soon with an attachment to reduce the water flow.
You also need access to a socket for this to work at your customer's home. It comes with a power unit that needs to be plugged in. Most pool owners will have a socket somewhere by their pool or equipment area. It comes with 45 feet of cord that attaches from the power unit to the VacDaddy and it has a look and feel of a robotic pool cleaner cord. For me, the cord was not a big deal as I know that the 60 GPM is only going to be produced by an external power source.
It comes with two bags and they seem relatively small in comparison to a Vacuum System bag. But the VacDaddy is not designed for big leaf debris clean-up but if you have an average amount of leaves and dirt in a pool this will work perfectly. I would say it is suitable for pools with light to medium debris and dirt.
I would say the VacDaddy is positioned to be a player in the portable vacuum sector. Yes, it is hard to categorize exactly but I think if you are looking for a tool to speed up your day on your route, this is one to consider.
Ever wonder if these inexpensive pressure washers work? You see them all over the internet and on Amazon and I decided to give one a try. I have an RYOBI pressure washer that I used in the past but I liked the idea of the hose reel (which doesn’t work well) and the lightweight of these online pressure washers like the Paxcess one in this video.
The bottom line, for the price point you are getting a solid product that works really well. I just could not get the hose reel to work but maybe that is just me? But I love how light this thing is and the compact size. It is pretty powerful at 2150 PSI. The only drawback with these online units is that unlike a major company like RYOBI the tech support that these small companies from China provide is lacking. That is okay as long as you don’t have an issue which you shouldn’t as these work well.
You really don’t know how dirty your pool deck is until you start pressure washing it. It really is an amazing transformation and if you are a pool service pro adding a power washing service is a great way to make extra money in the off-season or if you have downtime. I suggest practicing on your own cement deck before breaking it out to your customer’s pools. Get the distance and power modulated well as you can actually damage your customer's deck if you are not careful.
You can see all the different Paxcess models here:
PRESSURE WASHER MAKE CLEANING EASY: The Paxcess pressure washer delivers a high cleaning performance and uniform cleaning results, this electric power washer can remove even the most stubborn and encrusted dirt within seconds – quickly, easily and effortlessly to help keep your home looking its best.
2150 PSI HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANER: The powerful 1800-Watt motor generates up to 2150 PSI/1.85 GPM, our electric pressure washer is an ideal way to quickly and easily blasts away dirt and grime, such as clean decks, patios, driveways, siding, sheds, cars, outdoor power equipment and more.
ADJUSTABLE PRESSURE NOZZLE & REMOVABLE DETERGENT TANK: Adjustable nozzles are easier to use. All you have to do is twist it until you reach the appropriate setting. Fill the soap tank up with your detergent of choice to give this pressure washer a little extra cleaning power. Use our Paxcess pressure washer to clean cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, and bicycles in minutes.
ON-BOARD HOSE REEL: A 26ft high-pressure hose is long enough for the projects you need it for, the built-in onboard hose reel conveniently protects and helps prevent kinks in the high-pressure hose and makes winding or unwinding a simple task.
TOTAL STOP SYSTEM(TTS): Paxcess electric power washer features a safety automatic total stop system (TSS), which automatically shuts off the pump when a trigger is not engaged to save energy and prolong pump life. 33 ft power cord with inline GFCI for safety use on all exterior outlets
Water Tech has been the leader in battery-powered vacuums for your pool and spa now for over 20 years. They make a vacuum for just about every pool and spa size and with over 30 models it can be a bit confusing to decide on which vacuum is right for you. Below are some of my favorite vacuums and I also included the playlist for you so you can see all of the vacuums I have reviewed and field-tested.
I put together a short video featuring the Jacuzzi branded Water Tech cleaners and go oversizing for those 3 units which are a good cross-section of the Water Tech lineup of cleaners. To learn more about how I size a cleaner for a pool or spa you can watch this short video:
For a default cleaner, I would say the Pool Blaster Max Li would be the unit that is compact and powerful enough for a spa, an Above Ground Pool, and to spot vacuum a standard size pool. The Max Li attaches to a standard pool pole and with the sand silt bag would do a fine job in cleaning any body of water.
If you are looking for a more powerful vacuum I suggest the Volt FX-8. The Volt FX-8 is very similar to the Pool Blaster Max Li but everything about it has been beefed up. Think Pool Blaster Max on steroids. You will find this vacuum to be extremely powerful and the debris chamber is much larger than the Pool Blaster Max. The Volt FX-8 is available only at your retail brick and mortar pool store but it is well worth the drive to purchase and you will really love this vacuum.
Much like their Catfish unit which is one of their biggest sellers, the Volt FX-4 is an excellent choice for a cleaner. The smaller hard plastic vacuum head is perfect for water features and spas and you will find the power of the Volt FX-4 great for sucking up dirt and debris. I like the ease of use of this unit and the charging port on the back.
If you have a pool that gets a lot of leaf debris on the bottom, the Battery Powered Leaf Vacuum would be a great choice. They make a few versions of this cleaner but they are the same in every way except for the color and the purchasing location. These vacuums are great at picking up larger leaf debris on a pool bottom and work off of regular AA batteries.
