Dealing with Pools that Get a Ton of Leaves

 If you have a pool that gets a lot of leaf debris each week or service pools with heavy debris, there are a few things you can do to make it at least manageable. I will review some things that will help you the most with a heavy debris pool.

This sounds simple, and it is probably the thing that will help the most, but it is one thing many customers do not want to do. Trim the trees and keep them trimmed back every season. Trimming the trees around the pool can go a long way in eliminating excessive leaf debris. It is probably way overdue if you haven’t had your trees trimmed in years. Cutting the trees removes all the leaf debris that would fall into the pool over time and will also prevent a lot of the leaves that would fall in from overhanging branches. I have had many clients also take a tree or several trees out because managing the debris was a losing battle. But simply trimming the trees around the pool will help.

A device that I love and works surprisingly well is the PoolSkim. It is a simple device that you connect to one of your pool’s return lines and acts as a secondary skimmer. You will need 1 ½” threaded return lines to connect the PoolSkim, but once combined, it uses the return jet to trap debris into a bag. Amazingly, you will see an 80% or more drop in the total leaf debris not only on the surface but also on the bottom. The PoolSkim will pick up the leaves before they can drop to the bottom of the pool.

To learn more about the PoolSkim, https://youtu.be/BLtN702NrJQ

Once the debris falls to the bottom of the pool, a conventional manual vacuum attached to your pool system will usually not be effective. The waste is generally too large for the vacuum head. The cheapest way to pick up the leaf debris is a Leaf Bagger or Leaf Master. This device is designed to use water pressure to push debris into a large bag on top. They work surprisingly well. You would attach a garden hose to the Leaf Master, attach the Leaf Master to your standard pool pole, and drop it to the pool bottom. Turn on the garden hose and watch the debris be blasted into the bag on top. Very practical and easy to use.

To learn more about the Leaf Master, https://youtu.be/KT4Yo2H4EY4

If you do service for a living, the Leaf Master is great, but to maximize your time, you are better off investing in a Vacuum System. This is a device that has been around for about 15 years and works off of the same concept of a Leaf Master but on steroids. It is powered by a 30 lbs. thrust motor, think powerboat, and a large battery, much like the ones found on boats and power wheelchairs. You can typically run a vacuum system for hours before recharging the battery. This means you can quickly vacuum multiple heavy debris pools and save tons of time on your route. These are very handy for wind-prone areas like mine, where the Santa Ana winds make a mess of everything from October through February.

There are a few popular vacuum systems, and I have videos of the three I use.

Riptide Vacuum System: https://youtu.be/7G0WBEmc6fs

Bottom Feeder: https://youtu.be/XmX24Ggszv4

A vacuum system is a significant investment, with prices starting at $1,000 and going up to $1,700, but in the long run, they will pay off. Even if you are a homeowner with a heavy debris pool, a vacuum system is a way to go over spending the money on a Robotic or Pressure Side Cleaner. For the exact cost, you can purchase a Power Vac or Riptide with a battery case and easily vacuum your pool each week—something to consider if your collection is trashed with debris.

A pool that gets a lot of debris each week can be a real pain to keep clean. But with the right equipment, you can make quick work of it.

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Skimmer Pool Routing Software

Skimmer pool routing software is a cloud-based platform that helps pool service businesses manage their routes, customers, and work orders more efficiently. It offers a variety of features, including:

 

Route optimization: Skimmer can automatically generate optimized routes for your technicians, considering customer location, service type, and traffic conditions.

Real-time tracking: You can track your technicians' progress in real-time and see when they are expected to arrive at each job site.

Work order management: Skimmer allows you to create and manage customer work orders, including recurring service visits and special projects.

Customer management: Skimmer stores all of your customer information in one place, so you can easily access it from anywhere.

Reporting: Skimmer provides a variety of reports that can help you track your business performance, identify areas for improvement, and make better decisions.

Skimmer pool routing software is used by pool service businesses of all sizes, from small one-person operations to large multi-state companies. It can help you save time and money, improve efficiency, and provide better customer service.

 

Here are some of the benefits of using Skimmer pool routing software:

 

Reduced fuel costs: Skimmer's optimized routes can help you reduce your fuel costs by up to 20%.

Increased efficiency: Skimmer can help your technicians complete more daily jobs by streamlining their workflow and eliminating unnecessary travel time.

Improved customer service: Skimmer's real-time tracking and communication features help keep your customers informed and satisfied.

