Pool Overhaul

[PoolDoc]

I don't know why you've had such a high failure rate, but as I mentioned in your other thread, I suspect voltage surges. Other electrical problems are possible causes, as well. You need to resolve these, BEFORE you start buying new equipment. There's no point to getting new gear, and then frying it, too.

1. Did you order the surge protectors I listed? You should install those BEFORE you make any changes. I assume the image below is your pool?


Your location alone is a good reason for installing these. Rural areas like your are prone BOTH to voltage surges, and voltage fluctuations. The surge protectors will held with the surges and nearby lighting (but NOT direct lighting that strikes within 200 - 300 yards of your property). But they won't help with voltage fluctuations.

Trying to resolve this will be time-consuming on my part, and even more time-consuming on yours. But if you are willing to go after it, get the gear you need (accurate digital voltmeter, to start) AND provide photos, I'll help you. Once we get to the sizing part, I'll need the photos, anyhow.

Here's an outline of what's involved:

1. Resolve surge issues. (Install protection)

2. Validate electrical system AND grounds. (Check appropriately sized wiring, for voltage drops from house to pool, good grounds, and so on. Poor grounds can magnify the effect of any transient surges, and undersized service wiring can create damaging low voltage.)

3. Check for voltage fluctuations on incoming power. (Rural power is FREQUENTLY low in quality; this can kill electronics and overload electromechanical gear.)

4. Analyze pool system and piping.

5. Make changes if needed.

6. Select gear to replace.

7. Purchase and install.

I'll respond to your email with a photo list.

By the way, this Fluke 117 is probably the meter you'll need, along with these leads, these alligator clips, and these probes. This is industrial quality gear that you can easily resell when your done, if you don't want to keep them. But I didn't see less-expensive reliable gear that can be used for voltage recording. (I almost cried when my 20+ year old Fluke died last year, so ask me about re-sale first!)

Please understand that if you DO find serious power fluctuations your options are somewhat limited: (1) fight with your power company till they agree to put recorders on your service entrance and/or (2) have buck/boost transformers installed (expensive!).


And here's what you'll do (among other things) to check your power:


You need to read it, and make sure you're up for this.

[dbutsack]

Thank you. I am installing the surge protectors. I believe i will only need four, one for SWG and one for each pool pump, and one for the lights. My motor repairs thus far have been seal and bearing related not electrical. My electrical failures are my LED lights which worked until i flicked the circuit breaker several times trying to start my stuck main motor, during one of those energizes, my lights flashed then stopped working and my VSP control unit (which most likely was a lighting strike since i don't have the surge suppressors on. I have an electrician coming to do some metering tests on the pool equipment. For the 12 years we lived at the property, we've had excellent electric service with virtually no electronics getting fried other than the VSD Controller. Please know my pool is open and running just very loudly.