Messages

101

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: The official goEMAW Swimming Pool thread.

« on: May 26, 2023, 10:49:41 AM »

a hydrogen gas explosion

OH THE POOLMANITY!

I risk my life ever day on the front lines of Pool War III and I and my fellow poolttiots to not appreciate this level of casual dismissal of the heroic and absolutely necessary risks we take for society!  I patiently await your apology.  Good day.

102

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: The official goEMAW Swimming Pool thread.

« on: May 26, 2023, 09:34:53 AM »

So I think I have the explosion cause  pinpointed now.  This pool/spa has an old school plumbing set up. The spa is only 1/2” raised from the pool.  When it is like that, there is no need to plumb a spa overflow line during construction.  A spa overflow is utilized in systems where the attached spa is elevated as there needs to be a mechanical check valve in place on such systems in order from gravity taking over when the pump/waterflow turns off.  This is because in those systems, the spa will drain into the pool every night via the plumbing until the 2 connected but separate bodies of water equal a balanced state.  This results in water loss out the pool overflow drain.  The next day the pump turns on, the spa is filled by pulling water out of the pool, more water is added and water loss and chemical dilution occurs over and over and over againn.

So with this system, water is constantly going through the spa returns.  His system also had someone install dual salt cells on it last summer.  Salt cells constantly off gas sodium hydrochloride, hydrochlourus acid, and HYDROGEN.  The hydrogen gas over time made its way past the spa venturi plumbing and was just sitting in the air blower line waiting for a way to escape.  Well, there was no way to escape unless someone new this was happening and they as able to purge the line.  Not the case.  Me testing the air blower was the first opportunity the hydrogen had and it was via an ignition source.

So yeah, all signs point towards a hydrogen gas explosion that I got to experience yesterday.  Ad bad as it was, I am pretty sure it would have been much much worse later.  rough ridin' hell man.

103

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: The official goEMAW Swimming Pool thread.

« on: May 25, 2023, 08:37:23 PM »

Does the "VS" in Janky VS stand for "Very Special"?

VS = Variable Speed

VSF = Variable Speed & Flow.  Same concept but allows you to program pump by flow rate instead of motor rpm.  Used for systems that require very specific flow rates due to features and other hydraulic requirements.

104

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: The official goEMAW Swimming Pool thread.

« on: May 25, 2023, 08:07:29 PM »

My pump is not variable speed and hogs electricity like Tang and transfers. Would like to swap it out for a variable speed one with a timer. It looks like I could just disconnect fittings on both sides and swap them out, plug the new one in, set timer, and high five my wife. Is there anything else to worry about? 

What pump should I buy?  Pool is just under 20,000gal.

Most pumps do not simply line up with other pumps irt unions on the pump inlet and outlet unless the pump you currently have has a vs model you can swap it out with.  So plumbing will probably be required.

Additionally, switching to a vs pump may require you to upgrade your electrical circuit supplying the pump.  VS pumps generally are rated at higher amps than single speed pumps.  You can program them to draw less electricity but the circuit has to be able to withhold  the max amps that the equipment on it draws.

Send me pics of equipment, pump, motor rating plate on pump, and pool.  We can point you in the right direction.

Sorry for taking so long to get back to this. current pump is a Jandy FloPro


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So Jandy makes that model of pump in a VS version.

https://www.jandy.com/en/products/pool-pumps/vs-flopro-1-hp

If you have Jandy automation then just buying the pump will suffice.  Connecting the low boltage communication from the pump to the computer will allow you to program and operate the pump seamlessly.  There are older Aqualink automation PCBs that do not support variable speed pumps but if the computer is recent and/or has the iAqualink phone controls it will.

If you have mechanical controls or a Pentair automation system (not sure about Hayward’s capabilities) then you will need to buy the accompanying mountable controller to program pump.

As far as plumbing, that pump will be a direct coupler swap-out.  Meaning that you will only need a large pair of channel locks to swap out the pump on the plumbing.

As far as electrical, you will need a 20amp service for that pump.  If that is what you currently have and no other equipment is on the circuit, you will be fine.  If their is any other electrical equipment on that circuit and you have a 20amp then you will want to speak with your electrician on if your breaker/service meets your requirements.

Nice.

