Jim's AGP Journey

[bjmsam]

Thanks! I lifted the rail very slowly (using my thinnest tie-down straps in hopes that they would serve as the sacrificial weakest link) and only high enough to drive the new boards under the support with a rubber mallet. Considering this pool is just a big sack of water, the approach worked pretty much as anticipated.

 

[kimkats]

Just like everything else you have done this was spot on and oh so well done!

 

[jseyfert3]

Hey, that seems very familiar!

26' Intex - Planning, Install, Upgrades, and Landscaping Thread

So...I will try the jack method. I don't think it'll be much of an issue. I tried manually lifting a post and I could start it moving without much effort, say 50 pounds of force or so. I don't need to lift much, just above the surface of the foam, slide a block in, set down. Did you try...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[bjmsam]

The last swim of this second season was enjoyed thoroughly (83°F air and water) before the winter cover went on today with only cooler temperatures in the forecast. Looking forward to next season with a new solar cover reel (details to follow)!

 

[bjmsam]

Eagerly anticipating our third season, I just mounted the custom pool reel that I had a local welder assemble from three 6-ft x 3-in 16-Gauge Galvanized Steel Chain Link Fence Terminal Posts (found on CL for next to nothing) and a pair of Self-Aligning Pillow Block Bearings (cheap on Amazon). No more fooling around with flimsy plastic and aluminum bits!

 

[kimkats]

You sure don't do any thing half way! Man that looks NICE!!!

 

[bjmsam]

Thanks! He did a terrific job, and it is super stout. Smooth cranking and no sagging!

Air temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-80°F range here by the end of this week, but my water temperature is only 59°F, so today I removed the cover, engaged the filter pump and solar heater, and started to SLAM!

End of week update
First swim of season three: 12 May 2023 (vs. 14 May 2022 and 27 April 2021)
Air Temperature: 85°F
Water Temperature: 73°F

 

[Isca]

Such a lovely job of everything!

 

[bjmsam]

Thank you! We certainly are enjoying it.

As posted in another thread, we recently added an Inkbird IBS-M2 Wi-Fi Gateway with IBS-P02R-O Thermometer:

My pool is too far away from the house for the sensor to communicate reliably with the gateway, but as my Wi-Fi signal is strong (TP-Link CPE-210), I mounted the gateway in a waterproof enclosure mounted to the deck. It's convenient to monitor air and water temperature at the pool, and with an additional IBS-P02R-O sensor, water temperature at the pond, too!

"IN" reflects air temperature and humidity measured in the box (which is warmer than ambient due to sunlight upon the box and electronics within the box, but about how it feels when sitting on the deck - I have since relocated it to the north stair stringer where it is shaded by treads and risers) while "OUT 2" reflects water temperature measured at 4-6 inches below the surface of the pool. It's interesting to see the temperature fluctuating daily while trending up weekly:

Surface temperature is elevated before we start swimming and the water mixes:

 

[bjmsam]

June wasn't a great pool month due to drifting smoke from the Canadian wildfires, but July is making up for it!

Nothing really to report other than replacing the failed Intex pressure gauge with a better one using fittings that orient it for easier viewing given how my filter is positioned.

• Pool Filter Pressure Gauge, Liquid Filled 304 Stainless Steel Case, 0-35psi/250kpa, 2-in Dial Size, 1/4-in MNPT, Center Back Mount
• Barstock 90-deg Street Elbow Brass Pipe Fitting, 1/4-in FNPT Female to 1/4-in FNPT
• Long Brass Pipe Nipple, 1/4-in MNPT x 1/4-in MNPT x 2-in length
• Hose Fitting Adapter 1/4-in FNPT x 1/8-in MNPT

 

[kimkats]

Yeah kind of nice to be able to read the gauge without playing twisted LOL Well done!

 

[bjmsam]

The pool survived a third winter, and thanks to the early heat wave, season four has begun!

 

[kimkats]

Let the cannon balls begin!

 

[bjmsam]

Lightning struck a tree in our pasture and fried (among many other things) the Intex pump's GFCI plug and controller board, but this helpful post and schematic restored service prompty!

I was able to get it running by bypassing the control circuit board and display board.

No functionality has been lost, as the pump was controlled by an external timer anyway.

 

[kne]

I might of missed it, but what thermometer do you use? Mine now looks like this and time to get a new one

 

[bjmsam]

I might of missed it, but what thermometer do you use?

It's the IBS-P02R-O.

As posted in another thread, we recently added an Inkbird IBS-M2 Wi-Fi Gateway with IBS-P02R-O Thermometer

More info in the other thread:

Thanks for your testimonials, which helped inform my purchase of an Inkbird IBS-M2 Wi-Fi Gateway with IBS-P02R-O Thermometer. My pool is too far away from the house for the sensor to communicate reliably with the gateway, but as my Wi-Fi signal is strong (TP-Link CPE-210), I mounted the gateway in a waterproof enclosure mounted to the deck. It's convenient to monitor air and water temperature at the pool, and with an additional IBS-P02R-O sensor, water temperature at the pond, too!

Something flew off with the one in the pond, which was tethered!

 

[kne]

It's the IBS-P02R-O.

More info in the other thread:

Something flew off with the one in the pond, which was tethered!

Thank you! Added to my cart, now I just wait until $90 doesn't sound crazy for a thermometer I can look at on my phone, lol. Usually a couple vodka sodas make all purchases seem reasonable.

 

[toolerb50]

I use this one, just a little crazier so maybe a few vs a couple will make it even more reasonable. On my 3rd season with it and still running strong. I leave it in year round.

https://a.co/d/0f6yU6h

 

[kne]

I use this one, just a little crazier so maybe a few vs a couple will make it even more reasonable. On my 3rd season with it and still running strong. I leave it in year round.

https://a.co/d/0f6yU6h

What are you guys trying to do to me?!?!

 

[bkp22]

I have the ambient weather station (love it btw) and they sell a $30 submergeable sensor I would recommend over the floating one. It's cheaper and you can use pool patches to adhere it to the side wall of your pool so it stays out of the way. Only downside is the unit is not waterproof. I just used a ziplock bag and zip tied it inside.



You of course get all the charts.