Pool Blaster Leaf Demon Battery Powered Leaf Vac: https://youtu.be/FzOWLkSCDZk
For the pool pro looking for an all-around great vacuum, the Precision 2.0 is the ultimate battery-operated vacuum. With a performance of around 25-30 gallons per minute, this cleaner is powerful enough to vacuum an entire pool and with 2 batteries with a 1-hour run time each.
Back in the day if you had a 110/115V set up for your pool equipment there was no way to upgrade to a VS pump. Pentair broke into the 110V equipment pad market with their SuperFlo Vs which is a sold pump but lacking in a few areas. The Jacuzzi JVS165S is a fully functional VS pump designed with dual voltage so it will work with either 110/220V breakers.
Some features that make this the superior 110V pump to upgrade to is the extended 3-year total warranty if the pump is purchased at Leslie's and installed by either Leslie's or a Leslie's Pro Partner.
It is also automation-ready and can work with any of the three major brand automation including Hayward, Pentair, and Jandy. One thing the Pentair Superflo VS cannot do is connect to existing automation, but the JVS 165S is perfect for any automated system. It is also made right here in the USA.
The easy to program control panel and the advanced Time Out mode set this pump apart from others in this category. Setting up and programming this pump could not be easier. This pump also features one of the best DOE (Department of Energy) ratings meaning it is extremely energy efficient - a 10.7 WEF rating!
The Jacuzzi JVS165S Pro Grade Variable Speed Pump 1.65 THP provides the highest quality and exceptional performance to meet your swimming pool's needs. If you have a 115V setup and are currently using a 1 hp single-speed pump, this would be the perfect pump to upgrade to.
It has plenty of power for most pool setups and it is simple to use and program.
The 1st generation of Jacuzzi pumps lacked a few features such as connectivity to automation and a time-out mode. Two things that were very important to homeowners. The new Jacuzzi VS Pumps feature all of that and more.
This pump is very simple to program and set up when compared to the former Jacuzzi pump. It also features a smart “Time Out” mode which makes turning on the pump and circulating the pool when adding chemicals easy. Overall you will find the menu and features easy to use and setting the pump run time couldn’t be easier.
Here are the three pumps available in the line-up:
JVS270 is a 2.7 THP VS pump with a DOE rating of 12.9 WEF
JVS185 is a 1.85 THP VS pump with a DOE rating of 10.1 WEF
JVS165 is a 1.65 THP VS pump with a DOE rating of 10.7 WEF
All of these pumps are dual voltage which means they will work with either 115 volts or 230 volts. So if you have an older pool that is wired on a 115V breaker, you can use any of these three pumps as the voltage is automatically modulated. I would suggest the JVS165 or the JVS185 utilize the total hp rating of these pumps. The JVS270 will be throttled down to about 1.5 hp when connected at a 115V breaker.
All three pumps are also automated ready so all you need to do is connect the Comm wires to your particular automated system. They come factory set to connect directly with Hayward Automation. For the others, you may need an adapter sold separately. But the simple fact that you can connect these pumps to your existing automation is a real game-changer
Innovative hydraulic design and quiet operation
Transparent strainer cover for easy cleaning
Industry-leading energy efficiency
Manufactured in the USA
Simple retrofitting w/ pump base options and 1-1/2" x 2" PVC union connections
The fan-cooled motor is completely enclosed by the permanent magnet
Ports on sides and rear for easy installation
The intuitive control panel can be rotated or removed and mounted to the wall
JVS165S is part of the most energy-efficient line of pumps, according to EPA Energy Star
110/220 volt
2-Year Limited Warranty
This elite energy-saving variable speed pool pump can significantly reduce electricity costs. Designed for durability and built with chemical-resistant Viton seals, the JVS165S protects against corrosion and is backed by an industry-leading 2-Year Limited Warranty. The no rib strainer basket makes debris removal easy!
If you purchase this pump and have Leslie’s install it or a Leslie’s Pro partner install it, you will receive one additional year on the warranty making it a 3-year total warranty.
One of the most common water balancing issues is having high Cyanuric Acid (CYA) in your pool. Cyanuric Acid often referred to as Conditioner or Stabilizer is added to the pool in order to slow the chlorine burn-off caused by the Sun's UV rays. But if you use 3” Chlorine Tablets (Trichlor Tablets) you will be adding Cyanuric Acid to your pool on a constant basis. Here I will discuss the effects of high CYA in your pool water, how to correct it, and ways to prevent it from rising to high levels again.
Bob Lowry is the author of over 23 books but this has to be one of his most relevant and shortest books coming in at just 19 pages thick. But it is packed with so many essentials on residential pool chemistry that you will want a copy to carry in your service truck. Bob Lowry has been in the industry for over 47 years and is the Lead Consultant at Lowry Consulting Group, leads the Pool Chemistry Training Institute, and has created the Certified Residential Pool & Spa Certification Program. Learn more at https://pcti.online/
If your CYA level is very low the Sun's UV rays will cause the chlorine to burn off quickly leaving your pool with no sanitizer or very low levels. The Conditioner in the pool helps to protect the chlorine from burning off too quickly.
