Friday, April 29, 2022

Pentair IntelliFlo Vs Pump Overview

 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 is the next generation of Pentair's variable-speed pump technology. With energy savings up to 90%* versus conventional pumps, near-silent operation, and advanced programming capabilities, this pump continues to deliver everything a pool owner wants and reliability no other competitor can match.

The control keypad can be rotated for convenient orientation on the pump or wall-mounted with the Relocation Kit
Intuitive, easy to use menu structure for programming and monitoring
Interfaces perfectly with Pentair automation systems that give you the convenience of mobile device control
Totally enclosed fan cooled design for quiet operation and long life
Top-mounted field wiring compartment makes access and installation easier
8-programmable speed settings and built-in timer
WEF 6.9 THP 3.95
Available only in-store from Pentair dealers or retail stores

One nice thing about the IntelliFlo VS is that it will fit right into where your existing WisperFlo pump is set. So usually there will be no replumbing needed if you are going from a WisperFlo to an IntelliFlo VS pump. Note that the Sta-Rite IntelliPro VS is the same pump as the IntelliFlo VS just that it is sold under the Sta-Rite branding in the black color. This makes for an easy upgrade. The IntelliFlo VS will be an easy plug-and-play type upgrade in this case.

One thing to know about a VS pump is that the energy savings only happen if you run it at a slower speed. This is called the “RPM” and sometimes you will also see this listed as a percentage. For example, the full RPM of a single-speed pump and VS pump is 3450 RPM. So technically running it under this RPM will save you money on your energy bill.

These are the two-speed settings that I like, even though you can program up to 8 speeds, 2 is all you need in most cases.

Speed 1: 1800 RPM for 10-16 hours depending on your pool size.
Speed 2: 2400 RPM for 4-6 hours depending on your pool size.

This will maximize your energy savings and also keep things simple. The larger the pool the longer you would run each of the speeds. 

A couple of other things to note about this pump. When you hit the Start/ Stop button this will take it out of the schedule run mode. You will have to hit it again to start the pump on the schedule mode otherwise it will remain off until you hit the button again. You may want to use the “Time Out” button instead. This will turn off the pump for a set time and then allow it to automatically resume the program mode. The “Quick Clean” button puts it in the high-speed mode for a set amount of time and is good when adding chemicals or for manually vacuuming the pool.


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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Polaris MAXX Suction Side Cleaner Installation and Set Up

 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:

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 tends to pop out when the pool is in use or can easily be pulled out. I like this adapter better - Baracuda MX8 Cleaner Leaf Catcher Hose Adaptor X77094

Here is a link for it:

This fits in the vac lock much better and the vac lock actually will latch onto it and hold it in place. Zodiac should consider including this adapter in every box.

If you are installing the cleaner at the skimmer, the Hole in One Basket is a great aftermarket product that will allow you to connect the cleaner in the skimmer and keep the skimmer basket in the skimmer. Other words you can install the cleaner at the skimmer and keep the basket in.



I try to cover everything you will run into in the video but for the sake of time I left out what to do if the cleaner has too much suction. Not a common problem but it can happen. You can adjust the skimmer Flow Keeper Valve (Included in the box) to a lower setting but in my experience, it doesn't do a whole lot. If I run into this problem when I am installing the cleaner I simply put in a different skimmer regulator valve. The Zodiac Flow Keeper valve is self-adjusting so you can't really reduce the suction - the speed of the cleaner.  There is also a secondary suction regulator on the cleaner head itself which also helps if there is too much suction.

So here is a regulator valve that can be easily adjusted:


If you have too little suction make sure the filter is clean and that all of the flow is going to the skimmer. You can also again replace the Flow Keeper Valve with a more adjustable one and close it off to increase suction.

From a side port, it is very easy to set the suction. Simply turn the handle until you achieve the correct wheel RPM of the cleaner.