Increased revenue: Skimmer can help you improve your income and grow your business by saving time and money on operations.

Skimmer pool routing software is valuable for any pool service business that wants to improve its efficiency and profitability.

Try it risk-free 30 days: https://www.getskimmer.com/poolguy

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Do Variable Speed Pool Pumps save you money?

The pool pump can be the highest energy hog in your house, passing your Air Conditioner and Refrigerator just by the sheer number of hours it runs each day. If you have a 1 ½ or 2 HP pump installed and you run it 8 hours per day, not to get into complicated conversions of kWh (Kilowatt Hours) and how your Electric Company charges you each month, imagine it as having 20-100 watt light bulbs on every hour. That is a lot of electricity each day, and if your bill is tiered by usage, the more you use, the more you are charged, and your account can get very high very quickly. On average, a pool pump in the Summer will be about 40% of your total electricity bill.

So, the best way to save money is to cut into your monthly electricity bill, and that is precisely what a VS pump does. Simply put, your standard pump runs at 3450 RPM (Rotations Per Minute) which is about 1800-2000 watts. A VS Pump can be set to different RPMs; at every lower RPM, the total wattage is lowered. So, dropping the VS Pump down to 2100 RPM cuts the watts down to 685. At 2100 RPM, the water will appear to flow as strong as a standard pump running at 3450 RPM. Cut it down even lower to 1800 RPM; you are down to 165 watts. So, instead of running 20-100-watt light bulbs, you only have a little over one light bulb running each hour. So, it is hard to see the VS pump energy savings, but if you look at the monthly drop in your electricity bill, you will see the savings reflected there. 

You may notice that the pool doesn't stay as clean with a VS pump, which leads you to believe that the pump isn't working as well as your old single-speed pump. That is just one drawback of not running your pump at the whole 3450 RPM. One way to address this is running a short, higher speed RPM for 2-3 hours (2,800-3,000 RPM). That way, the surface debris can be pushed into the skimmer, leaving the pool cleaner each day. 

Many consumers balk at the higher price tag of a VS pump, but that is due, for the most part, to the "Drive" on the top of the VS motor (some are now internal). This drive allows the pump to run at a different speed, and this is the brain of the pump. Many also have a controller mounted to the pump, which acts as the VS pump's timer. These extra components are what cause the price of the VS pump to be more expensive than a standard single-speed pump. It's not the manufacturers charging more just to make more money but that these pumps cost more to the manufacturer, which translates into a higher price tag for you. 

A VS pump is a more significant investment that will save you 60-80% on your electricity bill and pay for itself in 2 years.

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Purity Pool Leaf Rakes

In 1971, Purity Pool introduced the first net with a turned edge for scooping, as well as the first with straight sides to hug the tile line and collect debris near the pool edge. Many other innovations have followed over the years, making Purity Pool the industry leader in professional quality scoops and rakes for the service professional and discerning homeowner. We've recently introduced more innovations and improvements than ever before.

It's no secret to anyone that Purity Pool's specialty, not to mention "bread and butter" is nets. With five scoop/rake frames, two pull-rake frames, and five bag designs, for a total of eighteen available configurations, we believe we have the options covered. However, variety is just part of the story. What really sets Purity nets apart from the competition is the quality materials and workmanship that go into every product we make.

From the inside out

Don't be fooled by products that look like ours. There are differences that you cannot see. First off, we start with the best aluminum alloy for the job (no, we don't tell anyone what alloy that is!) and with our own special in-house process we treat the metal frames to ensure optimum durability. The original Ultra-Lite and the Spa Scoop use a thinner, super lightweight frame, and all of the others use the thicker more heavy-duty material.

Slippery when wet

The plastic rims used on Purity nets are all made of a special blend of polymers, designed with a high oil content. This means that the rims glide more often than scrape on pool surfaces, prolonging the life of your most important tool. Purity's plastic rims also use the thickest plastic in the heaviest wear areas. Of course, when the edge does wear down, it can be renewed quickly with a Leading-Edge replacement.

A bag for every purpose

We all know the amazing variety of things that are found in pools. Unfortunately, we are unable to fulfil a recent request for a net to remove a Volvo from a pool, but we think we have everything else covered. As for quality, it's simple; we get the best net materials on the market and sew all of our nets ourselves, with every seam stitched three times.

Our "Standard" blue net is easy to see through and cut into the traditional rounded shape. All of the other scoops have a more efficient deep tapered design to minimize drag and hold in debris.

