How can I remove the dead algae from an Intex 15' X 48"

[Pappy]

We pulled the trigger on an Intex 14 inch sand filter, that came in today, but I didn't order the "plunger valves". What do those do and are they necessary?

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The model # of the filter is SF70110.

[PoolDoc]

Getting the dead algae out of the soft-side pools is a problem, because the pools are not supplied with the gear to do so. Here are some options:

1. Leave the algae there.
Once the algae is dead, it's not really a problem. But if you continue to use the pool, the algae will be stirred up during use, and some will be filtered.

2. Set up a vac hose, vac head, and pole, and manually vacuum the algae to the filter. Getting better cartridges will help a lot. See the Super Simple Recipe for soft-side pools, for links and more: http://pool9.net/ssr/

It's also possible to use a head + pole + hose to siphon vac a pool, but of course doing so wastes a lot of water.

3. Get a battery vac:

Water Tech Pool Blaster Max
Water Tech CATFISHPPV Pool Blaster, Catfish
Pool Blaster PBW022MF Micro Filter Bag

If you are interested in the battery vac -- and we've had pretty good reports on this brand -- call Water Tech *FIRST* and make sure that the fine bag will pick up debris like yours. It's possible that it may just go through the bag, so ask first.
Water Tech (PowerBlaster Max page)
10 Alvin Ct. Suite 111
East Brunswick, NJ 08816 USA
Tel: (800) 298-8800
e-mail: CustomerService@WaterTechCorp.com

[Pappy]

I "thought" that a .5 hp pump coupled to a 14" filter was ordered. Turns out that the pump is .75 hp. and still a 14" filter that takes somewhere between 50 and 100 lbs of sand. My first inclination is to throttle the intake to slow the flow through the filter sand and lower overall pressure. Would it be better to throttle the exhaust and increase pressure? I'm not happy with either option, I think it will make the pump work harder either way. I do think I'm less likely to break something if I restrict the intake. Am I worried about nothing important?

[PoolDoc]

Restricting the intake will lower electrical usage, and will not hurt the pump. (Closing off 100% of flow will!)

[CarlD]

Watertech's standard filter gets most of the dust and dirt but the fine one seems to get ANYTHING that precipitates.

[Pappy]

Got the new pump up and running today. I wish we had got the smaller one for real now. I think water would be blowing out the OTHER side of the pool if the pump discharge wasn't under water. Does any one know if the new style plunger valves can be operated partially closed, or are they an ON/OFF proposition?

Thanks for all the help!

[Pappy]

Would I be better off getting this
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Homewerks...0?N=5yc1vZbufb

And the Intex 1-1/2 adapters And another hose or the Intex plunger valve? Looks like the overall cost is going to be about the same.

This would be easier, but I don't know if it can be run partially closed.
http://www.amazon.com/Model-Intex-Pl...ds=intex+valve

I need to restrict the pump intake flow.

[PoolDoc]

I'm not sure how the Intex valves are made; if they are slide valves, using them to throttle will work, but may damage the valve over time.

The ball valves would be much more suitable, but . . . Asian made no-name ball valves are TERRIBLE. I was a licensed master plumber for nearly 30 years, so I do know valves, and I have been totally bummed out by Asian made plumbing products sold by Lowes and HomeDepot. I'd recommend that you stay away from them, except as a purely temporary fix. Of course, that's pretty much what this is.

But, how are you going to connect them?

[Pappy]

I just ordered new style plunger valves from Intex. $7.12 each and $7.60 shipping. I hope they work.

Thanks again for all the help!

[PoolDoc]

Let us know!