Concrete vs Asphalt Which is Better?

Concrete vs asphalt. That is the question we asked ourselves when we were in the process of deciding what to do with the hardscape of the property we recently purchased. The asphalt was 42 years old and not properly installed or maintained. After much research here are the pros and cons of both asphalt and concrete.

Asphalt is currently less expensive per sq ft. I received a quote for all new asphalt for $17,000 for this project.  The concrete was $27,000 for the final project. Asphalt is much less expensive than concrete or so it would appear. If you are just looking at a pure budget standpoint, asphalt is the clear winner. But asphalt does require sealing which in the case of this 3,100 sq ft driveway would be about $930 every time I would need it done or every 3-4 years. After 30 years without inflation that would be $9,300 or just about the cost of the concrete driveway, we had installed. 

Asphalt also cures quickly. After one day it is ready to drive on. Concrete takes two weeks to reach 90% strength, so no driving or parking on it for at least 7 days. 14 days is better. Asphalt wins in that category if you are in a hurry to finish the project.  Asphalt does need more future upkeep as I mentioned. You will need to seal it every 3-4 years for the life of the asphalt. The average lifespan is 30 years for asphalt. Concrete doesn’t need to be maintained so unlike asphalt it is a one-and-done deal. The lifespan for concrete is 40-50 years.

Asphalt gets hot and retains heat. In very hot regions that can be a drawback. In extreme heat, it can soften. Concrete does not get nearly as hot. Extreme heat does not affect concrete. Concrete can crack in colder freezing areas. Asphalt is cold weather resistant. But asphalt by its nature tends to crack and chip much more than concrete as you can see from the 42-year-old driveway in the video.  So concrete overall is more durable. 

The overall look of concrete is better and you can do more with concrete. In two of our other projects, we had the concrete colored and stamped. You can get asphalt now in different colors, but the stamping can only be done with concrete.  After the first year asphalt tends to fade and look older faster. Although asphalt does hide oil stains and other stains better than concrete. Concrete remains the same year after year but can be stained by oil and metal objects. Overall I like the look of concrete much better than asphalt. 

Regardless if you choose concrete or asphalt the installation and base are the one key element of the longevity of the project. The asphalt in the video was not prepped with care. Some of the areas were 3” thick, other areas 4 ½” thick. It was also not level and there was no compacted gravel base. It was poured over unleveled dirt back in 1981. 

Contrast that with the concrete project by All Season Turn. It was reinforced with rebar and the dirt was overlayed in 8 scoops of gravel which was compacted down making it a firm and hard base. It was also carefully measured so that all of the concrete was 4” thick from the edge of the house to each wood frame. 

About All Season Turf

Leo Moya, known as the Turf doctor, was born in Sinaloa, Mexico on January 18, 1979. He immigrated to the US at age 16 to pursue the American dream.

His first job was at the Color Spot Nurseries in Fallbrook, CA. After that, he had various other jobs before opening his own company, All Season Turf, in 2002—shortly after marrying his wife, Chaila Archuleta-Moya. Now their daughter, Alexa Maria Moya, is also involved in the business. When not busy with work or school the family enjoys baseball games, Disneyland, and spending time supporting their community.

You can count on Leo Moya and everyone else at this family-owned and operated business to provide high-quality artificial grass, perfectly installed, for your residential or commercial property.

All Season Turf has remained loyal to Synthetic Grass Warehouse and Tiger Turf over the years. As a result, All Season Turf has enjoyed many benefits, including the best prices and products.

All Season Turf Service area, Los Angeles County, Ventura County Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County,  Riverside County, Imperial County

To contact All Season Turf 

https://www.myallseasonturf.com/

(866) 365-TURF (866) 365-8873

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.

Swimming Pool Acid Wash Do's and Dont's

 Like anything, an acid wash has a learning curve and I suggest you team up with another pool pro as a helper before setting out on your own to do an acid wash. You also need to be aware of your city's codes on draining a pool and also be aware of a few big cautions which I will unpack below such as don’t drain a pool directly into the street, don’t drain a pool if the air temperature is 90 degrees or hotter and leave it empty for more than a day and don’t drain the water directly into the dirt or grass directly next to the pool. 

