Swimming Pool Tips and Reviews

 The Pentair IntelliFlo Vs pump is probably the premiere VS pump on the market today. It was the first major brand VS pump to hit the market well over a decade ago. Since then it has gone through several generations of models with advances along each step of the way.  Here are the two current models: IntelliFlo VSF pump is the first variable speed and flows pump that adjusts to changes in flow conditions to maintain its preprogrammed flow rate to run optimally throughout the entire filtration cycle. It's like having cruise control for your pump. Eight programmable speed or flow settings and a built-in timer Rotatable keypad with optional wall mount kit (sold separately) Top-mounted field wiring compartment is easier to access and connect Totally Enclosed fan-cooled design for increased performance and long life Menus are easier than ever to use Consistently maintains system flow requirements Compatible with Pentair Automation WEF 6.9 THP 3.95 IntelliFlo VS Variable Speed pump ...

 The installation and setup for the Polaris MAXX is pretty straightforward forward and the only thing that can be a bit complicated is setting up the correct speed of the cleaner. This is done by adjusting the suction to the cleaner and with a Variable Speed pump, you have a little more fine-tuning to achieve. Note that the MAXX is sold exclusively at Leslie’s Pool Supplies.   There are a few items that I suggest to make the installation complete. One is a vac lock for the threaded port. This is a safety device to prevent entrapment if the cleaner hose comes loose and the pool is in use. I highly suggest installing it with one. Here is a link for a good one: http://www.amazon.com/Vacuum-Safety-Suction-Cleaners-W400BWHP/dp/B00TLJB1VI?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00TLJB1VI&linkCode=w00&linkId=B7KICXCNHTLEUCK3&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=swimmingpooll-20 I wish manufacturers would include this with the cleaner as many consumers use a side port when installing. I al...

Here are a few things about the equipment that I check first when I find a cleaner not moving in the pool: 1. Make sure the filter is clean- if it is a D.E. Filter Clean the filter or Backwash it. For a Sand Filter Backwash it to make sure it is clean. For a Cartridge Filter open it up and clean the cartridges. 2. Make sure the filter is operating correctly – no broken grids or really old cartridges. If PSI on the gauge is over 25-30 cleaner may not operate. The optimal filter PSI is around 20 or less. 3. Make sure the pump is working correctly. If there is air getting into the pump the cleaner may not move. This is called a vacuum leak or suction leak. Air will prevent the pump from pulling water the extra 30 ft through the cleaner hose. You can typically check for an air leak by disconnecting the cleaner. If the pump primes up fine but loses its prime once you reconnect the cleaner I would suspect an air leak. The likely location is the threaded fitting on top of the pump and the thr...

 There are very few cordless robotic pool cleaner options out there and I think I have tested all of them to date. The SMOROBOT is unique in that the developers have taken a crowdfunding approach. If you are interested in getting the early release of this cleaner they have a Kickstarter campaign that runs until April 29th, 2022.  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/smorobot/smart-cordless-pool-cleaning-robot I received a production model that was hand made for my testing (you will see some evidence of this in the silicone on the front of the cleaner as well as a few minor things like the included hook to retrieve the cleaner not fitting my pool pole, and the debris basket missing two top sections). It is to be expected in any prototype of a product. The programming has also been updated for the production model and will run more smoothly. The factory model should of course be a more complete a refined model. My first impression of the cleaner is that it works as advertised ev...

 The Betta Solar Powered surface cleaner has one distinct advantage over other cleaners on the market. It is not the cleaning ability, nor the price point but the fact that the makers of this product are always finding ways to improve their product. No one like 1-star reviews and the best way to avoid this is by making your product a 5-star product. What were some of the issues with the first version of the Betta? The engines would fail due to corrosion in Saltwater pools. Here is how the manufacturer fixed that. The upgraded Motor design will have all external surfaces coated with polymer to prevent unwanted crystallization and other forms of chemical residue from occurring on the surface. The motor has also been redesigned to make them modular and easy to swap out in the event f a failure.  The on/off button on top was tricky and sometimes water could get in there.  A magnetic main switch now is installed for better durability and waterproofing performance. It is also c...