The RPM - Wheel revolutions per minute is the most critical part of the installation. The Polaris MAXX needs just the right flow to work correctly. It is a pretty sensitive cleaner so too much or too little suction will affect the cleaner’s overall performance.

I also highly suggest a leaf canister so that the pump basket does not get clogged up with debris. Zodiac makes a specific canister for the MX8 cleaners - Zodiac Cyclonic Automatic Pool Cleaner Leaf Catcher Canister.

Here is a link for the canister:


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Thursday, April 21, 2022

Why is my Suction Side Swimming Pool Cleaner Not Moving?

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 threaded fitting going into the pump. I would also check the pump lid o-ring.

4. Make sure the cleaner has proper suction. If it is connected at the pool skimmer with the OEM regulator valve that came with your cleaner – refer to the manual for proper adjustment. For example, if it is a Hayward Aquanaut the regulator that comes with it has a dial on it. Simply close the dial to increase the cleaner's suction and then open the dial to increase the skimmer suction. If the cleaner is connected at the side port/vacuum port make sure that you adjust the valve so that enough suction is going to the cleaner.

5. Check the pump basket. If the pump basket is clogged with debris this will sometimes slow the cleaner down and make it stop completely. Clean the pump basket out.

6. If you have a Variable Speed (VS) pump, make sure that your pump is set at a high enough speed, known as RPM. Typically most cleaners will need at least 2600 RPM to operate properly. Sometimes more and sometimes less. I usually start at 3100 RPM and then dial it down from there.

Here is what to check on the cleaner itself:

1. Check for any debris clogging the mouth of the cleaner. I find it best to do this with the cleaner running. Carefully pull it to the side of the pool and with the cleaner head still underwater, turn it so that you can see the cleaner opening. Check for any rocks, piles of leaves and even a rodent stuck in the mouth.

2. If it is a bouncing type cleaner, typically it has a rubber diaphragm (Zodiac Cleaners). Check the diaphragm for any tears or cuts. Replacing it is easy and will likely get those types of cleaners moving again.

3. If you have an MX cleaner – Zodiac MX8 or MX6 and any variation of those two, typically it is the tracks that are worn out. It could also be the Directional Device.

4. If it is a Hayward Navigator or Hayward Pool Vac it is more than likely a worn-out A-Frame and Turbine. You would just purchase the A-Frame kit and replace that to get the Navigator or Pool Vac moving again.

5. Sometimes a hose section gets debris clogged inside of it. To check for this, with the pool running, pull off the first hose section from the cleaner and remove the cleaner head. Keeping the hose underwater, pull off each section one by one until you find the hose section clogged with debris. The reason you want the pool on is that you will not feel any suction until you reach the clogged hose and remove it. Then you will feel the pool suction through the hoses again. Just be sure to keep the hoses underwater so that the pump will not suck air.

6. If there is a canister sometimes it can get completely full of debris and become impacted. In that case, simply empty the canister.

These are some of the main reasons an automatic suction side cleaner will stop moving.


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Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Smorobot the 100% Cordless Swimming Pool Robotic Cleaner

 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. 





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 even as a prototype. It is 100% cordless. The 3.5 hours run time is pretty accurate. The advanced cleaning pattern at least the protype programming worked really well.  The powerful suction of this cleaner is also very true. It has zero problems picking up dirt and debris.  They state that the cleaner has a 188W Suction Power from the water pumps and 300W instantaneous maximum power from battery output. Not sure what that means in layman's terms but the suction is pretty amazing for a cordless battery-operated cleaner. 

Here is more from the manufacturer:
SMOROBOT has developed a unique motion-control system combined with intelligent path planning technology to clean the entire pool from edge to edge, including the walls and waterline. 

What's even more impressive is that SMOROBOT is entirely cordless, with a powerful battery that runs for 3.5 hours on a single charge, SMOROBOT is a set & forget robotic helper.

