1. Personally, I'd recommend a 2 speed motor for the WhisperFlo. That's a pretty efficient pump, and if you replace your timer with the Intermatic one for two speed pumps, you'll save quite a bit on electricity. You probably only need low, except when backwashing.

2. You can acid wash concrete. If you want to DIY, a 1:4 acid to water ratio, with a bit of added dish soap will probably work. BUT, you should do an inconspicuous area first, to test. AND remember you'll have to do the ENTIRE deck, if you want it all to match.

Or, you can buy a rubbing block (check Amazon) and rub away.

3. Kelley Tech epoxy paint OR new plaster. I've never seen patched plaster look good. But, Gunzite + Zeron will hold flaking plaster together for a long time, if applied correctly AND thickly.

4. Ask others. In Arizona, you should be able to get quite a bit of heating.

5. Unless the sand was black when you put it in, it shouldn't be black now. When did you backwash last? Could this be blown in sand, that's added to the original. But -- while sand can sometimes get contaminated so that it's easier to replace than clean, it does NOT wear out.

6. Don't like them. They all seem to fail permanently after a few years UNLESS you are meticulous about keeping sand and grit out of the sockets. But, my experience is very limited.

7. Don't know what you mean by an aerator. Send a picture to poolforum AT gmail DOT com
BUT . . . any sort of aeration in Arizona (including a water fall) will consume a LOT of water, and will add to the mineral content of your pool water. (The water that evaporates, and has to be replaced, will NOT take with it the minerals it contained when you put it into the pool. In essence, you are creating a still, evaporating off pure water, and leaving the mineralized dregs in your pool.)


I'd recommend that you take any unanswered questions, or questions you want more answers on, and spin them off into a new thread, topic by topic. BUT, one at a time, please!