If the plaster has cracks and chips in it already, and Acid Wash will make things worse. There will be more chipping and bigger chunks of plaster will start to come off once the pool is refilled. A Pebble Tec pool with pebbles coming off or cracks is a sign that an Acid Wash should not be done. This will make the Pebble Tec surface worse and not better.

You also want to be careful not to drain a pool down if the outside air temperature is above 90 degrees. This can also cause the plaster to chip, but not until you refill the pool. Sun exposure at that temperature will weaken the old plaster and the chipping will appear over time. So it would be optimal to schedule the Acid Wash offseason when the weather is milder.

The Acid Wash mix is the most important element of Acid Wash. Here are the products that you need for a successful acid wash. You will need 31.45% Muriatic Acid mixed with water in a 2 to 1 water to acid mix. Bio-Dex Plaster White ‘n Brite to help thicken up the acid solution so that it runs smoothly down the walls of the pool and to reduce the acid fumes. Bio-Dex AquaDex 50 Stain-Off which helps to remove iron and another metal staining from the surface. If you use this Acid Wash mix you will have great results and the plaster or Pebble Tec will look as good as new!

You can prep the pool to remove some of the calcium build up on the tile with the Bio-Dex Protect-All-Supreme which will require you to raise the water level over the pool tile calcium line, pour in 1 or 2 gallons of the Protect-All-Supreme into the pool, and then run the pool for 24-48 hours. In most cases, this is probably not something that most customers will opt to do since almost all of the acid washes I have done were in pools that needed to be drained straight away. But it is a part of the treatment and something that you can do as the first step.

Here are the detailed instructions from Bio-Dex on how to do an Acid Wash the Bio-Dex way:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1DySSQfRRvUU00yqGC09EQvYVsrPkZV1y

I modified their method because it calls for mixing everything in a 5-gallon bucket and pouring it down the sides. But I have always done my acid washes using a Water Pot as I find this to be the easiest and most effective method. So in the video, I show you the Watering pot mixture also.

Acid Wash Tips:

Always wear protective gear as the fumes and acid are hazardous.

The first thing you should know when you go to do an Acid Wash is that the results cannot be predicted. I can look at a pool now and pretty much predict the outcome. But each pool is different, and results vary.

You also, do not want to drain a pool when the water table is high-, if you have 3-6 inches of rain coming your way, do not drain a pool as it could potentially pop out. You also don’t want to drain the water into an area around the pool. The ground can absorb the water, and this can also create a situation where the pool can pop out. This is rare and something you don’t need to worry about. You of course only want to Acid Wash a plaster of Pebble Tec pool and never acid wash a Fiberglass pool.

If the pool has heavy calcium staining on the surface, organic and metal staining can be trapped under the calcium. You can check for calcium before draining the pool simply by feeling the pool surface.

If it feels very rough like sandpaper, chances are there is a lot of calcium build-up on the surface. Before doing the Acid Wash you will need to power sand the pool surface. You can rent a power sander at Home Depot and then sand down the entire pool surface before the Acid Wash. During Acid Wash if you notice the staining is not lifting off, take some sandpaper and rub the area. Then pour the acid mix over the area again. If the stain lifts then you know there is a coat of calcium build-up on the surface and you will have to power sand the entire pool.

Never use just straight acid on the surface. This will etch and damage the surface and will create streaking of the plaster. If the stain is not coming off calcium is probably the issue and not the acid mix.

The basin in the deep end is very critical. I always add Soda Ash to the basin and leave the Sump Pump (Submersible Pump) running so that the acid running off the walls does not pool up and stain the plaster. If this happens, once the pool is filled you will see a discolored ring around the deep end of the pool. So, keep the basin filled with Soda Ash or Baking Soda to neutralize the acid as it runs into the deep end basin and out through the Sump Pump.

If you follow these tips your Acid Wash will turn out great and your pool will have a new lease on life.

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Choosing the Right Chlorine for Your swimming Pool

There are 6 main types of chlorine products on the market today but two of them are not commonly in use anymore (Gas Chlorine, and Lithium Hypochlorite). The remaining types to choose from are Liquid Chlorine, Cal-Hypo, Tri-Chlor, Dichlor. Each type is very different from the other and knowing more about each is essential in pool care.