 My favorite pool cleaner over the years has been the Hayward PoolCleaner 2X or 4X otherwise sold under the name Hayward Aquanaut 200 & 400 and the Hayward Phoenix (referred hereafters the Hayward cleaner). These are all the same cleaner branded for different wholesale, retail, and eCommerce outlets. With the new Polaris ATLAS, ATLAS XT, and MAXX hitting the market (referred to here as the Polaris cleaners), is the Hayward cleaner still the best? I think it all comes down to preference still. The Hayward cleaners require very few part changes. All you will be changing over the years are the rubber tires. That is it. So it is more or less a, “put it in the pool and forget it” cleaner. That is what makes it such a great purchase. Along with the fact that the V-Flex turbine is designed to pick up large leaf debris without getting jammed.  The only real downside to the Hayward cleaners is the lack of wall climbing ability. You can tell the customer that 90% of the dirt is on t...

The installation and setup for the Polaris ATLAS XT is pretty straight forward and the only thing that can be a bit complicated is setting up the correct speed of the cleaner. This is done by adjusting the suction to the cleaner and with a Variable Speed pump you have a little more fine-tuning to achieve/ There are a few accessories you will need to make this a complete install. One is a vac lock for the threaded port. This is a safety device to prevent entrapment if the cleaner hose comes loose and the pool is in use. I highly suggest installing it with one. Here is a link for a good one: http://www.amazon.com/Vacuum-Safety-Suction-Cleaners-W400BWHP/dp/B00TLJB1VI?ie=UTF8&creativeASIN=B00TLJB1VI&linkCode=w00&linkId=B7KICXCNHTLEUCK3&ref_=as_sl_pc_tf_til&tag=swimmingpooll-20 I wish manufacturers would include this with the cleaner as many consumers use a side port when installing. I also do not like the adapter that Zodiac includes for the side port installation. It t...

 The Polaris MAXX is sold exclusively at Leslie’s Pool Supplies and it 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 more about the MAXX 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...

 What is a normal plaster job and what is considered a defect in the plaster? Sometimes that is not an easy question to answer and I have seen much different plaster outcomes from various builders. I think the biggest takeaway is that you cannot achieve perfection in any type of finish, maybe one day when they have robots doing all the work. There will be some issues with your plaster no matter how you look at it so my suggestion to you is not to be overly picky.  What is a normal plaster job and what is considered a defect in the plaster? Sometimes that is not an easy question to answer and I have seen much different plaster outcomes from various builders. I think the biggest takeaway is that you cannot achieve perfection in any type of finish, maybe one day when they have robots doing all the work. There will be some issues with your plaster no matter how you look at it so my suggestion to you is not to be overly picky.  I have seen several problems caused by the improp...

My first impression of the Pipeline filter was that it was a droid from Star Wars. It has the cool factor covered. After unpacking it and getting a feel for it I must say that I am impressed by it on many levels. The build quality is great and these filters are made here in the USA. The plastic reminds me a lot of the Sta-Rite System 3 filters which in my opinion are the most durable filters on the market today. The AquaStar Pipeline filters have that same build quality to them. The super compact size will be a game-changer for builders, at least in Southern California where they like to put in the tightest equipment pads.  The actual dimensions of the PLF27000 are 19 ½” wide by 36 ½” tall. The PLF35000 is 19 ½” wide and 46 ½” tall making them amazingly compact.  Here is more about the filters from AquaStar: Model # PLF27000 200 sq ft cartridge Commercial: 27,000 gallons 6-Hour Turnover Capacity Residential: 108,000 gallons 12-Hour Turnover Capacity Model # PLF35000 250 sq ft ...