Using its unique intelligent navigation technology, SMOROBOT brushes and sucks up dirt from bottom to wall to waterline, and intensely cleans every inch of the walls. Other pool cleaners cannot thoroughly remove stubborn dust and dirt from walls, because they cannot continuously work on the walls, and often drift down from waterline to bottom. SMOROBOT’s Intelligent Path Planning precisely measures your pool dimensions, then uses advanced algorithms to map the most efficient and effective cleaning route possible.

Without scientific Path Planning, no matter how excellent the cleaning ability of the robot is, it only cleans randomly and never completely cleans the swimming pool which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Even on smooth surfaces, SMOROBOT climbs 90-degree angles with ease due to its unique combination of suction and tank wheels.  

Our Robot can clean and climb up all kinds of materials of your swimming pools, including Pebble, Plaster, Concrete, Paint, Tiles, Gunite, Vinyl Line, PVC, etc., and will not wear or damage the inside material of your pool. 
SMOROBOT’s patented software and hardware design, combined with advanced battery technology, delivers 100% cordless performance without sacrificing power, for a safer, more convenient way to keep your pool sparkling clean.

SMOROBOT Tank X series have 2 Models for your choice: X11 and X10.  The main differences between them are: X10 is a standard model which cleans the floor only,  while X11 can clean the floor, walls, and waterline; However, both X10 and X11 support Intelligent Path Planning. In addition, the battery capacity of X11 is higher than X10, so X11 will have a longer working time and a larger single cleaning area.


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Monday, April 18, 2022

Betta 2 Solar Powered Swimming Pool Surface Cleaner

 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 clearly marked on/off for ease of use.

I for one don’t like distracting lights flashing in my pool since it is right outside of my back door. Many users complained about the red blinking light on top flashing all night long. It was a cool touch and made it look like a real product with flashing lights, but annoying.
 
The LED strip indicator is eliminated for the reason of light nuisance at night and a simplified user interface. 

Interesting that with the handle on the front removing the cleaner from the pool was still awkward. If you pulled it up by the handle debris would come out of the back as the debris basket tipped backward into the pool. In place of the LED light strip, they extended the back out to make a handhold for horizontal retrieval of the cleaner.

A handgrip recess is added to this part to help to lift the robot from water. 

This didn’t happen in any of my test pools but it makes sense that some pools may have had an area like an infinity edge or a beach entry that would cause the cleaner to get stuck. So on the bottom are 4 pull-out legs that act as bumpers. The cleaner won’t be able to move forward and get trapped or stuck as these bumpers should stop forward progress.

Four water depth bumper rods are added to the front and back of the robot to keep it from getting stuck in shallow water such as an area with steps 

My Betta units didn’t have any issues with circuit board failures but to prevent future failures and make the cleaner all the more waterproof the control board is now a completely separate unit from the main body of the cleaner. A little bit of future-proofing here. 

The main compartment for the control board will be a separate unit attached to the main housing for more reliable waterproofing performance.

I think consumers appreciate it when a manufacturer reads the 1-star reviews and then acts to correct any issues with their product. People leave bad reviews for a reason. Making your product a 5-star product is the best way to avoid negative reviews and the company behind the Betta knows this and has acted. 


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Thursday, April 14, 2022

Polaris ATLAS XT vs Hayward Aquanaut Which is the Best?

 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 the bottom but still they want a cleaner that cleans the walls. The redesign of the Hayward cleaner right before it was purchased from Poolvergnuegen was the addition of two raised plastic parts on the bottom to prevent it from climbing the walls past the slope. The reasoning was it would climb out of the pool and suck air, much like what the Pentair Rebel does now. When the old version of the Hayward cleaner would climb to the waterline it would suck in air and cause the pump to lose prime. 

The Polaris cleaners on the other hand are exceptional wall climbers. They will climb most pool surface types up to the waterline. Since the throat of the cleaner is on the back bottom area, even if it comes up to the water line the Polaris cleaners will not suck in air and cause the pump to lose prime. The Polaris cleaners win hands down in this category. 

