Quote Originally Posted by maglib View Post
Pool company states that as long as we don't have algae it doesn't matter if the chlorine reads 0 but we don't let algae grow and shock it once we see small black spots on the plaster.
BS. The pool company is full of it. Tell them to show you how to operate your SWCG to maintain an adequate (per mfg standards) chlorine level, or to replace with a unit that will work.

The only levels we can't get correct other than chlorine yet are Ph and we've been adding a half gallon of muriatic acid ever week or more.
Buy the chemicals, but let them demonstrate pH control for you, while they do the other.

The pool company promised us a DE filter and put in a cartridge filter. We want DE as we had one in the past and had no issues and loved it. We are now told that they can't install the DE one until after we have final inspections as it requires some drain per code. They said we'd have to put this drain in if we wanted to follow code (nice ethics). Per our contract it says DE and it also says the pool had to be done in accordance with code but there is nothing of course in writing about who would be responsible for the DE drain system (the rep who sold us the pool no longer works there and she said it would be done but it's not specifically written)
You've probably lost this one, unless you want to go to court. But check the code. All that may be required is a separation tank to keep DE from going down the drain, like this one:
http://store.poolcenter.com/pentair-...e-p158087.aspx

If you can afford the $400 hit, DE will give you better water quality.


a return has rocks or plaster peices in it about the size of a half pinky (a couple of pieces). The pool company says will dissolve on own and not to worry.
Get them to guarantee in writing that it will dissolve within 3 months, or that they will remove it.

4. concrete was contracted through pool company with 3rd party. Concrete cracked immediately and is discolored and has rolling edges, sloppy repairs, yellow and dark discoloration (45 days later) and is dirty from plasters boots along with just sloppy workmanship. What would you do if you were in my shoes. They already tried to bleach the concrete and the pool company's guy said it was one of the worst jobs he's seen but I'm sure he wouldn't repeat that to his boss. I want the cracked and severely discolored blocks replaced but 1 is near filter basket and another is a corner. Of course they don't want to do anything. I can't believe they just want to fill it and nobody wants to clean it. They are blaming my loamy orange soil. Hello, they knew what soil i had and they also need to deliver me a clean finished product as i didn't buy a broken, cracked pool. Note they've been paid and the only $ I have is still the $250 for finals.
Talk to a lawyer. You may need one. Concrete that's bad now, will tend to be worse later.

How much water can I expect to lose when the temps hit 100 degrees for 3 days? I have full sun. Would 3" be a lot?
Yes. Do a bucket test:
Get a five gallon bucked and fill it with 4 gallons of water. Mark the water level in the bucket AND the pool. Put it in the pool, on the steps or suspended with a rope so the bucket water temp = pool water temp. Take pictures and get your neighbor or friend to witness. Wait 3 days, and compare.

If the water level drop in the bucket = the drop in the pool, it's evap. If not, have them fix the leaks OR talk to the lawyer.

Actually, given all the issues, you may want to talk to a lawyer NOW, just to make sure you preserve all your rights in case you have to sue. If you have the lawyer write some sort of letter requesting some paper or other "so my client can preserve his rights to make legal claims", your builder may put you at the top of his TO-DO list. And, given the issues you describe, he may be on his way out, so act quickly. One of the symptoms of a good contractor going belly up are some of the problems you describe. If this is happening, being at the FIRST of the line, you may be able to get some stuff resolved. It sort of depends on whether he's a good guy going under or a bad guy. But, do NOT assume he's acting out of bad will.