(Part 2) Best pools, hot tubs & supplies according to redditors
We found 405 Reddit comments discussing the best pools, hot tubs & supplies. We ranked the 246 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Equipment List
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Chemicals and Food
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OnePlus 2 Manual Camera Settings
For those interested my light is an AI Prime LED set to the 14k spectrum.
I use a large Sear's wet dry because I had it already. It has a hose discharge so I don't have to empty it manually. I just vacuum up the bottom with long hose extensions. When the vacuum is full, I discharge the dirty pond water to my plants and bushes.
There are custom pond vacuums like this [OASE] (https://www.amazon.com/OASE-PondoVac-Classic-Vacuum-Cleaner/dp/B004HIHUTA) which are not expensive and works pretty much the same.
But you can build your own vacuum that works on the same theory as a fish tank one. You build it from PVC pipes and it uses suction from your garden hose to draw out the water. Ask on this [forum] (http://www.gardenpondforum.com). I either saw it there or someone there invented it.
It is to drain the water from a pool cover
Edit: Adding link to same model
The pond looks lovely!
I'm not a landscaping professional but an environmental engineer and what you basically want to do here is dredging so I feel I can offer you some advice.
If you want to do this more or less for free you'll need a rake and a some sort of boat. You can scoop the leaves out. It will take a lot of man hours, especially if this hasn't happened in the last 30 years. You can use the decaying leaves, by making a compost pile and letting them compost for a while longer before use in your garden. I wouldn't worry about wildlife here too much. Species that life in these types of highly organic, low in oxygen sediments aren't threatened and really don't do much good for the ecological balance in a pond like this. You can leave the leaves at the banks for a couple of days if you want to save the frog population, they'll get out and back into the water.
Alternatively you can buy a pond vacuum cleaner (something like this http://www.amazon.com/OASE-PondoVac-Classic-Vacuum-Cleaner/dp/B004HIHUTA). It will cost you about 200 bucks and you'll still need a boat and plenty of man hours. Your pond is quite large.
And a third alternative: you can hire a company to do it for you. They'll bring professional equipment and get the job done quickly. That will be 500 bucks or more though, depending on where you live.
After you've removed the sediments you're not done though. I'm suprised you mentioned not having algae problems. Have you seen the pond during warm weather yet? In a pond with a big amount of leaves I'd expect some algal blooms or duckweed covers during summer. If you do experience troubles with that you might want to consider putting a layer of 20 cm or so of clean sand to cover up the current sediment. The quality of that sediment won't be very good for aquatic live (very eutrophic with a high oxygen demand). A layer of clean sand will soften the effects.
Also, in the future you do need to prevent a new leave build up. You can prevent the majority of leaves from getting in by putting a net over it in autumn/winter or by cutting down trees close to the pond (a 10 meter perimeter will do).
Would you like to leave the pond as it is or would you like to use it for swimming or for fish? If you'd like to keep fish or clean enough water for humans to swim, you'll need some additional work like trying to develop a healthy vegetation (helps to keep the water clear and oxygenated).
Get a square inflatable hot tub for optimal use of the bed space
Just make sure you get the one with the DI. The replacement cartridges are pretty reasonable as well, and my lps sells them as well as amazon. I have heard nothing bad about that system. My TDS from the tap is 144, and is zero after that system.
Here is the TDS monitor for cheap:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EHAZGW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And a float valve if you need one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0113UJOOS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
the sediment will filter out, but you can buy threaded filter adaptors that filter out sediment, metals, and minerals.
https://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Chlorine-Sediment-Volatile-compounds/dp/B07NVV2MH8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=hose+filter+for+filling+hot+tub&qid=1574993650&sprefix=hose+filter&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzMVlZWlVVWUtKN1dPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjUzNDkyMkoyTElPNkpTU000NSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDcwNjYxMVhFQjdXQ0w5MURMVyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
here you go.
I don't have the LED in it right now though. But it attaches with Velcro inside and has a little remote with it.
here's the charger
Not the exact LED but similar
I got that setup off amazon for 175$
Thank you.
I was considering these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ESQMA8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yaIZCbCGK6VWK
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P6JJQBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jbIZCbFJHS2QS
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IG9LZ4C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SaIZCbV8MKYDS
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KSRJXO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5aIZCbVKNHCPE
How would you compare the Suction Vacuum (w/wheels) vs Kreepy Krauly?
