Casa de Melvin

Hello folks, Pool is coming next month, San Juan, Phoenix, 14400 gallons. I will have 120 square feet of solar panels on the roof with an automatic 3-way control valve, 2" piping all the way around with everything moving about 45 gpm. Controller will monitor return water temp and an outdoor air sensor monitoring roof temp (the solar light sensor is so expensive you would think it's made out of polished un-obtainium) So my question, at what time/temp do you folks go to solar mode and what is the minimum differential temp between roof and return water would you recommend for peak efficiency? Thanks for the help!! An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. Benjamin Franklin

I agree under the same load. Using the pump curve the 110 motor should be loaded about 85% which is in the excellent efficiency range for this motor. A 220 motor would only be loaded in the 65% range and drops off in efficiency. The load from the relatively small pump should not cause a huge amp draw on the 110/120 motor (20 max rated). This particular motor can only be wired to 110/120v (I also failed to mention it was free, tough to pass up free) If it turns out to use a large amount of power I will switch it out for a 220 pump I also forgot to mention that the pool is 14400 gallons so it should turn over in about 9 hours, the plan was to run 12-16 rest at night and start again in the morning unless the pool is in use then run when in use as well. Creditors have better memories than debtors. Benjamin Franklin

I'd like to offer my .02 worth and get opinions on my pump decision. I just finished putting a hot tub in a deck extension and keep the tub at 102. Tub has been up and running for a solid month now and shows about a 20.00 per month increase, I know it's the temperature of the sun here in Charlotte so not much of a load keeping it warm. E-Bill was 310.00 , 2700SqFt Spilt systems 2000 ton downstairs 2500 ton upstairs set temps are 73 up 74 down. My pump question/opinion search related to this thread is: I chose a Hayward 1hp 120v pump rated at 75GPM with 10 ft static head, Hayward Sand Filter full flow at 45 GPM I have estimated 35 ft of static head but won't know for sure until I get pressure readings but at the point the Hayward looks like it will develop 50GPM. I chose the 120V assuming it will use less power than the 220v. Opinions? Be civil to all; sociable to many; familiar with few; friend to one; enemy to none." -- Benjamin Franklin

First time on a forum hope i'm doin it right. That's a big difference in cost! what all did you sub out? Did you have any problems with the pool contractor not letting you get your own subs? Sorry for the delay in answering. The first San Juan distributor only wanted to do complete turn key. I emailed San Juan corporate and told them I wasn't getting any support on owner DIY like their web site boasts about. After the email, all the area San Juan dealers called me asking what they could do for me. I have taken virtually all the responsibility out of the pool contractors hands. He is going to get the pool to my house, dig the hole, set the pool, and back-fill as the local Fire Department fills my pool from the hydrate after a 400.00 donation. Plus the kids get to play on the truck! I have responsibility for the rest. I have "made friends" with a concrete guy, electrician, equipment/pump/filter/solar heating panels (all eBay) plumbing (me) and all my local inspectors and the permitting office. Plus I was able to shave about 600.00 off of the crane charge by shopping around. If you start letting your friends, neighbors, co-workers know you are putting in a pool, you will be surprised at the amount of help you can find. With all that said I am on record here saying DO NOT OVER ESTIMATE YOUR ABILITIES, if you can't do some of the physical labor or negotiate with contractors without getting emotional then don't. Maybe you have a friend that's a project manager or such, I've found that saving money is all in negotiating, the contractors want the business as bad as you want the pool. Another point, get everything in writing EXCATLY as you want it. Example: Pool guys says "stump removal adds 60.00 an hour per stump plus machine charge" I say "whats the machine charge" Pool guy "varies" I say "I've got 27 trees coming out, 17 of which you need to remove the stumps" Pool guy " Worst case is three dump truck loads and all labor plus machine charges add 650.00" I say "fine but not a penny more even if you need ten dump trucks because the roots go all the way to downtown Charlotte" You get the point, put the risk on the subs as much as possible and make them sign up for the project in writing, always hold at least 10% until you are COMPLETLY satisfied. Respond to the "we will come back and take care of that next week" with I'll pay you the rest of your contract when you come back next week" It is by no means easy and you have to be able to push back on the contractors telling you this is just the way it is, There's no reason to get emotional, it's just business but it's your money be tough with it. Sorry for the rant, I get passionate about trying to help folks get the most for their money, I'm off the soap box and hope I answered your question. "The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." Benjamin Franklin

Hey All, Actually got a Balboa Rep on the phone, bent the truth and said I was in the automation industry and was calling for a client, call took 10 seconds. Balboa says no way to integrate even with a third party communication box. I've started building my own controller using one of my modules, just want to make sure I get a heater the exact same dimensions so I can R&R the balboa gear with out modifying the piping much. Thanks for the responses we'll see how it shakes out. "A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats." Benjamin Franklin No offense to the lawyers out there.

Here's one for the super tech's. I have my tub/deck project 90% complete. It's a combination of an old Jacuzzi tub, Balboa Lite Leader Spa Pack and a Sta-Rite 3/4Hp 2 speed motor. Everything works great and it maintains 102 with no problems. I am in the building automation business, HVAC/Security/Access Control/Lighting etc all bundled together. I am building a home automation system out of obsolete parts that we can no longer use. The system will control landscape lights, sprinklers, A/C units pool equipment, you get the picture, and would like to integrate the tub controls Here's the question, does anyone know the communication protocol that the Balboa's Spa pack uses? It has a RJ11 connection from the control pad to the control board. If it uses ModBus, LON or BacNet it would be easy, if I new what to ask for (Protocol) the folks at BlackBox could help me out. I know this is a bit techie but Balboa has been useless. They no longer speak to end users and the local spa people give me the dear in the headlights look. Responses are always appreciated. Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. Benjamin Franklin

Almost finished putting my Frankenstein tub, deck project to bed. Had a Balboa Lite 4K watt 220v spa pack from a previous retro-fit, found a Jacuzzi 400gal 4 person shell with lounger (ebay), rebuilt Sta-Rite 2 speed pump (ebay), set it on a 4" thick concrete slab and built a 16x20 deck extension around it. Did it all myself including electric (yes I pulled all the proper NC permits and inspections), need to tile around the tub and finish the gazebo style cover. After all that Blood, Sweat and Tears do you think I would let any fabric hit the water, I think not! Great thread, very enjoyable reading! "Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" Benjamin Franklin

I will be installing a San Juan Phoenix pool in about two months. I would also like to hear from and see pictures of paver decking and coping. I like doing the work myself if I can handle it. I just helped my neighbor with his 20x30 paver (6x6 tumbled pavers) patio and it was a very easy install. So again, those folks that went the way of pavers, any lessons learned would be greatly appreciated. FYI anyone in Charlotte area looking for an installer, San Juan Pools of Charlotte will be my supplier installer. Robert Fergione owner, checked BBB no complaints for 18months (that's as far back as the web-site says they report). Going to look at one of his installs next week. I'll post the results.

Hello all, I have completed a spa deck installation where the only sub I had was a concrete guy for the tub pad. Now I am getting ready to put in a San Juan Phoenix pool. I am doing a significant amount of the work myself but found this out about the contractors in my NC area. All of them, concrete, tree removal, electrician, crane operator and pool installer have given a 5-10% labor discount if I pay with cash. I'm sure due to tax reporting. It goes to mention that I have broken out most of the "pool installers" services by getting my own quotes for the required support services. It's a pain and you have to stay on top of the coordination but I have brought my turn key pool price down from 48K to 31K. When the project gets into full swing I'll post some pics.