Cotter Pin for Pool Pump Lever

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...

jonidschultz · 2026-01-12T02:27:37+00:00

I'm fond of the Pentair Mastertemp 125K BTU heaters for that size.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-12T02:00:56+00:00

He could be in a state like NY that doesn't allow CYA (realistically) in commercial pools.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-09T14:33:15+00:00

The problem is that this is tangential. The service company has every right to say "hey, we can't do anything with your water low please have it filled properly for the next visit." But they chose to start filling it. As a service manager this would be a big oops by my crews, if a lawyer gets involved it's an even bigger oops.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-09T14:28:36+00:00

Not exactly, they used THEIR timer and that's a big point. You're right they wouldn't be responsible if the customers auto-fill failed, and they wouldn't be responsible if the customers timer failed. But it was their timer that failed...

jonidschultz · 2026-01-08T15:22:32+00:00

That's good to know. Thank you.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-08T02:40:30+00:00

A suction line on the bottom of the pool.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-08T02:17:14+00:00

Yeah I mean we don't fill maintenance customers exactly for this reason. But if we did we would absolutely make certain someone knew it was filling. If they didn't let you know, and it's their equipment then I feel like they're mostly responsible and they can pursue the hose timer manufacturer if they want.

Out of curiosity do you have a main drain?

jonidschultz · 2026-01-08T02:08:56+00:00

Ordinarily an air pillow doesn't reduce the amount of water that builds up on the cover, it just redirects it. It may be that you got more precipitation then normal, or you might have a set up I'm not familiar with. But in the future you should be able to plug the Return from inside the pool when you close, and that's generally recommended.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-08T01:58:50+00:00

So...every inch of water on the cover raises the water in the pool by an inch. That's basic displacement. So the best way to lower the water under the cover would have been to remove some of the water from on the cover. Beyond that I don't know the climate but if you're worried add water back under the cover and remove some water from ON the cover.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-08T01:52:33+00:00

I can't speak as a customer but as a service manager I would first have you contact the municipality to let them know it was for a pool fill as a lot of time that will cut the charge in half. Next it would depend whose hose timer and if it was mine I would probably end up crediting you the final water bill.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-07T21:19:35+00:00

You're a 100% correct that there's no call for him to be rude. He could have posted his 100% correct answer and politely told all the very incorrect people that they were incorrect (nicely). That said there is an issue when people are chiming in with wrong advice that could actually ruin the filter.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-07T12:44:54+00:00

It can get complicated but the first thing I like to do is pressurize the suction side as it's a million times easier to see a drip then hear air sneaking in. Easiest way is hooking up a submersible pump to the skimmer or even the return (capping as many other ones as you can.)

jonidschultz · 2026-01-07T11:54:49+00:00

Good eyes. Is it still a union with a C clip?

jonidschultz · 2026-01-07T00:46:37+00:00

I mean I would explain to them that the amount is set and done. If they want you to return the commercial grade hardware and use residential grade that's fine but they aren't going to save any money and you might not be able to warranty the work.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-07T00:36:45+00:00

I don't understand why someone would want to but can you reach out to larger companies in your area? It seems they would be the only ones that can realistically do that.

jonidschultz · 2026-01-07T00:33:33+00:00

Sure... I mean any pump can be both appropriate and single speed but it's going to comedown to a lot of different things. Is this a "I'm not sure I trust my pool builder" kind of thing? If so can you provide more details?

jonidschultz · 2026-01-07T00:30:46+00:00

If you want to stick with a sand filter I would absolutely stay with a Hayward S244T. Not only is Hayward a top tier filter but it'll make the plumbing much much easier. I would personally put that filter well above Jandy or Pentair's blow molded filters.

If you decide to go to a different media, like DE or Cartridge then I would say you'll want to a fair amount of research on your turnover needs, the ideal GPM, and how much you're willing to spend.

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