The ones that you recommended are priced similar to vacuums.
This is the most purchased one on amazon. Anyone have it? Reccomend it?
Air bubbles are usually an air leak on the inlet side of the pump.
The filter basket is typically clear. It should fill with water completely; maybe a
quartquarter (USA coin) sized air bubble at the maximum.I kept thinking my Jandy Valves had an air leak, but once I changed out the 14-year-old pump, it finally solved the mystery!
Stuff I use for the threaded connections "Blue Oatey."
https://www.oatey.com/2370868/Product/N/Oatey-8-fl-oz-Great-Blue-Pipe-Joint-Compound
Original Pipe was thread into the pump; the PVC cemented in place. They used the "white threaded sealant" which leaked air after a few years. Cut and sectioned pipe, and installed these:
https://www.amazon.com/PACK-Hi-Temp-Union-Whisperflo-Intelliflo/dp/B00AKMV4K8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1523290774&sr=8-2&keywords=2%22+pipe+connector+pool
LPT: If you haven't done PVC Pipe Cement the first dozen times is a nightmare. Buy a 4' length of PVC and a simple 2" joint. You want to "insert and twist" to get a good seal, practice makes perfect. I've done in the past with ease home building. Three years later, darn if I don't need a days practice to get back into the rhythm of doing that. Pool guys do this daily and make it so easy, but it is a learned skill.
The hot tub level is going back down at night. Your "Jandy one-way check valves" have rubber spring loaded seals. After five or ten years (?) common item to rebuild. Pretty simple. Screws into plastic, light pressure, turn screw backward until you feel a click, now forward. Helps keep you from cross threading the housing.
Sadly between a pool and septic field, I've gotten lots of practice on those valves!
https://www.jandy.com/en/products/valves/check
Damn finger typo's today, forgive me for not correctly linking those. I'm using copy-paste and dragon speak to type this morning. Time fo meds, just another day living with Parkinson's. Oh, I have a massive magnet on a stick for finding those screws when I drop them in the grass.
Rooting makes no difference in sand AFAIK
100% Pool Filter Sand, here's an amazon link to what most people get, but here's what I used.
From what I've seen, fish like sand better, even if they're the type that vaccum feed, they can rid sand from their mouths easier than gravel. Not to mention, they don't have to keep shoving their mouths into the gravel, because the food will just sit on top, instead of a crevice.
Sand for sure. Easier to vacuum too, just hover over.
Most places in town with a sauna or pool will run you at least $40 a month. I opted for a cheaper gym membership and bought this portable sauna off Amazon - https://amzn.to/2zqbzsQ. Works really well.
https://www.amazon.com/Pentair-R201276-Residential-Commercial-Vacuums/dp/B003840IV6
this is the vac we use in the commercial world, only the 22 inch version
Nope, but you could glue one of these to the top.
I have a 16 X 32 inground pool and we have a 1 horsepower hayward super pump. I usually run it 24 hours a day. Sometimes I'll run it 12 hours at a time. For an above ground pool a 1/2 hp or 3/4 hp will be sufficient.
I wouldn't fully drain without seeing the pool - is it partially buried? As for how to drain, these work well but take long:
https://www.amazon.com/Aquatix-Pro-Ground-Drainer-16-Feet/dp/B01FI128PA/
Draining a pool that is like 5-10,000 gallons you'll need something with a submersible pump. But, I am fully against draining an above ground pool. All that does is invite more problems than it solves.
I used these: Intex Replacement Hose Adapter A w/Collar for Threaded Connection Pumps (2 Pairs) - 4 Pieces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ND3CVLZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_rDNSCb5KB3FJ0
I put them at my filter in/out so the hoses that went into the pool were what came with my pool.
I don't have easy access to one either, but having read dozens of papers on sauna use (including decreasing all-cause mortality) I had to do something. I ended up buying one of these, best decision ever. Especially since I can do it at home while watching TV!
I bought a house with a 20x40 vinyl inground last year, and have learned the troublefreepools method. I use store brand concentrated bleach, 8.25%, and their pool calculator to help determine how much to use.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ESQMA8M/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495056986&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=pool+sweepers+for+in+ground+pools&dpPl=1&dpID=41IJ2WmA9uL&ref=plSrch
And I love this little guy, he's a huge help for a very minimal investment. I named mine "Munchie."