Liquid Chlorine or Bleach is the tried and true standard chemical of choice for most pool service professionals. It is easy to use and relatively inexpensive and it has the least side effects of any of the chlorine you can choose from. It is usually sold in 12.5% active chlorine per gallon with Bleach coming in at about half that strength at 6.5%. It will raise the pH slightly, but it does not contain any Stabilizer or Conditioner making it ideal for all pool types. This means that when you add a gallon of liquid chlorine and your Conditioner level (CYA) is 50 ppm it will stay at 50 ppm even if you add 20 gallons of liquid chlorine.

Pros:

Fastest acting of all chlorine types

Will not raise your CYA level

Safe for all pool types

Easy to use

Cons:

Breaks down by the Sun’s UV Rays so your pool needs a CYA level of 30-50 ppm

Short shelf life so rotate stock or buy fresh chlorine when needed

Half-life is about 90 days

The gallons can be heavy compared to a bag of shock

Cal Hypo is very popular and there are several reasons why it is widely used in the industry. It is easy to carry and comes in different strengths 60-75% active chlorine. One of the major side effects is that it contains calcium, so over time it will raise your pool’s calcium hardness. Not an issue if you live in an area with soft water but I caution against the use in areas with hard water. It also has a high pH of around 12 so it will raise the pH in a pool if you use a significant amount each week. It can also make the pool cloudy if you pour a bag directly in. A very powerful form of shock.

Pros:

Strong and easy to use

Does not contain a Conditioner so it will not raise the pool’s CYA levels

Cal Hypo Tablets dissolve slowly over a week and don’t raise the pool’s CYA level

Safe for all pool surface types but use caution with a vinyl liner

Cons:

Raises Calcium Harness in a pool

Raises the pH in a pool

Clouds up the pool water if poured directly in

Dichlor is a very popular form of chlorine and the granular form makes it very easy to measure and use in a pool. It is pH neutral which means it will not raise or lower the pool pH in any significant way. It does contain Cyunaric Acid (CYA), about 50%-65% by weight. So, if you add 10 lbs. of Dichlor to a pool you are also adding about 6 lbs. of CYA. Over time this will increase the pool’s CYA levels. A little Dichlor goes a long way making this an ideal chemical to carry on your truck if you service pools. Just don’t overuse it because of the high amount of Conditioner in the product. It is usually about 62% active chlorine by weight.

Pros:

Easy to use and powerful

pH neutral

Safe for all surface types

Long the shelf life of 2-3 years

Cons:

Adds Conditioner to the pool

Expensive so not practical in most applications

Tri-Chlor or Trichloroisocyanuric Acid comes in three forms. The familiar 3” tablets that slowly dissolve in your pool, a very fine powder shock and a granular form. About 50% of the Tri-Chlor by weight is Conditioner. So, a 50 lbs. bucket of tablets is about 25 lbs. of CYA. If you overuse tablets your pool’s CYA level can go up rapidly. Trichlor tablets are usually 95% to 99% active chlorine. Tri-Chlor tablets have a very low pH of 2-3 so they will lower the pH in your pool. The tablets contain acid in the form of Cyanuric Acid so if one falls into the pool it is likely to stain the surface by burning it.

The powder form of Tri-Chlor shock is a good mix of both power and less Conditioner per pound. It is fast-acting but has a strong chemical smell so use caution when using it. It is less pure than the tablet form and is usually 65%-70% active chlorine.  I use it on my route and find it to be effective in shocking a pool.

Tri-Chlor granular is very powerful stuff. It is the Tri-Chlor Tablet grounded up in granular form and is 99% active chlorine. Use with extreme caution as the Conditioner in the granular can stain the plaster. The CYA in the tablet is acid and if you let it pile up on the pool surface it will stain the plaster as if you dropped a 3” Tablet into the pool. Never add this to the skimmer and if you do use it for Black or Mustard algae make sure it is evenly dispersed on the pool surface. Not for use in Vinyl, Fiberglass, or color plaster pools.

Pros:

Very strong and slow dissolving in tablet form so it releases chlorine all week long

Easy to use 

Cons:

Can stain the pool surface

Contains 50% CYA by weight

Expensive in today’s inflationary environment

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Borates for Dummies: Why Adding Borates to Your Swimming Pool is Great!

