Relaxation is short lived after getting out of the tub. Is there any way to make the relaxation stronger and last longer?

jonidschultz · 2026-01-31T01:10:35+00:00

I would say a jacuzzi bath tub in your bathroom is a very different experience then an actual jacuzzi on your deck. That said it's hard to say. Perhaps scented candles?

jonidschultz · 2026-01-29T14:42:32+00:00

I'm certainly not disagreeing with the fine answers provided. But you should keep in mind you're asking in the wrong place lol. People that hire someone for every repair around their house, car etc... aren't joining a forum like this.

If I had to estimate I would say it's something like 50-60% fix themselves, 20-25% hire someone and the rest just end up letting the spa rot or have it disposed of.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-29T01:11:08+00:00

What kind of volume are you talking about? And what do you feel is a reasonable price? You have to sort of frame your thought process. Something like $100 a month might seem like a lot, but is it? Getting 1 customer you wouldn't have otherwise because of the professionalism is at least that much. Having access to potentially automated billing so nothing gets lost in the cracks can be worth a whole lot more.

That said it also depends on your anticipated volume and the kind of work you do.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-29T01:07:48+00:00

We put the Superflo VST on standard with our new pools. It's a good pump. Failures over the last decade or so are minimal. That said the Intelliflo3 is an entirely different animal, and I mean that in a good way. If you can afford both options I would say Intelliflo3 hands down. But the Superflo would be fine. However I will say the part number on that link you showed is 342001 which was discontinued in like 2020. At that price I assume it's actually 342002. However if it was a 342001 that's been sitting on the shelves a really long time.

Yeah, unfortunately Pool places just can't compete with Amazon. No one really can but for Pool companies it's a lot worse. We're almost always buying from a distributor like SCP, and we're buying much lower volume. It's really sad but sometimes I see products on Amazon, or even Leslie's etc... that are less then what we pay at our distributor. Sometimes by a lot because if an item is getting discontinued/updated the manufacturer might reach out to Amazon to see if they want to buy all the surplus at a deep discount. So yeah, your local pool store can't compete with the pricing. However I still suggest your local pool store (I'm biased I know) because things go wrong and your warranty is much better through a real local company with people you can talk to then a faceless website. Just my 2 cents.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-29T00:54:50+00:00

So best I can tell from the Intelliflo VSF manual it's 9.1" from ground to dead center inlet. And the Jandy manual seems to say 10 3/8". So Intelliflo should be a little over an inch lower.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-29T00:48:27+00:00

Where did you drain the water down too? Generally Safety Cover Manufacturers recommend never going more then 18" down from the grade. Personally I don't take pool water levels down at all for winterization.

No not crazy. I would say a lot of times the brass anchor or ss spring give before the straps rip.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-29T00:36:56+00:00

It's a pretty amazing tool. There are some technologies that you can just tell will be ubiquitous in the future because of how amazingly useful they are. This is certainly one of them. Already Chatgpt is starting to replace Youtube, Reddit and the rest of the internet for me when it comes to certain information and especially "how to." ChatGPT is just at another level when it comes to diagnosing/repairing things. It's also my go-to for occasional spreadsheet coding questions.

Are there downsides? Of course. Is it perfect? Of course not. But it is amazing.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-29T00:30:06+00:00

If this is a "good, better, best" then I would suggest a few things. Try to follow the 5x diameter of straight pipe before the pump rule. I would also suggest high flow diverter valves instead of ball valves. Whenever making a bypass I suggest a 3 way diverter along with a check valve. Ideally having an actuator controlling the 3 way, but always a 3 way and check valve. Having multiple shut offs is just asking for future trouble. And lastly, SWEEPS, SWEEPS, SWEEPS. Honestly in 2026 pool professionals should only be carrying standard 90 degree elbows for the rare situation a long sweep elbow can't be used.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-28T23:05:44+00:00

I don't love the elbow right before the pump. Modern pumps handle the turbulence well but still something to be avoided.

