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Afraid I can't speak for the Dolphin since I've never worked with it. As for the others:

The Hayward functions well. It's an old design; tried and true. It'll climb walls and follow a pattern. Of the non-robotic cleaners you mentioned, it'll end up costing the most in maintenance. Nothing to break the bank, but it has gears, bearings, and feet that eventually wear down. If you're mechanically minded, they're not hard to break down and clean/rebuild. Maybe $50 a season starting in a year or two depending on the mileage.

(Aside: They've released a new cleaner that's meant to be a bit of a replacement that's worth looking at too. A bit sturdier and more modular. I liked the simplicity of working on it, what chances I got.)

Avoid the Smartpool. Sold these things and they can work very well. This might have changed, but as of last year you don't get a warranty if you buy online. And it's just about useless without that. I'd say 30% of the ones we put into the market came back within the year with some issue. The first gen had cord issues that they corrected. WITH the warranty we'd have a free replacement part, tune up, and test, and you'd be back in business within a few days. Without a warranty, you're SOL. Get it in store or don't get it at all.

For the Baracuda and Kreepy, you'll be getting one of the simplest, no BS cleaner types on the market. For wear and tear, they've got a diaphragm and the foot pad. Easy day. However, that mechanical simplicity also means they function simply. They might not climb the walls, depending on pressure/slope/depth. They'll also be random in their pattern. Not uncommon to have them loitering in certain areas.

The BIGGEST thing I can say about any cleaner you get, it's not a 100% set and forget solution. Take care of it! If you're going out of town, by all means leave it in the pool on a timer. It's great to come back to sparkling water; that's the whole point of a cleaner!

Don't, however, leave it in 24/7 exposed to the sun and chemicals. I've seen three year old Hayward Navigators that looked like they'd been drug through a minefield with repair costs higher than buying a new one. I've also seen Navigators that were over a decade old, bleached white, but still trucking with the occasional part replacement. Like a lawnmower, you've got to hose it off occasionally, check the insides, and keep it stored when not in use. If you do that, your $500 will go a long, long way.

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.

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."

> I 2nd his recommendation of pentair equipment

I got two quotes for my pool and both pool guys, each with 40 years experience told me the same 1hp hayward pump. I'm not saying you guys don't know what you're talking about, because I know you do and that's why I posted this topic in the first place.

I'm just trying to understand why you guys are recommending a 3 horsepower pump that's more than twice the cost of the hayward.

I looked into the vitro clean instead of sand and that seems like an easy thing to do and something I'll be purchasing based on what I've read.

What Jandy or Pentair do you recommend and why do you recommend them over hayward?

I'm looking at the gulfstream for a few reasons;

1. It's made in the USA
   
2. gulfstream only makes heatpumps. There's something to be said about a company that specializes in one product.
   
3. it has a high BTU rating and low COP for the cost.

I'm not sure if this will work for that hose in particular, but I have one of the typical light blue rubber hoses and I use an extension cord spool (similar to this) that's wide enough for it. It's not perfect, but it is nice once you get going since you can easily keep it elevated and just walk along the length of the tube while rolling. It rolls up fairly easily and since it's elevated and getting compressed on the spool, it fully empties it at the same time. It's been better than trying to roll it up in my hands.

Thanks again for all the help and good to point out why warranties are given so often.

Between the TriStar, EcoStar and Intelliflo. Are there any other things I'll need to consider? Will they work ok with 1.5" piping? I have a dial timer thing that our pool servicers adjust according to season, will those work with it, or will they no longer be needed since the configuration panels are on the pumps now?

TriStar 3202

Tristar 3200

EcoStar 3400

Pentair 011018

Whats the differencee between the 3202 and the 3200?

Everything that Worchestershire said. When your PH is below 7, your Chlorine will disappear rapidly...Get your PH to 7.4-7.6. You got a lot of organic material in the pool so the chlorine will combine with it and you'll need to bring the Free Chlorine up. Also what test kit are you using? The FAS DPD sometimes can give you a false zero reading, especially if you are using an algaecide. Best bet is to take a sample to a pool store to test for you.