The Polaris cleaners do have a lot more wear parts than the Hayward cleaner. But the parts have been beefed up and made to last much longer. The tracks now should wear out on the outside before the inside teeth wear out. The directional devices have also been upgraded and the new Halo engine looks very durable as well. Yes, you will be changing more parts in the Polaris cleaners, but it will now match the Hayward cleaner in debris ability and best it in wall climbing. 

The new Halo turbine will allow the Polaris cleaners to go head to head against the Hayward cleaners. Long string-like debris jamming up the engine of the previously designed Zodiac MX8 and MX8 Elite is a thing of the past. The one advantage the Hayward cleaners had is now gone and you will see large debris passing right through the Polaris cleaners. For debris pick-up ability both cleaners now excel in that category. 

The last advantage the Polaris cleaners have over the Hayward cleaners is the scrubbing brushes on the bottom. It may look like a gimmick but these scrubbing brushes work. They will scrub off algae and dirt, something the Hayward cleaners can’t do. 
So both cleaners have their pros and cons as you can see listed below. 

Hayward PoolCleaner,Aquanaut & Phoenix
Fewer part changes
Great for large debris
Easy to operate and install
Affordable and reliable
Poor wall climbing ability
Long-lasting parts 

Polaris ATLAS, ATLAS XT & MAXX
Great for large debris
Climbs walls to the waterline
Scrubbing brushes
Moderate to set up and install
Many wear parts
Pricey but extremely well made


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Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Polaris ATLAS XT Installation Guide

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:

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 tends to pop out when the pool is in use or can easily be pulled out. I like this adapter better - Baracuda MX8 Cleaner Leaf Catcher Hose Adaptor X77094

Here is a link for it:

This fits in the vac lock much better and the vac lock actually will latch onto it and hold it in place. Zodiac should consider including this adapter in every box.

If you are installing the cleaner at the skimmer, the Hole in One Basket is a great aftermarket product that will allow you to connect the cleaner in the skimmer and keep the skimmer basket in the skimmer. In other words, you can install the cleaner at the skimmer and keep the basket in.



I try to cover everything you will run into in the video but for the sake of time I left out what to do if the cleaner has too much suction. Not a common problem but it can happen. You can adjust the skimmer Flow Keeper Valve (Included in the box) to a lower setting but in my experience, it doesn't do a whole lot. If I run into this problem when I am installing the cleaner I simply put in a different skimmer regulator valve. The Zodiac Flow Keeper valve is self-adjusting so you can't really reduce the suction - the speed of the cleaner.  There is also a secondary suction regulator on the cleaner head itself which also helps if there is too much suction.

So here is a regulator valve that can be easily adjusted:


If you have too little suction make sure the filter is clean and that all of the flow is going to the skimmer. You can also again replace the Flow Keeper Valve with a more adjustable one and close it off to increase suction.

From a side port, it is very easy to set the suction. Simply turn the handle until you achieve the correct wheel RPM of the cleaner.

The RPM - Wheel revolutions per minute is the most critical part of the installation. The Atlas needs just the right flow to work correctly. It is a pretty sensitive cleaner so too much or too little suction will affect the cleaner’s overall performance.

I also highly suggest a leaf canister so that the pump basket does not get clogged up with debris. Zodiac makes a specific canister for the Atlas cleaners - Zodiac Cyclonic Automatic Pool Cleaner Leaf Catcher Canister.

Here is a link for the canister:


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Monday, April 11, 2022

Polaris MAXX the New Top Suction Cleaner!

 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 track-guard ensure 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 MAXX 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 MAXX to clean larger pools rapidly. So this cleaner is suitable for small, medium, and large pools.

Cleans both floor and walls
The wall-climbing ability of the MAXX 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 MAXX 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 MAXX the premiere suction side cleaner on the market today.