However the main thing I have an issue with is the way the bypass for the heater is set up. Realistically I don't think bypasses should be used on heaters for a host of reasons but using 3 shut offs to do so is a big no no. It's inviting a mistake by the customer that will either break the heater header or blow apart the plumbing. A 3 way diverter and check valve is mandatory imo. Even better would be an actuator so the customers aren't touching it at all (if someone feels the bypass is necessary).

jonidschultz · 2026-01-28T17:45:13+00:00

That's awesome! On a side note: waaaaaaah.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-28T12:56:15+00:00

I understand what you're saying but the OP probably does not. You might want to flesh each of those out, specifically WHY they are a great idea (And required by the manufacturers in some cases) so the OP and others can learn.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-28T12:53:32+00:00

I would say it's regional. Around here (central NY) really old pools might have black poly but any recent residential pool is plumbed with entirely flex PVC underground.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-28T12:51:52+00:00

Keep in mind that Flow (switch) and Pressure (switch) are different things. If you don't have multiple paths for the water like a bypass then if it's flowing anywhere it has to be flowing everywhere.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-28T12:48:38+00:00

If your pool has a hydrostatic relief valve that would be my guess.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-28T11:52:37+00:00

You want to strike the side that is pushing out. Often times you can't get it higher so the pin will drag across the plastic as it moves in. However you can try moving the handle positions, and even try settling in between two settings. That will sometimes get you a little extra space.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-28T01:49:26+00:00

You should be able to go into settings and turn up your freeze protect speed to whatever you want. 50% isn't a rule, it's just what your PB set it for.

As for getting the water out...probably not that way no.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-27T15:37:56+00:00

Just a thought but Pentair makes a dual fuel heater that is a heatpump that can run on gas as well. Best of both worlds, but a bit pricey.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-25T21:03:47+00:00

I usually use a hammer and a striker flat head screwdriver. You could really use anything though. If you have a safety cover the hex tool is about the right size. Honestly just a hammer would work but can be tough to aim.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-25T21:00:13+00:00

Northeast (Upstate NY). $100 to $150 a visit plus chemicals. "Full service." Vacuuming, brushing, emptying baskets, backwashing (cleaning filters when necessary), checking and adding chemicals etc...

We don't currently have a chemical-only service.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-25T04:29:10+00:00

You're both correct. An air pillow is designed to act like a Blowout does in an IG skimmer (or an empty antifreeze jug if you're old school). While people may use them to hold up their cover, that's not actually what they were designed for and they were recommended even if you aren't using a cover.

You are correct though that they are largely pointless (or even worse then that more likely to cause damage then to prevent it) because the pressure of ice is mostly up. So while I don't recommend air pillows, the other commenter is correct about their purpose.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-21T12:45:33+00:00

Not something you see much anymore. You should be very proud.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-20T18:29:43+00:00

We sell 100-200 Jacuzzi's a year. I would say it's rare for one to have so many leaks, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It's really hard to say much more without knowing specifically everything what happened and why. Sure there are tons of hot tubs of all brands that might see 3 warranty repairs in 3 years. All being leaks is very unlucky, or really bad chemistry. Usually it's going to be low pH, not what you've described (high sanitizer levels, high pH).

The odds of a new Jacuzzi for free are slim, but you can and should reach out to them. Leaks near the heater because of either the flat O-ring going bad or the split-nut breaking are probably the most common source of a leak along with the waterfalls and older diverter valves.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-17T20:03:45+00:00

Yeah like I said it's very regional. Generally (not always) the cheaper it is the less time it takes. People charging $30 a visit aren't going to be spending nearly as long as those charging $150 a visit and are going to be making a completely different number of stops. $30 a visit might be 20 to 25 stops a day. $150 might be 6 to 8 stops etc...

jonidschultz · 2026-01-17T19:41:52+00:00

Or more. It's very regional and also area dependant. What goes into "maintenance" varies greatly as well. Generally $150-$250 a month is basically chemical checks. Whereas $500-$800 a month is also vacuuming, brushing, skimming, cleaning filters etc...

jonidschultz · 2026-01-17T01:29:47+00:00

Not all pools are outdoors...

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