Very high CYA levels will make the chlorine in your pool less effective which means you will have to keep the levels very high in your pool to make it effective. Your pool may also develop algae blooms even with high chlorine levels present. These algae blooms are also hard to get rid of in a pool with very high CYA levels. High levels of CYA will also give you false ORP readings if your pool uses ORP to measure the safety and swim-ability of the water. High CYA also will give you a false Alkalinity reading, if you test the Alkalinity and it is at 100 it is more likely at only 70 if you use the Adjusted Alkalinity reading,
The ideal level of CYA in your pool is 30-50 ppm and up to 80 ppm of you have a saltwater pool. Testing the Cyanuric Acid level in your pool at the beginning of the season is crucial. There are many ways to test the CYA level in your pool including the standard Turbidity test, digital testing, and test strips.
You should also utilize the LSI Index (Langelier Saturation Index) in your pool water testing. This will let you know if the pool water is scale-forming or corrosive. If you have a Taylor Test Kit (K2000 Series) it will have the Watergram included which will help you calculate the pool’s LSI. You can also use several online apps to calculate the pool’s LSI. Regardless of what you use, you should be checking the LSI at least once a month in your pool or the pool’s service.
Testing the CYA level in your pool if you suspect very high levels can be challenging. The standard Turbidity Test Kits only work effectively to 100 ppm. If you get an initial reading over 100 ppm you will have to do a dilution test of 50% tap water and 50% pool water. If the reading is still high you will need to use 75% tab water and 25% pool water and so on. Each time you dilute the sample the reading becomes more difficult to nail down accurately. Test strips are a great alternative in pools that have high CYA levels. Most test strips will go as high as 250-300 ppm so this is a good way to check pools that have very high CYA levels.
LaMotte actually makes a test strip that will read CYA levels up to 500 ppm accurately. This is a very handy test strip to have if you service pools for a living. Just dip the test strip in and then match it up to the side of the tube where there is a color chart.
Since Cyanuric Acid does not naturally leave the pool water if you add it to your pool through the use of 3” Chlorinating Tablets the levels will constantly rise. These 3” Trichlor Tablets are over 50% Conditioner per tablet by weight, so as you use them in the Summer you are constantly adding Cyanuric Acid to your pool water. The only way Cyanuric Acid leaves the pool water is through backwashing and splash out. As the water evaporates the Cyanuric Acid will remain in the pool. To lower the CYA level in your pool you will have to do a partial or full drain of the pool water.
Oakton CTSTestr™ 50C Cup-Style Waterproof Pocket Conductivity/TDS/Salinity Tester, Premium 50 Series is an underrated digital water tester. It seems to be a branded tester from Eutech which is an Australian company that makes some of the best digital testers out there. One of the key features of this tester is how easy it is to calibrate and how stable it is.
Oakton – Item # EW-35634-65
Reliable 3-in-1 tool measures conductivity, TDS, and salinity
Redesigned leakproof cap functions as a sample cup and stabilizing base to stand the meter upright
Automatic temperature compensation ensures accurate reading in varying environments
Easy-to-navigate interface for quick setup and calibration
INCLUDES
Protective plastic storage case, lanyard, and 4 AAA batteries.
MORE ABOUT THIS ITEM
These CTS testers make measuring water quality easier and faster. The large display offers a better viewing angle, has indicators for battery life, readiness, and calibration, and shows both the parameter and temperature readings at the same time. The testers are available in a pin-type or a cup style measuring sensor and measure conductivity, TDS, and salinity all in one instrument.
To enhance field use, the cap was redesigned to be leakproof and can be attached to the top of the meter when not being used—no more lost caps! The cap features a fill line, so you know how much sample you need for an accurate reading when using the cap as a sample cup. The wider design provides a base to keep the meter upright for hands-free measurements. The keypad features a fourth key to simplify menu navigation while keeping convenient one-touch calibration. The housing is compatible with lanyards to prevent losing or dropping but is still waterproof.
I mention easy calibration because sometimes getting these digital salinity meters to read the correct salt level can be a challenge. Oakton makes it easy with this tester by allowing you to plus or minus the salinity reading to match the calibration solution. But calibrating the device is something you don’t need to do often because this is a very stable tester.
It is a bonus that this tester also does TDS (Total Dissolved Solids. TDS is basically all of the stuff left behind when pure water evaporates. If you are wondering how to get an accurate TDS reading in a salt pool the equation is pretty simple. Take a Salinity reading. Takes a TDS reading. Subtract the Salinity from the TDS reading. Take a tap water TDS reading. Salinity – TDS = X.
X – Tapwater reading = TDS.
Example: Salinity is 3200 ppm. TDS reading is 4500 ppm. True TDS is 1300 ppm. Tab Water has a TDS of 300 ppm. The total TDS of the pool is 1000 ppm
All in all, this is a great tester made by a solid company in Oakton.
