Serious Help Needed

[sock monkey]

Ok, these are some more things I need to learn about FAST:

How large of a pump do I need for an 18X36 inground pool? Has anyone used Zeobrite or a product called Mircromedia? Any problems with these products?

In reading these forums, I am thinking instead of digging up and repairing the main drain, we should just close it up and forget it. If we do this, we need a good auto vaccuum crawly thing. Anyone have a model that didn't break the bank that works well?

[aylad]

Sorry I can't help you with the cement questions, I know less than nothing about that. I have an 18 x 36 IG vinyl pool, and I have a 1 hp, single speed pump with a sand filter. It does just fine. I also have no main drain--I have one skimmer about midway down one side, and two return jets, one at each end of the same side the skimmer is on, and the way my jets are turned makes "stuff" in the pool flow toward the skimmer. Works just fine.

I also have a Polaris 380 that we are very pleased with. Requires an extra booster pump to run, don't know about the price because it was added in with the package when we had the pool built.



Janet

[sock monkey]

Thank you for your help, Janet!

Now, if I can get some opinions about the hard bottom and styrofoam lining, I might just gain enough confidence to pull myself off the computer chair and go to Home Depot!

[MarkC]

I used to use carpet padding under my liner in an above ground pool I use to have. So I don't think the insulation pad will be a problem. I have a 5 year old Letro Legend pool vac that roams around and does a great job of keeping the pool clean. Does your pool have steps? The legend does get stuck at the steps sometime and my concern would be the wheels wearing at the liner where they were spinning.

[sock monkey]

*whew* someone else with a similar unconventional (ie: scary) idea! THX for sharing! I worry ... but then again, I'm the one paying, so yeah, the worry falls on me. Our pool does have wedding cake style steps. Maybe the vac is the least of our worries at this point, but I have to justify to "the guys" why I don't want the bottom drain. (and quite honestly, it is MOSTLY because I am impatient. Other than that, I'm also lazy. Couple that with added cost and it seems like a no-brainer!!)


I am looking at the Letro Legend online..and other models, and I am wondering;

1) is there a difference in performance between vac's that require a booster pump and vacs that hook right onto your existing system?

2) will a standard hand held vac, AND/OR an auto vac both be effective on a pool with no bottom drain to catch on, BUT the deep end is quite deep...9 or I think probably 10 feet deep. Do you lose power/suction cleaning that deep (therefore that drain really does become necessary?? or maybe a decent quality vac will do??)

Thanks in advance--again!

[MarkC]

A deeper pool will not have any more problems with vacuuming within reason. If you can adjust your valves so that most of the water is being pulled through the skimmer you are using for vac. you will get better suction. 9-10 ft should be no problem. I have never had a pool cleaner without a booster pump so I can not comment, I can say that my pool is clean and I never have to manually vac.

[hdtvme]

Two things:

Is there water table to be concerned about? Eliminating the drain from the deep end would also mean no hydrostatic valve. It prevents the groundwater pressure beneath the pool from floating the liner by allowing it a way into the pool. If you are well above groundwater than you may not have one in your drain now to loose.

Also, avoid padding the slope. I was told by my builder that it can allow the liner to slip. I have “Happy Bottom” in my shallow end and like it a lot. It feels great underfoot for sports, etc.