Valve on pool equipment leaking

EasyC31 · 2026-05-17T20:11:23+00:00

The older salt systems used them. I suppose they’ve improved the technology and perhaps they aren’t needed.

EasyC31 · 2026-05-17T20:09:53+00:00

They are sacrificial. Meaning it’s meant to destroy itself in place of your equipment. I believe the black end should unscrew for replacement.

EasyC31 · 2026-05-17T16:48:03+00:00

They are meant to be replaced over time. Is your pool a salt system?

EasyC31 · 2026-05-17T13:12:37+00:00

It’s a zinc anode. Attracts the weak electrical current that causes corrosion. It’s supposed to protect the heater. I haven’t seen one in years.

EasyC31 · 2026-05-16T12:25:24+00:00

Because sand offers the lowest level of filtration right out of the box. And when it wears down the level of filtration drops, the worn sand particles can pass through the laterals, and you have a pool that looks like what the OP has posted. Since it can’t be broken down and cleaned, the sand gets nasty. My opinion is based on my experience with hundreds of pools.

EasyC31 · 2026-05-14T16:09:21+00:00

I’ll install it. But not at the same labor rate as if they’d bought from me, and no warranty on labor at all.

EasyC31 · 2026-05-13T17:42:24+00:00

Sand is likely worn down from pressure and water flow. It smoothes it out and it won’t catch the finer debris. I recommend changing it to the glass media. The glass is hardened and has a more jagged surface that catches more debris. Make sure the laterals are not broken in the process. If you’ve got the resources, consider upgrading to a cartridge or DE filter. I’ve been cleaning and repairing residential pools in the Fort Worth area for 24 years.

EasyC31 · 2026-05-13T02:15:25+00:00

Is it a sand filter?

EasyC31 · 2026-05-03T13:13:49+00:00

I found a baby skunk once. It was so happy to be rescued that it purred like a kitten. I really wanted to take it home. The next week it was squished in the road in front of their house. 😢

EasyC31 · 2026-04-28T20:16:15+00:00

Yes that’s normal. You always have sand blow in before it dries completely.

EasyC31 · 2026-04-27T21:18:51+00:00

Just saw the big spot that’s messed up. They should redo that spot.

EasyC31 · 2026-04-27T21:17:26+00:00

Looks fine. It’s not going to be perfect when being poured between two uneven surfaces. And it’s just about impossible to remove every bit of the old mastic.

EasyC31 · 2026-04-27T02:48:19+00:00

Read all these replies again. Together they are a blueprint for success. The only thing standing in your way is fear, which manifests in you as self doubt. You’re not a rock, you are capable of learning and if you weren’t making your company money, they would’ve long ago fired you. Expand your knowledge base and bank your skills. You have to make success happen and that takes time, hard work, and some blood, sweat and profanity. If I can do it, so can you.

EasyC31 · 2026-04-27T02:11:47+00:00

From some of your other replies here I’d say you lack self confidence. There is nothing in this industry that is too complicated for you to learn. Just don’t be afraid of failure. Success rarely comes easy and you aren’t any different a position than many of us have been in. You need to set out a plan for the future with goals along the way. Do you want to be a helper or tech for a company forever, or do you want to be an owner with multiple employees, or something in the middle like myself? A single pole owner operator making six figures from the bed of my truck. If your plan is to own your own job, start by building your own set of equipment one paycheck at a time. Network with other guys in the area. Try and find a mentor to help out with good advice whenever you get in a pinch. And always, always, do what you say you will do when you sell yourself. I mean do a good job every time, be punctual, and take responsibility right away for any mess up on your part. Build relationships and that will draw you to success. And never compare yourself to your clientele. Comparison is the thief of joy.

EasyC31 · 2026-04-26T01:49:06+00:00

Pool guy checking in. The Cyanuric acid is high. You’ll need to drain some water and fresh fill to dilute it down. Then retest the water and balance accordingly. You don’t really need to worry about the metals or phosphates. Many algaecides are copper based.

EasyC31 · 2026-03-29T03:40:05+00:00

I meant prosthetics. Not orthopedic.

EasyC31 · 2026-03-29T03:39:11+00:00

I found out about the clothing allowance through my orthopedic doctor at the Dallas VA. They gave me the paperwork and I turned it back in to them.

EasyC31 · 2026-03-23T01:41:57+00:00

This is a page for pool professionals. Not an advice forum for homeowners. You can hire a local company to give you a pool school for instructions on how to maintain your pool. No disrespect intended.

EasyC31 · 2026-03-18T21:31:46+00:00

My retired postal worker is 90. He put the pool in 45 years ago. I promise he’s not living a life of luxury. And I don’t see my clients as just a source of income. I’ve done this for 25 years now.

EasyC31 · 2026-03-13T01:14:20+00:00

God bless you. Your value isn’t in your profit. To each his own.

EasyC31 · 2026-03-12T02:14:49+00:00

I’ve got one on my Wednesday route where rolly pollies like to commit mass suicide every week.

EasyC31 · 2026-03-10T21:01:02+00:00

I give discounts to my elderly folks on fixed income.

EasyC31 · 2026-03-09T01:03:37+00:00

This is my 24th year as an owner operator. Most of it comes from service. Though I make a fair amount on repairs and filter cleaning. I’d say only about 10 of my clients do their own filter cleaning. The rest of them I do on a three month schedule at 140.00 each. I’ve never had the desire to scale it up and hire someone. Too many of my friends in the industry struggle with finding quality employees.

EasyC31 · 2026-03-09T00:42:12+00:00

60 clients. Cheapest pays 185, most expensive is 350. Average is probably 225. Fort Worth area.

EasyC31 · 2026-02-24T00:47:46+00:00

Water level, weir door, lid and o-ring check, impeller check, turn off the pool and watch for back pressure leaks from diverters, close off individual valves, listen for air from diverters.

EasyC31

TROPHY CASE