The "Tuff Duty" material withstands the most abuse and rough plaster.

The "Rag Bag" design is the ideal time-saver, emptying with an easy flip of the wrist.

For super low drag when collecting larger debris, the "Leaf Chaser" is ideal.

The "Silt" bag is the best net available for collecting the finest debris.

Of course, since all our nets are designed for service, the Rag Bag, Leaf Chaser, and Silt nets are assembled with a special backing to protect them from premature wear.

Getting a handle on things

Manufacturers of professional scoops and rakes have always battled the tendency for frames to weaken and wear excessively at the handle. Purity Pool has won this battle with the new Enforcer™ handle. The Enforcer’s unique Y-shape support relieves stress at the handle and distributes pressure along the frame. The culmination of over 2 years of development and testing, the Enforcer is now shipping on all Purity Pool scoops.

The Enforcer has been an outstanding hit and has proven to perform its job even better than expected, making all Purity Pool frames much stronger than they had been in the past.

To make it even easier to replace the v-clip, the newest Enforcer handles ships with a special slot and opposing hole. The clip can be replaced in seconds using this method, eliminating any need to ever disassemble the handle itself.

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Swimming Pool Chlorine Use in the Winter

 During the wintertime, pool chlorine usage typically decreases for a few reasons. This means you will be using less chlorine and, at the same time, less acid. In colder water, chemical usage drops way down.

How much less chlorine is a meter of the region, but typically, in my area of Southern California, chlorine use drops very low. If you were using three Trichlor tablets each week in the Summer, figure one tablet will last you an entire month in the winter. If you were adding 1-gallon of liquid chlorine each week, figure 1-gallon will last all month. 

When the water is cold, the pH is much more stable. The LSI Index is also temperature-driven, and in colder water, the more muriatic acid you add, the more corrosive the water. Be careful not to add too much acid in cold water; besides, the pH is much more stable in colder water. 

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1. Lower Bather Load: Pools are generally used less frequently in the winter, especially in colder climates. This means there are fewer people introducing contaminants like sweat, oils, and other organic materials into the water.

2. Slower Algae Growth: Algae growth slows significantly in colder temperatures. Algae thrive in warmer water, so the need for algaecides and shock treatments is reduced during winter.

3. Slower Bacterial Growth: Bacteria grow more slowly in colder water. This means that the demand for chlorine to kill off bacteria is lower.

4. Reduced Sunlight Exposure: Chlorine is sensitive to sunlight (UV rays). In the winter, days are shorter, and the angle of the sun is lower, which means there is less sunlight exposure in your pool. This helps to preserve the chlorine in the water.

However, it's important to note that while chlorine demand is lower in the winter, it's not zero. You still need to maintain chlorine in your pool to prevent bacteria and algae growth.

Here are some tips for winter pool maintenance with regards to chlorine usage:

1. Maintain a Lower Chlorine Level: You can lower the chlorine levels slightly in the winter compared to what you would maintain in the summer. Aim for around 1-3 parts per million (ppm).

2. Monitor pH Levels: Even in the winter, keeping an eye on your pool's pH levels is important. Chlorine effectiveness can be affected by pH levels that are too high or too low.

3. Use Slow-Release Chlorine Products: These can help maintain a consistent chlorine level over a longer period, reducing the need for frequent additions.

4. Keep Debris Out: Even in winter, keeping your pool clean is important. Skim off leaves and debris regularly to prevent them from decomposing and creating additional chlorine demand.

This is also a great time to treat scale in the pool, especially on the plaster. I like using the EasyCare product Beautec and find that treating scale in the winter months is ideal. It comes off easier, and since the pH is very stable, keeping that in range to make the scale removal is also much easier.

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Riptide SL Cart Overview Western Pool & Spa Show

 Matt Lopez of Riptide has numerous years of product design and development under his belt. He is well-versed in CAD and has an understanding of many different manufacturing processes. After spending some time with other pool cleaners, he was determined to make a better product and poured his heart and soul into developing the Riptide Pool Vacuum System. Here Matt goes over some of the great features of the Riptide SL.

The Riptide Pool Vacuum System made its debut in late 2016. Since then, it has gone through several transformations. The Riptide Circa 2021 is the finest version yet, and it is packed with so many updated features it should have been called the Riptide SL 2.0. 