With the crazy high inflation of chlorine in the industry today, anything that you can do to offset this for your pool service business is essential. By adding borates to your service accounts you achieve two things, you lower the amount of chlorine that you will use each week and also save time by not having to treat a pool for algae. 

Here are the proven benefits of having a Borate level of 30-50 ppm:

Lower Chlorine usage: The Borate helps reduce chlorine usage by eliminating Carbon Dioxide and also by keeping the pH stable. Chlorine lasts longer when the pH is right at 7.6-7.8. When the chlorine is in the ideal range the killing element in chlorine the HOCI is at the most balanced percentage so the chlorine in a pool with a pH of 7.4 is 30% more effective than in a pool with a pH of 8.0. This is a big factor in creating the safest swim environment and the borates will keep the pH much more stable and in turn, make the chlorine much more effective.

Eliminates algae growth: 

Boric Acid is a known Biostat. This prevents the algae cell from forming and multiplying. Thus, a pool with a Borate level between 30-50 ppm will prevent algae growth. Since borate prevents the algae cell from growing, algae blooms will be a thing of the past. No more algaecides or shocking the pool, algae just won’t grow in your pool any longer.

pH is stable: 

The pH won't change much in a pool with Borate in it. So, if you have a Salt Water Pool this is a must since the pH tends to rise dramatically. In fact, in a Salt Water Pool the pH can rise to over 8.4 very rapidly. You will find yourself putting tons of acid in each week just to keep the pH below 7.8. With borates in the pool, the pH will be stable and easy to control.  It is a must for a pool with a Salt Water Generator. It also will keep your salt cell from building up calcium rapidly since it sequesters the Calcium in the water. This means the salt cell will remain clean and your salt system will run much more efficiently.

Water is more sparkling: 

The Borate is more reflective so when the sun hits the pool the water will really sparkle. The fact that it sequesters calcium will give the water added clarity and you will notice the sparkle is almost blinding. The difference is very marked and noticeable and it is a good bonus benefit of borates.

Softer and less irritating water: 

The water feels softer and doesn't burn your eyes. It also will keep your skin and hair hydrated so after swimming your skin won't be as dried out. Borax has been used for a very long time as a softener for laundry. You will find it in the laundry aisle and it makes sense that it will also make the water feel softer and prevent dry skin.

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PoolRX+ is a Great Way to Save on Your Chlorine Costs!

PoolRx+ is a simple way to keep your pool algae-free all season long. It is also effective in cleaning a green pool and a side benefit of the product is that you will use less chlorine in the pool all season long. It is a great way to save on the cost of chlorine which has become very expensive, making the PoolRx+ significantly lower if you factor in the savings benefits.  

PoolRx is a Mineral Technology that does two very simple things when used in your pool or spa; it eliminates all algae and will allow you to use less chlorine during the pool season. The active ingredient is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate and silver (chelated).

 

What Chelated means is that the metals in the PoolRx have been bonded to form two coordinated bonds similar to what Metal Sequestering Agents do. This means that the Metal ions will remain in the PoolRx unit with no metal ions being introduced into the pool or spa water. This prevents any metal staining on the pool surface

 

Make sure that you choose the right size PoolRx+ unit so that the treatment will be effective. You can place it either in your skimmer or pump basket. When you first insert the unit run your pool for 3-4 hours. Then run it the normal cycle to get at least one full cycle of water from the pool, into the filter, and back into the pool again. The PoolRx+ unit should last 4-6 months.

 

PoolRx+ is ideal for a saltwater pool also. It will extend the life of your salt cell as you run the system at a lower output while PoolRx+ is present in the pool, typically 50% less output. PoolRx+ minerals also include a de-scaler that will prevent scale from attaching to the salt cell meaning less cleaning of the cell is needed. Also since it is generating less, the pH won't rise as high requiring less acid to be added to the pool. 

 

Using the PoolRX on your pool route will save you time and money. The manufacturer's claim of saving 20-30% on chemical cost is not far-fetched and once you try a PoolRx in one of your accounts you will be amazed! With thousands of reviews, online this is a true 5-star rated product.

