Pool Maintenace - UGH #2!

Well, will it never end?

Father's Day today, and Suzanne and Emma are on their way. The pool is warm, finally, and I just skimmed off some leaves, so it is clean as well.

Yesterday, after trying to keep the pool heater going, just had to admit major renovation was necessary. At 4 pm, Dianne requested a new pump be bought and installed tonight. Else, no swimming for Emma...

Pool place closes at 5. They knew I was on the way and I arrived at 4:45. Out by 5.

Removing the old pump was a bear. Cutting two old flex hoses was easy enough, then had to tackle the wiring. A metal cup covered the connections and it was held on by two bolts. 1/4 inch nut driver loosened the first, but slipped on the second. Flat blade would not budge it. A neighbour brought some tools, no go. Finally, the Dremel cut off disc solution was employed and the old pump was disconnected.

Connecting the wiring to the new pump was tough. The neighbour gave up. I persevered and finally had success. Not enough service loop and too tight a working space were the issues.

Got the hoses ready for installation. Each hose had to have a quick disconnect union - my new policy. The pump ($400) came with two, and I had bought extra fittings just in case. Did not need them. I've done so much gluing of hoses this year...

Turned the switch and all was well. Quiet pump. Turned on heater and it ran most of the night. But, the push on wire connections are notorious for making poor connections. That causes the heater to turn off.

So, today I had more electrical to do. Bought a replacement for the halogen pump area light and installed it. Almost lost a small screw in the process, but saw where it dropped in the grass and found it. Pulled off the connections one at a time, used contact cleaner, pushed on a couple of times each. Repeat nine times. Perfect. Red LED nice and bright now, so I am confident the connection(s) causing the problem are improved. For a week at least...

Cover off, leaf skimmer employed, and they just arrived.

Got to go...

Happy Father's Day!

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Farkle: Luxurylite Camp Cot

I discovered this high tech cot on the web a couple of years ago. It promises no discomfort from side to side supports. See it here: http://www.mec.ca/product/5030-995/therm-a-rest-luxurylite-mesh-cot/?f=10&q=Cot

So far, I have set it up once on my family room floor. I like a firm mattress and it delivers! It also allows me to turn on my side easily. Nice and long, nice and wide-and it sets up as easily as advertised.

I was worried about strength. I am now down to 200 lb, but that is too much and I am going down slowly. The cot spec is for 350, and it feels like it could do that easily.

I like it and look forward to a real trial. Yes, it is expensive, but after about 4 motel room avoidances it will be free, and then earn money! Except for the lack of TV.

This weekend would have been a natural, as it is the Ride For Sight event here in Ontario. I wimped out. It has been very wet, and I expected the site to be a mud field. Rodney is there and said the field is dry and the beer is cold. But, I was not packed and just don't feel up to it yet. Sunday morning is predicted to be wet. That seems to be a rule when I go camping, how about you?

I did ride yesterday, down to MEC in Burlington to buy the cot. Did much the back road way, to avoid the slab. Nice but short ride. Today, I cleaned the driveway, front walk, and a bit in the garage. Very tired. I had hoped that by now I would have fully recovered from my Pneumonia and lung decortication operation, but I must admit it is not yet a full recovery. I want to do things, but get tired easily. Upper arm strength is still elusive.

The weather has been terrible, so I have not really lost a lot, perhaps. Oh well, just must keep on with exercise and maybe short trips.

Stay tuned.

Mystery Farkle report still to come.

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Pool Maintenance - Ugh!

The pump was running fine, the suction-type pool cleaner was working fine, the heater pilot light lit up easily (after I remembered to turn on the main gas valve). Then,

The pump overheated (I am guessing, don't know this for sure)

Flow stopped

Since the heater had been on for a couple of hours (that's why the sun dimmed a bit?), I figure there was some boiling followed by a partial vacuum

A hose collapsed.

 

Well, I hate doing plumbing, but Suzanne and Emma and Jeff were due Sunday, so off I went Thursday evening to get parts. Replaced the collapsed hose. Tested it. Leaks everywhere, namely,

The heater end of the replaced hose, the heater manifold to hose clamps (minor drip that was not there before, both inlet and outlet connections

The solid plastic pipe to the salt / chlorine generator had a bend (vacuum + heat)

 

So, after a search, I found a store stocking the heater gaskets $70, and installed them, got more parts, had a beer.

Today, I attached a quick-disconnect union to a cut-back pipe to the salt machine, replaced the plastic screw-in adapters to the heater, replaced some of the solid pipe with flex, and tested.

Yep, a tiny leak at the flex to plastic hose. Cut it off right at the fitting. Used the spare fitting (credit to Dianne who said, "buy double, take back anything you don't use, assuming there will be anything to return...), reinstall all, and test.

No drips whatsoever.

One two dollar fitting to return..

May turn on the heater later today, but somewhat scared, don't you know?

 

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