Here are some of the great updated features:

High Torque Motor (uses rare earth magnets) High Torque Motor- Our new High Torque motor utilizes rare earth magnets, making it the most powerful vacuum on the market

The cord -the new protective external layer –just feels so solid and durable

Cord Clip – secures the cord to the cart, so there are no more worries of it falling off and dragging on the ground

Stainless steel end plates on the vacuum head

The cart is now e-coated before powder coating & the Transport Rack Is e-coated now, too - Electrostatic Coating- All of our powder-coated parts are now electrostatic coated (Ecoating) and then powder coated over. This makes the finish of our components much more durable.

Extremely high-quality integrated steering knuckle -Integrated Stainless Steel Steering Knuckle. This allows you to hook any pole directly up to the Riptide vacuum without needing any adaptors while maneuvering in the water is effortless.

The SL model Riptides now includes a Diagnostic/Tool Kit with a battery load tester; the load tester is essential for quickly determining battery condition.

The bags now have a different ring color to differentiate different microns.

The bags (100 Micron and below) are double layers now; this feature is making the bags last much longer.

25 Micron Bag available (specialty dust bag). This bag can eliminate the need to system vacuum a pool with a dust problem.

To see the Handlebar Organizer, Quart Bottle/Tab Holder, Salt Carrier & Pole Holder:

https://www.riptidevac.com/collections/accessories

The updated Riptide SL is the most durable vacuum system today. The shell is backed by a 10-year warranty, the added steel plates to the vacuum head sides, the stainless steel knuckle, and the new beefed-up cord make it designed to last! The cart and transport rack has been given a stronger paint job thanks to the new Electrostatic coating!

Let me touch on the cord length choices. I was always a 40 ft cord user and didn’t consider a 60 ft cord much. Until, I tried a Riptide with a 60 ft cord. The difference is pretty amazing. You can vacuum just about any residential pool from one end. Why is that so good? It just is very convenient. No need to park the cart in the center of a pool.  And never run out of slack on top of that. For commercial pools, it is a must. And it is only $60 more at checkout for the longer cord. I would suggest the 60 ft of cord if you are on the fence about it over the 40 ft cord. 

The new bag design is cool. Each micron is color-coded now by a different color rim. So if you carry multiple micron bags, you know that the purple is 25 microns and the orange is 100 microns. They are a little harder to get off without the tabs now but it is a trade-off between better bags and the older style. They also are all double-bagged, making them extremely durable. 

To order a Riptide: https://www.riptidevac.com/

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Pentair Family of VS Pool Pumps

The three most popular Pentair VS pumps are the SuperFlo VST, the WhisperFlo VST and the IntelliFlo3.

The SuperFlo VST would be great for older pools with copper plumbing, smaller pools and pools wired for 115V. It is a great pump for pools 15,000 gallons or smaller or those pools with 1.5” plumbing.

The SuperFlo VST Variable Speed Pool Pump features sophisticated technology in a simple to operate pump. Designed for pool owners who are practical and like to save, the SuperFlo VST pump has a dependable and robust Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled motor and can adapt to 115V to 230V and 50hz or 60hz power with no special wiring or switching.

 

115v: WEF 7.3 THP 2.2

230v: WEF 9.0 THP 2.2

New RS-485 connectivity for improved interface with automation systems and IoT devices to allow more flexibility.

The WhisperFlo VST would be ideal for pools with a WhisperFlo 1.5 hp or 2 hp single-speed pump. Or a pool with an older IntelliFlo VS pump that needs to be replaced. It will fit into the same area as an older WhisperFlo, making for a very easy install. The controller on the back is also very simple to use and you will find programming this pump a breeze.

 Innovation for pools that need more power than our SuperFlo VST pool pump. We made a dependable, energy-efficient pump available and just what you're looking for.

 

Long, Dependable Performance:

Improved mechanical seal and totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) motor help withstand harsh temperatures and chemicals.

Improved Connectivity for Higher Flexibility:

RS-485connectivity for improved interface with automation systems and loT devices for more flexibility.

Simple to Program:

Advanced onboard digital display and real-time, 24-hour clock. Select from three programmable speeds plus an override to meet your specific needs.

The Smarter Upgrade:

Ideal for new and standard pool pump replacement for pools requiring up to a 2.0 HP pump for filtration, water features, and higher head applications.

Installation Friendly:

Adapts to 115V to 230V and 50hz or 60hz power with no special wiring or switching needs.