PoolRx+ is a Mineral Technology that does two very simple things when used in your pool or spa; it eliminates all algae and will allow you to use less chlorine during the pool season. The active ingredient is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate, silver & Zinc (chelated).

If you haven’t tried PoolRx before it is something to really consider now in this era of industry-wide hyperinflation.

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

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Mr. Pen Non-contact Voltage Meter - Don't Get Electrocuted!

One of the biggest issues you will run into with anything connected to an AC power is if that device or equipment is receiving power. In the pool service industry, this often is the case when you find that a pool pump won’t turn on. Or if a pool timer doesn't on, is it receiving power? Also for repairs with so many breakers being unmarked, how do you know you turned off the right breaker. Bottom line, a non-contact detector like the Mr. Pen is an easy way to see if power is going to the equipment/device and the line is active.

A non-contact voltage detector is just that. You don’t need to make contact with the line like with a Multimeter. Plus you don’t need to adjust any settings or knobs to get a voltage reading. Simply hold the Mr. Pen over a cord or wire whip and if there is AC power a red light will turn on and an audible beep will come out of the device. A very easy way to tell if power or a current is present. 

To order: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LFYTG5?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=13492a8e2e50bb558fe37eb11e5c3735&camp=1789&creative=9325

One thing to note is that a non-contact detector will not tell you the line voltage. This is important if you need to know if say a pump motor is receiving enough voltage from the breaker. Sometimes a dip in voltage will cause a pool motor to burn out or stop working so there is no way to tell if the motor is receiving 220 volts or 198 volts. For that, you will need a Multimeter. 

For most applications that are not a real issue and all you want to know is if the device or equipment receiving power. This device will tell you right away. No light means no power. Red light and beep will mean there is power. There are several of these non-contact detectors but I find a simple one like this for $10.00 is good enough for DIY applications. 

Before you do anything electrical and touch any wires, using one of these is a perfect way to prevent you from being shocked. It also will let you know right away why something is not working. Is it due to having no power or is it another issue? That is where Mr. Pen excels as a must-have tool. 

About Mr. Pen:

Mr. Pen- non-contact detector determine the presence of magnetic field without contact

Insulation operation ensures the safety of testing. You can use this non-contact AC voltage detection to check whether a cable, wire, or socket contains AC voltage.

lightweight, compact tool with pocket clip provides convenient storage and quick access.

It can be used for home appliance repair, circuit inspection, and DIY.

The perfect tool for home users, electrical and electrical system engineers, etc.

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

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Western Pool and Spa Show Audio Tour!

 Pool Trade shows are a great way to meet the faces behind the companies from whom we purchase thousands of dollars worth of equipment, chemicals, and supplies. I believe the Western Pool & Spa Show is one of the premier events in the swimming pool industry. This video is a little different as you will hear me narrating the expo hall floor map and I will touch on the different companies who have booths at this year's show.

Here is the website for the show and the expo hall floor plan for you.

https://www.westernshow.com/

https://www.expocadweb.com/22wpss/ec/forms/attendee/index5.aspx#fpPanel

Of course, at every show are the big three. Pentair, Fluidra, and Hayward. Then you have a bunch of smaller players and individual companies as well as companies geared towards the construction end. Let me touch on a few notable companies at the show.

H2O Flow Controls makes probably one of the best and easiest flow meters to install in the FlowVis. Why do I bring up a company that makes a flow meter first? With the new Federal Law mandating that all new pool pumps and motors going forward need to be VS pumps, setting the run speed and run time becomes more mathematics than it is worth. With a flow meter, you can simply calculate the speed (RPM) and run time without any issue. 

PoolRx is another company to note at the show. With chlorine prices hitting all-time highs there needs to be some way to save on chlorine usage and the PoolRx+ does just that. It is an EPA registered algaecide that will allow you to use less chlorine in your pools each week. 

Then you have Orenda which also makes chlorine enhancers but on a different vein. By adding a weekly dose of phosphate remover and their enzyme you are “freeing up” the chlorine to work on the things it needs to and not on the things that waste the chlorine in your pools. 