Also a water clarifier might help get that baby sparkling but won't do anything about the algae. Make sure you address what we suggested first then give it a try.

https://www.amazon.com/Pool-Spa-58032CLX-Clarifier-1-Quart/dp/B00PZZFOS8 . You can probably pick some up at the pool store when you bring them your water sample.

Goodluck!

You'll need one of these: https://www.amazon.com/TAYLOR-TECHNOLOGIES-INC-K-1766-CHLORIDE/dp/B001DO35EU/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1520998347&sr=1-2&keywords=salt+test+kit

Also, any test kit that includes a CYA test should be good. The K2006 is a pretty standard kit that test all aspects of water chemistry (except for salt concentration) If you have a salt generator, you'll probably need to manually boost your CYA levels that would normally come from chlorine.

https://www.troublefreepool.com/content/138-water-balance-for-swg-saltwater-chlorine-generator

https://www.troublefreepool.com/content/127-salt-water-chlorine-generators-swg

The Pool Cleaner. Very little to break, hoses last forever. Does a decent job on vinyl. You'll need tires in a year or two, if you keep the pool open year around. That's the only guaranteed maintenance needed .

Hayward Poolvergnuegen 896584000-013 The Pool Cleaner Automatic Suction Pool Vacuum, 2-Wheel, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KSRJXO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0nKcBbX6P9B26

Robots are awesome, but pools have been staying spotless for years before they were invented. Plus you never have to take out a traditional sweeper if you don't want to. That's an overlooked bonus in this sub.

I absolutely love my Kreepy Krauly Great White. It scrubs the algae spots and sucks up all of the oak leaves that fall in. Its also very simple and doesnt require electricity or anything. It even cleans the walls (I have a rounded edge).

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 quart quarter (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.

Not sure if this falls into the category of cheap inflatable, but this company makes some great loungers: Kelsyus Floating Water Hammock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F9K7JA/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_bxS8wb33AQH2N

You need this guy:

https://www.amazon.com/PoolSkim-Pool-Skimmer-Cleaner/dp/B002WKOEGM

Probably the single best purchase I’ve ever made in my entire life. Total game changer. I’d easily pay ten times the amount.

-NW Florida with an uncovered pool.

Thank you.

I was considering these:

• XtremepowerUS Suction Cleaner Kreepy Krauly
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ESQMA8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yaIZCbCGK6VWK
  
  
• INTEY Suction Cleaner Kreepy Krauly
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P6JJQBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jbIZCbFJHS2QS
  
  
• Zodiac Baracuda MX6 Suction Vacuum
  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IG9LZ4C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SaIZCbV8MKYDS
  
  
• Hayward Poolvergnuegen Suction Vacuum
  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.

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

That would do it for me as well. If they can't respect the fact that it's not their pool, then they are free to spend the time, money, and effort to make their own.

At this point, spending a bit of cash for legal advice isn't a bad idea. Definitely document the fact that she's persona non grata at the pool (and make her sign said document), and discuss with the lawyer in detail how you can be covered both legally and financially if/when the kids find their way back in the pool anyway. A camera might not be a terrible idea as well.

As far as locks go, there's a few options:

First I'm seeing of this, but it doesn't seem too bad: https://www.amazon.com/Combi-Bolt-CB2000-BLK-4-Dial-Combination-Sliding/dp/B000I66TTW

I've seen this used around, it's a good compromise between keyless entry and higher security, plus since there's no batteries there's no worries about water entry short-circuiting something:
https://www.amazon.com/All-Weather-Mechanical-Keyless-Deadbolt-Door/dp/B005KG6A0I

Super simple can’t go wrong, plugs into the skimmer or side port you have, I would have the floor suction closed, unless the cleaner climbs up the wall out of the pool, find the setting where the cleaner stays mostly on the floor and not too much up the wall.
https://www.amazon.com/Hayward-Poolvergnuegen-896584000-013-Cleaner-Automatic/dp/B004KSRJXO

