1-1/2” plumbing is dangerous. Since pools have evolved since the 1980s so has ASTM/ANSI and with the VGBA we learned things can be done better.

We focus on standards and utilize folks such as AquaStar Pool Products products to help make these old pools safer.

Let’s start off with, what you don’t know can and likely will hurt you. Are you a doctor? Well, let me walk into your E.R and throw in a few stiches into that cut. Maybe some glue and “call it a day.” – That sounds obscure right?

How about, “let’s just sue someone in small claims.” Sounds easy enough. But what if the person getting sued files a counter-claim, or a request for interrogatories? Is small-claims still simple?

What if your house is not standing up straight, and we get the hydraulic Jack and a few 2x4s should be all good to fix a 30 foot span.

This sounds exaggerated does it? Simple things made overly complicated? Anyone can be a doctor, lawyer, builder with the internet right?

Swimming pools are just that simple too. A narrow perspective and lack of application can lead to disaster. Even something as innocent as using the wrong pvc fitting: DWV vs Pressure. What’s the harm? Maybe saying GFCIs we’re not needed in the 80’s and grandfathering covers it? Well? GFCIs were required in the 80s for outdoor pools.

Let’s now begin this discussion.

Everyone starts out with, “Can I get a quote to fix some concrete and the skimmer on my pool?”

Sure, that will be around $8,000. “You are out of your €££¥!¥<! Mind. It shouldn’t cost more than $1,000”

Let’s see. As a builder following standards (guidlines that exist to reduce risk.) my goal is to reduce the risk of death with my repair. Nobody died yet though you say. That may be true., however, once you die, or sell your house, I am still responsible for my work of it ever gets called into question. I want to start my work on a solid basis, not an opinion of a client that won’t hire me., I do however want to explain this is that ignorance doesn’t continue to proliferate and lead to injury.

1-1/2” plumbing can only run so fast without creating hazardous velocities. This is about 35 gallons per minute. Many pumps are trying to move more water than this, and as a result the water has to move faster and with greater pressure. It also increases friction or resistance of the water moving in the pipes.

This friction creates inneficiencies for one, higher energy costs. It creates dangerous velocities, and it makes the pool difficult to keep clear. It causes channeling in sand filters.

The way this pool works is with an equalizer. A device that has a suction diverter inside the bottom of the skimmer. This devices entraps itself in the skimmer to divert water from the main drain. Just that thought alone should terrify you. The very thing that can evisverate someone is used to redirect water flow.

The plumbing running from the skimmer to the pump is 1-1/2” AND there are 3 pipes that are 1-1/2” returning to the pool creating a supply shortage. It is inefficient.

How do we go about fixing this? We will tear out the concrete around the broken skimmer and with the help of a new skimmer we will increase the size of the suction to 4 inches. This increase in pipe slows down the speed of the water dramatically. Think about a much bigger straw. As there is so much less friction. Think about a 10 lane highway vs a 2. To be clear, all the decking between the two expansion joints is being taken out, it’s all shot. Not just cutting the skimmer out.

What do we do about that skimmer equalizer? We make that our 4th return to the pool! Instead of having dangerous suction at the bottom of the deep end, we will return water there. This will help with mixing chemicals better too. When we are done, this pool will run far more efficiently.

A new pool deck gets poured and then this pool is safe to go.

By taking the time to review standards and adapt them to modernizing we can make a pool more efficient. A new pool pump that is variable speed will provide a much faster pool turn over (amount of water equal to volume of pool water.) This improves filtration and the net improvement is cleaner water.

As part of this process we also look at the pool electrical bonding and the power that feeds the pool. Including upgrading to GFCI breakers, pulling permits as required, verifying electrical bonding and doing our part to bring things to standards.

There are many pool companies bothered by this idea. We’d love to say that it is innovative but we are simply wanting to make safe pools and reduce risk.

As a result the customer benefits by having a cleaner pool and one that is far more energy efficient. The best part is the pool is less likely to have constant breakdowns.

There is always a cheaper way to do something. When it comes to the risk of death, injury, evisceration, or suction entrapment or hair entanglement; for us, we will stick to standards.

Saving lives isn’t something people think about when swimming. They think about good times and happy memories.

Pool Envy thinks about those memories too and we want you to enjoy your pool while minimizing risk. To do that though we have to be realistic with the cost of our training, time and expertise.

Since Jan 1, 2023- The Pool Envy Staff has had over 145 hours of in person training across 3 states. Additionally another 48 hours of technical training and certification exams.

We believe that it is fair to say, we are working hard to ensure that our customers safety is priority one.

Consider sharing this would you? We invest time in writing these articles and would appreciate folks taking the time share the safety message.

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