On the other end of the table is HASA which is one of the biggest, if not the biggest producers of liquid chlorine in the nation or at least on the West coast. Liquid chlorine has one big advantage over Tri-Chlor tablets and that is it contains no Cyunaric Acid or stabilizer. So you are not raising the pool’s CYA level when you use liquid chlorine. It is also readily available and hopefully this year more so than last year. 

From a pool tool standpoint, I think the best two companies notwithstanding their respective products, but from an overall business model are Riptide and Primate Pool Tools. The Primate Pole is the premier carbon fiber pool that will make your life easier out on your pool route. It weighs less than 2 lbs! The Riptide is the best-made vacuum system on the market. Not only are you getting a quality product but a company that puts the customer first, every time. Both of these companies are great and you will love their products. 

There are just too many great companies at the show to detail including Easy Care Products, Purity Pool, SPPA, Skimmer, and many more. 

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

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Polaris ATLAS XT the Best Swimming Pool Suction Side cleaner on the Market To Date!

The Polaris ATLAS XT is the most complete suction side cleaner on the market today. It can pick up dirt as well as large leaf debris without getting jammed. It has scrubbing brushes on the bottom to help lift dirt and debris from the surface. It also will clean the pool walls up to the waterline (depending on pool suction and surface type). All the parts are modular which means when a part wears out you will just need to change that one part and not multiple parts. 

Here is a description from Fluidra and I will highlight each point for you.

New improved engine design to capture long stringy debris to sand

The new Halo technology of the engine will prevent long string-like debris from clogging it. This will also allow debris to easily pass through the throat of the cleaner. So if you are looking for a cleaner that will work great in a pool with a lot of leaf debris and dirt this is the cleaner for you.

New design tracks with inner groove and track-guard ensuring strong traction when climbing walls

The new tracks do give this cleaner great traction in your pool. They will also prevent the cleaner from getting stuck on the main drain of your pool. The track guards are a nice touch and this will prevent anything from rubbing on the tracks and pulling them off. 

Powerful suction capability

The new Halo engine is pretty amazing. The robust gears spin the turbines and directional devices inside the cleaner with ease. At first glance, you would think that it would take tremendous suction to get this cleaner moving, when in fact it moves around the pool with ease. 

Dual scrubbers make short work of debris and algae

The scrubbing action of this cleaner is pretty unique. No other suction cleaner comes close really unless you move into the robotic category. So not only does the Atlas XT pick up dirt and debris but it also scrubs the pool surface for you as well.

Suitable for most in-ground pools up to 20 ft x 40 ft

With 12 hose sections each measuring 1 meter you get 39 feet of hose. This is plenty of hose for even a large pool. The wide cleaning path also allows the Atlas XT to clean larger pools rapidly. So this cleaner is suitable for a small, medium and large pool.

Cleans both floor and walls

The wall-climbing ability of the ATLAS XT is truly amazing. In most cases, it will climb the pool walls up to the waterline. If you are looking for a cleaner that will clean both your pool floors and waterline this is the cleaner for you. The cleaner is suitable for concrete, pebble-tec, quartz, tile, fiberglass, vinyl surfaces

What I like about the ATLAS XT is that it fixes the biggest problems with their Zodiac MX8 lineup. The engine was the Achilles heel of this cleaner. Any large string-like debris would just get tangled in the finned engine. That engine is completely gone now, replaced by the Halo engine. The tracks were also a weak point and would sometimes loosen and fall off. This would of course render the MX cleaner inoperable. These two big issues have now been resolved to make the Polaris ATLAS XT the premiere suction side cleaner on the market today.

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Nidec Neptune VS Motor - The Easy Way to Upgrade to a VS Pump

 The Neptune variable speed motor and control provide flexibility and ease when it comes to upgrading to a variable speed pump. After all, the real heart of the pool pump is the motor on the back. Why spend $1,600 on an entirely new pump when just replacing the motor on the back with a Neptune VS motor will fix the problem. And no replumbing is needed. Simply remove the old motor and install the Neptune VS motor on the back of your existing pump.

The Neptune variable speed pool pump motor is a premium efficient product that includes a fully integrated motor, control, and user interface (UI). This U.S. MOTORS product gives you programming flexibility and speed range capability. It is also designed to communicate and operate with a variety of external automated system controllers in addition to the onboard control panel.