Just going through something similar only to learn each 3" Chlorine Tab raises the Cyanuric Acid 1 ppm each and it just builds up over time and the Chlorine becomes less effective until even at 5 ppm the Chlorine can't stop the Algae. From here Algaecide is needed to keep the algae at bay.
Sounds like you may be in the same boat. Get a test kit that measures CYA and see where it's at. Here's the kit I used:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PWLYTBN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Ok so I know nothing about pools and/or filtration systems. This pool system was in really bad shape when my family moved into the house, my father has been the one working on it primarily but he doesn't really know what he's doing either. All I know is that when the handle was set to "filter," it would actually empty out the water that has been filtering through the system, which I assume is just a mislabeling?
Correct me if I'm wrong: getting a SPX0714BA will fix the issue, but you recommend replacing more of the inner parts? Sorry, I'm a n00b
We bought this one last year and I still praise it. I love the little guy, scrubs, vacuums, etc.
Can't go wrong with the inteliflo VSF. It's expensive but parts will be available forever and it's the most proven pump. Typically you have to buy it at a pool store.
Next best option would be the superflo VS. Much smaller pump, still very capable. If you pool is just a 20x40 without water features or hot tub the superflo would be fine. Inteliflo gives you many more options with scheduling (which you may or may not care about).
Get some 2" high temp unions (IF you do inteliflo) https://www.amazon.com/PACK-Hi-Temp-Union-Whisperflo-Intelliflo/dp/B00AKMV4K8 like these so your pump can be easily serviced in the future.
No, no, no. You buy a SPX0714BA for $70.00 and all you have to do is remove 6 screws, pull the old top half off put the new one in (matching the notch) and screw it back down.
We've used Pentair/Rainbow ProVac heads for years of our service vans. They do a great job, roll easily and steer well due to the swivel handle. Parts are readily available so we get 5+ years of daily use of 10+ vacuums per day before they need to be replaced. For your pool the 14" head would be a good size (R201276). We tried the ProVac 2 and didn't like it as much.
It's worth noting it's designed for 1-1\2" vacuum hoses, so if you have an 1-1\4" hose you'd have to remove the hose swivel and it won't work as well.
Short of the ProVac, I'd just get a cheap concrete pool vac and plan on replacing every couple years. I'd steer clear of liner vacs as they are a pain to vacuum with and have no benefit in your pool.
http://www.amazon.com/Hydro-Logic-31035-100-GPD-Stealth-RO100-Reverse/dp/B002JLACGK
Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish Li Pool and Spa Cleaner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GT91SK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.AdozbC1MJ81C
This thing is awesome. It ll get sand off the bottom of my Intex pool. My pool is 18ft around and it did the whole thing in a few minutes. Way better than the one you have to hook to a garden hose or the intex pool pump. Those didn't work and had a bunch of tubes attached. This is self contained and works great.
Water Tech Pool Blaster Catfish Li Pool & Spa Cleaner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GT91SK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jHXyDbHKNAF2C
http://www.amazon.com/Poolmaster-21182-Premier-Aluminum-Leaf/dp/B001O5UJEM
This might be what you are looking for, unless you have already found one. These are the same ones We sell in our pool store but for way cheaper.
I know what you're talking about. One of my jobs is cleaning pools and I believe you're asking for something like this. It's made of aluminum and has the wedge so it should be sturdy. This one is also good, it has an angled lip, but not an actual squeegee type wedge.
BTW, I'm trying to be an informed pool owner and I'm taking what you've said to heart.
>The prospective owner has mentioned the "hydraulics" work up these guys have done for his pool - mentioning 50' (of head, I assume - although where that number comes from, I have no idea), and to think that a 25,000 gallon pool will turnover twice a day...
Can you send me the hydraulic curve chart you're referring to? I got my information from Amazons performance data and I'm assuming on the very high side there'd be about 50' of pvc pipe from the pump to the pool
Use Pool Filter Sand. It cheap and PH neutral.
http://www.amazon.com/Arch-Chemical-61308-Filter-50-Pound/dp/B000BO585W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450157644&sr=8-1&keywords=pool+filter+sand&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011
Its alot cheap from your local hardware store.