First Post/Info

[PoolDoc]

Hi Tracylou;

I can't say I read every word above, but I have the impression that you've gotten the pool reasonably clear, and are keeping the chlorine above 3 ppm and the pH between 7.0 and 8.0. If that is correct . . . I'd leave things alone for now. Opening the filter may be trickier than you realize -- and if you can swim now, I'd wait till fall!

What I would try to do is get a test kit, before summer's over, and get the 'hang' of testing and adjusting the water. Do that now; tackle the filter later.

[tracylou]

Watermom,
I appologize that my post was so long, but I was jusy trying to make sure I didn't leave anything out, resulting in a reply from you guys, and then another reply from me, but I will be sure to try to keep it short and sweet in the future.

BigDave,
Thank you for the instructions and link to owner's manual. I always feel better having manufacturer's info/guidelines!! But I think I will wait as suggested by PoolDoc and tackle the filter later to avoid a possible bigger situation resulting in the inability to continue swimming!

PoolDoc,
Again sorry for the long post but yes that is what I am currently trying to keep the levels at and will continue to stay on that course. I can't wait to get a "good" kit and once I do, I'm sure I will have additional questions. Thank you for assuring me that what I am doing is ok, and unless an issue arrises before, I am gonna wait until almost close time to start messing with the filter, and "get the hang" of things for now!

Thanks again for all the info/advice that has been given to me! I couldn't do this without you!!!!
(hope this post wasn't too long, lol)

[Watermom]

Hope you weren't offended by my post above. If you were, I apologize.

[tracylou]

Hope you weren't offended by my post above. If you were, I apologize.

I was at first but I got over it, no biggie, I know u were just trying to help, and I was trying not to omit any info that may have been needed to effectively respond but I know it was a very long post and you guys have tons of posts to answer daily! Thank you again for all the help you have given me, it is greatly appreciated!!

[tracylou]

Does anyone know if Walmart usually carries a pressure gauge replacement that would work on my Hayward sand filter? I found one at lowe's but I have a walmart gift card and was wanting to get one asap as apposed to having to wait for the actual pool owner to get/afford one. I know they aren't expensive but she has a very limited budget. Thanks!

[Spensar]

That will be hit and miss on what the Wallies in your area carry, you will need to check in person. Perhaps drop by a pool store and check out what the proper guage looks like before gong to Walmart. My gut feeling is they likely don't have it.

[Watermom]

Especially this late in the season, Walmart is probably getting rid of their pool supply section (or at least paring it down) to make room for the school supplies. Actually, knowing the way these stores do things, they probably need the space to start putting out their Valentine's Day merchandise!

[tracylou]

Yea that's kinda what I found out after taking a trip to walmart and found absolutely nothing.

Guess I will just hv to wait for the owner to buy one :-). I think she is actually gonna let me order the Taylor kit today so I would rather have that first anyway!!!!

[Watermom]

Tell her you need both. Gauges are cheap. You can probably get one for about $10 or so.

[PoolDoc]

Here are some links that may help -- look at the Amazon links, even if you buy locally, so you can be sure to get the right thing! Watch the Teflon tape video -- most people use it incorrectly.

Poolmaster 36670 Standard 1/4-Inch Threaded Side Mount Pressure Gauge @ Amazon
Oatey 31403 Yellow GAS/TFE Tape, Dispenser Pack, 1/2-Inch x 260-Inch @ Amazon
How to use teflon tape on pipe threads on YouTube