The Neptune variable speed motor is easy to install. By replacing an old single-speed pump motor with a Neptune, your customers can keep their properly functioning pump and quickly upgrade it into a much more energy-efficient product. The Neptune is also easy to program. Underneath the lid is a Quick Start Guide that provides step-by-step instructions to ensure your customers save energy and properly filter the pool. The Neptune comes with a factory-installed run schedule which allows the unit to function after simply setting the time of day.

The Neptune provides rugged construction for longer life. The enclosure is finned aluminum that provides a water ingress protection level of IPX5, which helps achieve a long field life in outdoor environmental conditions. To pass the IPX5 test, a water hose must be sprayed onto the motor from all directions with no water getting inside the motor.

One of the best features of the Neptune variable speed pool pump motor is the quietness with which it runs. The motor control has no switching mechanisms. When the motor is programmed for slower speeds, the sound levels are typically much reduced compared to the homeowner’s old single-speed motor-powered pump.

The Neptune offers a long list of other features:

The total horsepower (THP) rated, from 1.25THP to 2.70THP

Single-phase input, 50 or 60 Hz

1.25THP and 1.65THP models offer dual voltage capability (115/230V)

Speed range = 600 to 3450 RPM

Efficiency is 80%+

Mounting options: Square flange of C-flange 56J mount

Rotation = counterclockwise viewing the motor shaft

Low-temperature monitor. The motor, if set to do so, will automatically turn on during cold temperatures to keep the water moving which helps prevent pipe damage.

Capability to set up to seven daily schedules

Adjustable priming time and speed

Menu keypad lockout feature

Fully integrated product for simple drop-in installation with no complex motor and control wiring. Simply connect your power supply!

Premium Energy Efficient, Variable Speed, Square Flange, Category "S"

Again, simply replacing an old single-speed motor on the back is one easy way to upgrade to a variable speed pump. 

NIDEC MOTOR NPTT165

https://lesliespool.com/389640.html

NIDEC MOTOR NPTT225

https://lesliespool.com/389641.html

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Best Way to Run Your Pool Service Business with Harold Evans of Orenda

There is more to running a pool service business than just showing up each week. That is the easy part. Having a good grasp on why things happen with the pool chemistry is another matter entirely. Dealing with customers and learning how to treat them right takes tremendous effort and few will make that effort. 

Treating your customers how you want to be treated extends further than just the pool service company. Those that supply chemicals and equipment to the industry should also be building relationships. And it all boils down to relationships. How you want to be treated and how you treat others. Being successful means that customers will refer you to friends and family. One way to gauge your success is by looking at a pie chart of how you land new customers. If over 50% of that is referrals you are winning. 

Harold Evans of Orenda has been on each end of the spectrum and although he is now running a major manufacturer of pool chemicals, Orenda Technologies, he also has a thriving pool service company in Texas as well. -

Here is more from Orenda Technologies:

“Water is a precious resource, and we strive to make it clean and beautiful. Orenda has a philosophy of minimalism and proactive pool care. Why be proactive? Because prevention is always easier than correction, and we want to help educate the pool industry and pool owners about it. The vast majority of pool issues are preventable, and that's why we published our Four Pillars of Proactive Pool Care.

For many years, Orenda was primarily a specialty chemical manufacturer, building a business on quality, professional-grade products, and reputation. We have since evolved into an education company. We have invested heavily in building the pool industry's leading mobile app and dosing calculator, have a library of helpful videos, and a growing list of educational articles in our blog. In 2019 we released Orenda Academy, which is another free resource for anyone to learn more about pool management.

We want to deliver the best water quality possible, with the fewest chemicals. The Orenda line of professional-grade, eco-friendly specialty pool chemicals help our customers get there. But our chemicals merely complement our program, which is a series of improved habits and behaviors to optimize water management.

Let’s stop guessing and “eyeballing it”, and instead dial in our behavior and habits. Orenda is here to help.

NSF mark, CE-clarifier, Orenda NSF

Commitment to Science and Safety

Our commitment to science and safety is unparalleled in the aquatics industry. To demonstrate that commitment, ALL of our products are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 50, the recreational water standard. Orenda chemicals are powerful and concentrated, yet safe.

You can visit their website to learn more: https://www.orendatech.com/

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