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.

https://www.amazon.com/TAYLOR-TECHNOLOGIES-INC-K-1766-CHLORIDE/dp/B001DO35EU/ref=pd_bxgy_86_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001DO35EU&pd_rd_r=9E1HJ22ZFG1HCRKJCBHH&pd_rd_w=or2a0&pd_rd_wg=4c4Ws&psc=1&refRID=9E1HJ22ZFG1HCRKJCBHH This test kit will do the trick. Easy to use and accurate.

yup, it's called a Gizzmo. Make sure you keep that. You should also have a couple other plugs that go on the return eyes/jets when you close the pool.

Thanks for the replies, guys!

The motor is a hayward sp3400vsp (or vspvr). Looking online, a new one runs upwards of $1,000. That's nuts.

For a rebuild, any idea what I should be expecting out of pocket?

That's fine, as long as you have gizzmos in your skimmer(s) and they're water tight.

Frog logs work great: https://smile.amazon.com/Swimline-70200SL-FrogLog-Critter-Saving/dp/B004UHY2TY/

Supplies must be low though, as no Prime shipping options.

There are portable pumps for exactly what you're doing. Here's one in Amazon, but your hardware store will probably have something, too. Wayne VIP50 1/2 HP Thermoplastic Portable Electric Water Removal Pump https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CQ6CU4/

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.

Cheapest pool vac available: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MOIWWW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_N76EzbSVWK42G

Here is the mobile version of your link

Try this. I have it as a secondary skimmer and find that it catches more that the main one.

Poolskim
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002WKOEGM?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I’m glad you’d rather see the little froggies go free than drown from exhaustion! Poor froggies... 🐸

Here is a link to give you an idea. Enjoy your pool! I’m SO JEALOUS...

https://www.amazon.com/Swimline-70200SL-FrogLog-Critter-Saving/dp/B004UHY2TY/ref=pd_cp_86_1?pd_rd_w=RsrVF&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=BFB49CYSQGDMR11FNRRW&pd_rd_r=61886d05-a32c-11e9-a02a-55bde3839eb2&pd_rd_wg=VC9jk&pd_rd_i=B004UHY2TY&psc=1&refRID=BFB49CYSQGDMR11FNRRW

For leaves and 'large' debris, use one of these.

For dirt and sand, get a standard flat vacuum head with the wheels on front and back and a vacuum hose. Turn off the main drain in the deep end if you have a valve to do so, and plug the hose into the hole at the bottom of the skimmer.

Oh boy a new nightmare for my northeast mind to torture me with. Worse we get in the pool is bunnies so I bought this. Recently watched a chipmunk dive in on purpose to escape my path. He swam directly to this thing and scattered out haha


FrogLog Animal Saving Escape Ramp for Pool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UHY2TY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_eTohDb8HS4YD5

That is a good link. Here are my thoughts. In most places in teh country water is abundant and cheap, much more so than chemicals. So I would partially drain the pool if it looks really dirty and green. How much to drain is an excellent question. If your pool is a liner based pool, you need to keep at least 12 to 18 inches of water in the shallow end to prevent the liner from moving around. If your pool is fiberglass, then you have to keep water in teh pool to keep it from floating up. If it is a gunnite pool, you can completely drain it, but snot want to keep it drained for very long. Someone with more gunnite knowledge can add more details to this.

So I woudl remove some water. Take a Leaf Rake attachment to your pool pole (like this one http://www.amazon.com/Swimline-8040-Professional-Heavy-Deep-Bag/dp/B000MOIWWM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464187999&sr=8-1&keywords=pool+leaf+rake) and then go along the bottom to scoop out any larger physical debris. At that point, add water, and as soon as possible, SLAM the pool and get the filter running. If it is really dirty water, you might need to backflush to clean your filters out a few times depending on your filter type.