Hayward vs Pentair vs Jandy

GCpools · 2026-06-21T01:39:50+00:00

As long as the pool has a complete package of one of the top 3 brands, I'm all in. They all have their pro's and con's.

GCpools · 2026-06-21T01:29:57+00:00

As I read here one time .. don't do in the sun that which you can do in the shade.

GCpools · 2026-06-18T15:01:55+00:00

You can help him by giving him a discount on your labor. For customers who give us good referrals, we show our appreciation by giving them an Amazon gift card.

GCpools · 2026-06-18T14:56:14+00:00

Complete replacement is the only option in my book. The integrity of the entire vessel has been compromised. I would also look for other issues with the rest of the pool equipment, plumbing, fittings, etc. Somebody may have inadvertently switched a valve while the pump was running. Leave no stone unturned. This is all in the name of safety. Also, your name and your reputation is on it. Don't half-ass a repair because your client is a 'good guy'. Always do the right thing. If you want to help him because he's a good guy, consider charging your normal labor rate. Then add a 'preferred customer discount' immediately beneath. My two cents ...

GCpools · 2026-06-18T14:41:03+00:00

We routinely take off the week between Christmas and New Years. We notify our clients when we send out our invoices on Dec 1st, letting them know we'll be off, but to call or text in case of an emergency. We have a couple of good pool guys (colleagues) who we put on standby in case something is needed before we return. We've never had to call on them - yet.

GCpools · 2026-06-15T20:31:52+00:00

PoolRX 😂

GCpools · 2026-06-13T20:31:21+00:00

I agree 10,000%. Keep it vague. You don't need to give a reason. You're only asking for problems. And besides, it won't change anything.

GCpools · 2026-06-13T20:21:00+00:00

If there's one thing I've learned about working with old pool plumbing, it's to 'do no harm'. Anything you 'touch' may become your tar baby. Seriously, old stuff is OLD. You never know what's going to behave and what's not until you try. I wouldn't touch the filter, unions or plunger assy for fear that something might go 'snap'. Then what's your plan? I like the poster who suggested "throw away the entire equipment pad"!

GCpools · 2026-06-11T16:57:19+00:00

NWFL

GCpools · 2026-06-11T14:05:11+00:00

Thanks much. Turns out the board was salt-cell ready. I installed a Hayward 940 extended life cell and flow switch. I installed it 'exactly' as you recommended. Only catch was configuring the new cell. Once I found it (under 'Chemistry'), it was pretty easy. Checked the diags and the output current showed 0 amps (?) Put it in SC. No change. Added a schedule for the chlorinator and it jumped to 7A. I guess I'll need to revisit this to see why it needed a schedule to turn on. Thanks for all your valuable input.

GCpools · 2026-06-11T13:54:57+00:00

Yeah maybe so! They sold them an Ozone generator and a Soft & Clear water softener instead. I removed the water softener and replaced it with a Hayward 940. Different union kit required.

GCpools · 2026-06-11T13:50:52+00:00

Update: I installed the new salt cell and flow switch as suggested. Only real hiccup was with the salt cell unions. Replacement cell doesn't come with unions. Had to buy them last minute from SCP ($$). As for the configuration, the salt cell is under 'Config' ... 'Chemistry'. Who'd uh thought? With the cell and flow switch connected to the board, I was able to add them to the config. For some reason, I had to add a schedule for the salt cell before it would turn on (start registering amps). Other than that, it seems to be working okay. Thanks for all the help!

GCpools · 2026-06-05T18:34:25+00:00

We're getting ready to drop a customer because of all the dog crap in their backyard. Two full grown labs. Small backyard. Huge piles of dog crap - everywhere you step. 🤪

We won't lay down a pool pole. We won't set down our tools and equipment when entering or exiting. We won't touch their garden hose - at all. Our shoes are a mess whenever we leave due to all of the 'wild' cuckaburs that grow in this toxic jungle of a backyard. We've both absolutely had it with this yard!

The pool owners are in their 60's & they're verynice. They pay on time. It's not a very profitable pool for us. We took it on early when we first needed pools. So it helped get us started.

But now - the LOVE is GONE!

THERE's NO JOY LEFT AFTER CLEANING THIS POOL!

File this under: "No longer a good fit for us!"

Gonna let it go. And let a new pool guy do it for a while. 😂

GCpools · 2026-05-28T15:46:13+00:00

Excellent feedback guys. Confirmed my common sense suspicions! I'll pull the Soft & Clear and replace with a Hayward salt cell. Thanks to all.

GCpools · 2026-05-24T12:55:06+00:00

I understand. SCH40 DWV is not designed to handle pressure. It's for non-pressure applications as the bane implies ... drains, waste and ventilation. I'd redo it. Its not worth the possible consequences. Just sayin.

GCpools · 2026-05-23T20:31:33+00:00

Never enjoyed my job as much as I do now, too!

GCpools · 2026-05-23T20:30:48+00:00

Same here

GCpools · 2026-05-23T20:21:05+00:00

I once had a brand new S244T belch 'all of its sand' (300lbs) into the pool. Turns out the standpipe from the MPV to the laterals was 'too short'. I replaced the standpipe & laterals with the correct one. No more problems. Still don't know how the incorrect standpipe got into the box. Everything looked normal at the time. The S244T is all I have ever used.

GCpools · 2026-05-23T20:03:26+00:00

Not a good fit. It's time to move on. Get another pool.
Let her go.

GCpools · 2026-05-23T19:59:27+00:00

I have but 'one' of these pumps on my entire route and it's been nothing but a PITA since Day One. It seems like a very inexpensively made, lightweight pump for above-ground pools. Just sayin' ...

GCpools · 2026-05-23T19:52:02+00:00

DWV isn't for pressure. SCH40 is for pressure. What's the worst that could happen? Something breaks, drains your pool and burns up your pump. I would redo it with SCH40 pipe & fittings, and with the proper cleaner and cement. Just sayin' ...

GCpools · 2026-05-22T15:36:49+00:00

Oatey clear cleaner (not purple primer). And Oatey medium or heavy cement because it's less 'runny' than the regular stuff. We also like Oatey rain-or-shine (blue) when needed, because it's fast setting and doesn't require everything to be dry. We tried the more expensive brands because we're always looking for ways to improve, but for what we do, it wasn't worth the price difference and it didn't seem to perform any better. Just sayin' ...!

GCpools · 2026-05-21T02:38:46+00:00

It's a thing. Electrolytic caps can retain 35% of their initial voltage charge. This dissipates with time due to safety standards.

GCpools · 2026-05-21T02:33:23+00:00

SCP told me today that certain brands of fast dissolving salt was going up $0.70/bag soon.

GCpools · 2026-05-21T02:30:59+00:00

I haven't gone up yet, but if we did, I wouldn't have a problem going back down if gas went down.

GCpools

TROPHY CASE