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Thursday, April 7, 2022

Pool Plaster Issues and Defects

 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 improper filling of a plaster pool. Unlike Pebble Tec, Fiberglass, and Vinyl pools, plaster pools pose some significant issues even when you are just filling a newly plastered pool. It is basically like wet cement in the first few days. One thing you should never do is turn off the water before it is above the tile line. If you do, there is a big chance that you will have a ring around the entire pool, right where the water was turned off at. This ring of discolored plaster will be permanent. You also do not want to use the autofill to fill the pool. That line will leave a streak down the side of the plaster at the autofill outlet into the pool. Last, you want to make sure the hose you fill the pool with is wrapped in a towel and left in the deep end of the pool. Any failure of these points will leave some type of discoloration in the plaster.

Brushing the pool is also a critical step in a correct plaster start-up. But you only want to use a soft bristle brush, nylon, or poly bristles. These are the brush type of choice. Do not use any pool brush with Stainless Steel or wire bristles or this will leave permanent marks on the pool surface. You also do not want to put any type of vacuum in the pool for the first 3-4 weeks. If you vacuum the pool with your manual vacuum with wheels, chances are you will leave wheel marks in the plaster that may not come off until the pool is drained, and acid washed. Even using a leaf rake on the bottom can cause some marks if you are not careful. The only thing I suggest for the first week is brushing the pool with a nylon brush and doing nothing else.

I have seen some new plaster pools with dog footprints, kids’ hands and feet marks, and object marks on the surface and walls. While the plaster is curing you should not enter the pool and you should try your best to keep pets and kids out of the water. I wouldn’t get in the pool for the first 2-3 weeks and if you use the pool the first week prepare to leave some marks on the pool plaster. The best thing you can do is to keep the pool off-limits for the first 2-3 weeks. No pool toys in the pool and no swimming.

With a proper start-up and plenty of brushing, the plaster can feel very smooth but still be rough in many areas. I suggest if you have young children, maybe purchase some swim shoes for the first 6 months. The kids will likely be using the pool for hours on end and over time their feet and hands will get small abrasions to form the new plaster, causing bleeding. This is perfectly normal and almost all new plaster will do this to your feet and hands. After the plaster fully cures this won’t be an issue, but that could take up to 6 months.

Once the start-up is complete and the pool is full of water you should turn on the pump right away and start circulating the water. The only exception to this is if you are doing an Acid Start-Up, in that case, you need to raise the pH above 7.0 before turning on the pool pump. I suggest running the pool as much as possible the first week, 24/7 if possible. The more you run the pool the better the outcome. If you have a variable speed pump, I suggest running it at the full 3450 RPM for the first week. I have seen pools that were running 24/7 the first week and others set to run 8-10 hours and the results were like night and day. Less mottling and less plaster dust sticking to the surface.

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Monday, April 4, 2022

AquaStar Pipeline Filters - Compact with amazing Flow!

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 cartridge
Commercial:
35,000 gallons
6-Hour Turnover Capacity
Residential:
144,000 gallons
12-Hour Turnover Capacity

Pay close attention to these specs to the turnover rate. A turnover on a Pentair 520 sq ft cartridge filter is 108,000 in 12 hours. Did you notice that the PLF27000 a 200 sq ft cartridge filter has the same turnover? That is pretty incredible. This is due to the deeper pleats on the cartridge as well as the core of the filter which has 64% larger openings than other cartridge filters.

Essentially if you purchase either of these Pipeline filters they will have more flow than a filter twice their size! In NSF Certification and testing, these filters were rated as one-pass filters. This means that in the turbidity test, one pass of water through was equal to a D.E. Filter. Another impressive point. 

The Pipeline filters also feature a Locking Safety Release Collar that remains fully locked while depressurizing. This will prevent the tank from blowing off in the case where someone tries to clean the filter and take the lid off while the filter is under pressure. A great safety feature that every filter should have. 

I mentioned the NSF certification so these filters are of course designed and approved for Commercial pools. Note that all of the specs on flow and turbidity testing were reported and confirmed by NSF testing which is an independent testing entity and these numbers came from them and not from any testing done by AquaStar. An important note which makes these specs even more impressive. 

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