Use 25' automation cable wiring kit for use in conjunction with any automation system, 356324Z (sold separately)

Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF Variable Speed & Flow Pool Pump | 3THP 208-230V | 011075

IntelliFlo3 VSF Variable Speed & Flow Pool Pumps

 

The IntelliFlo3 VSF pool pump sets the new bar for performance with built-in sensor less flow control for effortless optimum flow and aids in keeping the pool crystal clear and inviting, no matter what it requires. It's a pump so smart you’ll forget about it. Water flow is king. And this is the industry’s only pump with patented, sensor less flow technology that automatically adjusts water flow to your pool’s conditions. 

 

Features:

Proprietary flow technology maintains the pool's optimum flow

Up to 90%* energy savings. Slower speed and regulated flow save energy

New motor, drive, and hydraulics. Department of Energy (DOE) compliant

Easy control via the Pentair Home app or an optional touchscreen

WEF 7.1 THP 3.0 voltage 208-230

Let the only pool pump with sensor-less flow control put your pool on cruise control. You are introducing a smarter pool pump. With sensorless flow technology, you can set and forget to help keep your pool crystal clear and inviting, no matter what your pool requires.

 

Flow is everything - So Pentair invented a game-changing pump

 

Adjusts to pool conditions - Flow speed adjusts automatically as conditions change with your pool water.

 

For big pool benefits - Clearer water, bubbling bubblers, cascading fountains, and critical equipment that is taxed less and lasts longer.

 

And big energy savings - The combination of variable speed and sensor less flow saves you up to 90%.*

 

*Savings based on variable speed pump compared to a single-speed pump running 12 hours per day at an average of $0.16 per kWh in a 20,000-gallon pool. Actual savings may vary based on local utility rates, pool size, pump run time, pump horsepower, pump rpm, plumbing size and length, pump model, service factor, and other hydraulic factors. Individual Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) scores and savings may vary by model.

 

Touchscreen Operation

If you prefer to control your pump directly from the equipment pad, a touchscreen controller allows you to adjust pump settings and program run schedules via a touchscreen mounted directly onto the pump drive. The following sections provide instructions for using your touchscreen controller.

Some pump models do not include a touchscreen controller out-of-box, but a touchscreen can be added to any IntelliFlo3 VSF or IntelliPro3 VSF pump. If you would like to add a touchscreen to your pump, Pentair offers a Touchscreen Controller Kit, part numbers 356159Z (almond) and 356348Z (black).

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Pentair WhisperFlo VST Programming and Set Up

The Pentair WhisperFlo VST is a great mid-range VS swimming pool pump. You will also like the ease of programming, which should take about 5 minutes. Here is a video guide on how to set the schedule and pump RPM. 

SPEED Buttons - Used to select a desired speed program. When the LED above a SPEED Button is illuminated, that program has been selected or is running. A blinking LED indicates that an External Control has activated that program.

External Control Only LED - Indicates whether the pump is in External Control mode. When LED is illuminated the drive-programmed schedules are disabled and only commands from digital inputs will be acted upon.

Start/Stop LED - Indicates whether the pump is in a Start State. When illuminated, the pump can be started at any time by external controls, drive-programmed schedules or manual inputs. When the pump is stopped, and the LED is not illuminated, the pump is unable to run from any input.

Start/Stop Button - Used to start and stop the pump. When the pump is stopped, and the Start/Stop LED is not illuminated, the pump is unable to run from any input.

Display Parameter LEDs - When illuminated, the LED indicates the information being displayed on the screen. A blinking LED indicates that the parameter is currently being edited.

Display Button - Used to toggle between the different available display modes. This button also sets the clock, screen brightness, and pump address.

Quick Clean Button - Used to run the speed and duration programmed for Quick Clean. When the LED above the Quick Clean Button is illuminated, a Quick Clean cycle is active. Power LED - When illuminated, LED indicates that there is live power being supplied to the pump.

“+” and “-” Arrows - Used to make adjustments to the pump settings. The “+” arrow increases a value, while “-” decreases a value. Pressing and holding either arrow button will increase or decrease incremental changes faster. 

A few suggested pump setting:

25,000 Gallon Pool

2800 RPM 8 hours

2000 RPM 12 hours

20,000 Gallon Pool

2800 RPM 6 hours

1800 RPM 12 hours

15,000 Gallon Pool

2600 RPM 4 Hours

1800 RPM 8 hours

10,000 Gallon Pool

2600 RPM 3 hours

1800 RPM 6 hours

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