So, there are no controls. They literally have me turning the breaker on/off to control the pump. It’s a 40a circuit with nothing else on it.  With this, it sounds like I also need to buy a controller with the Jandy VS. I really want to prog/control with my phone and not use the breaker like a switch.

The link I provided has the information for the controller on it. That controller though is a dumb controller and is just a direct communication link to the pump only.  No external/phone capabilities.

This link though is what you would need instead of the direct control interface.

https://www.jandy.com/en/products/pool-pumps/iqpump01

105

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: The official goEMAW Swimming Pool thread.

« on: May 25, 2023, 08:02:31 PM »

I second the move to a house with a pool idea unless you have money that you never really want to see a return on.  I mean fun will be had for sure with a pool but pools don’t really add much value to a property.  Just makes the property more or less desirable to certain different people.

But, if you are going to be in the house forever and/or think a pool will be something you will enjoy, go for it Steve Dave. 

106

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: The official goEMAW Swimming Pool thread.

« on: May 25, 2023, 07:50:47 PM »

My pump is not variable speed and hogs electricity like Tang and transfers. Would like to swap it out for a variable speed one with a timer. It looks like I could just disconnect fittings on both sides and swap them out, plug the new one in, set timer, and high five my wife. Is there anything else to worry about? 

What pump should I buy?  Pool is just under 20,000gal.

Most pumps do not simply line up with other pumps irt unions on the pump inlet and outlet unless the pump you currently have has a vs model you can swap it out with.  So plumbing will probably be required.

Additionally, switching to a vs pump may require you to upgrade your electrical circuit supplying the pump.  VS pumps generally are rated at higher amps than single speed pumps.  You can program them to draw less electricity but the circuit has to be able to withhold  the max amps that the equipment on it draws.

Send me pics of equipment, pump, motor rating plate on pump, and pool.  We can point you in the right direction.

Sorry for taking so long to get back to this. current pump is a Jandy FloPro


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So Jandy makes that model of pump in a VS version.

https://www.jandy.com/en/products/pool-pumps/vs-flopro-1-hp

If you have Jandy automation then just buying the pump will suffice.  Connecting the low boltage communication from the pump to the computer will allow you to program and operate the pump seamlessly.  There are older Aqualink automation PCBs that do not support variable speed pumps but if the computer is recent and/or has the iAqualink phone controls it will.

If you have mechanical controls or a Pentair automation system (not sure about Hayward’s capabilities) then you will need to buy the accompanying mountable controller to program pump.

As far as plumbing, that pump will be a direct coupler swap-out.  Meaning that you will only need a large pair of channel locks to swap out the pump on the plumbing.

As far as electrical, you will need a 20amp service for that pump.  If that is what you currently have and no other equipment is on the circuit, you will be fine.  If their is any other electrical equipment on that circuit and you have a 20amp then you will want to speak with your electrician on if your breaker/service meets your requirements.

107

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: The official goEMAW Swimming Pool thread.

« on: May 25, 2023, 04:19:10 PM »

Shitter was full, clark

 

108

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: The official goEMAW Swimming Pool thread.

« on: May 25, 2023, 01:56:44 PM »

How you managed to avoid serious injury astonishes me.

Also, seems like an awfully awkward situation from a client management perspective.

Yes, very.  “Hey customer, when I pushed a button there was a pretty significant explosion that easily could have resulted in me being in the hospital or worse.  Yeah, have no clue how it happened nor do many of my trusted professionals that have been in the industry for 40+ years.”

The current working theory is that there was a buildup of methane gas in the line from rotting living plant or animal debris.  But for in order for that to happen, there would need to be plenty of debris blocking the line and significant time.  That is pretty directly contradictory to the customer’s almost 100% certainty that they have used the air blower multiple times since purchasing the house a little over a year ago.

109

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: The official goEMAW Swimming Pool thread.

« on: May 25, 2023, 12:21:22 PM »

Anyone thinking of getting a pool should just read the last couple of pages of this thread.

Glad your face didn't get blown off AST. You should prob get your earballs checked out at some point though.

Thanks man.  I just went through the past 1 year of invoices the customer sent me from the previous repair company and there was no mention of any work done to the air blower or plumbing associated with it.  So it is possible that someone did work but did not invoice for it but that is not likely.  I know I charge for all work that I do or I do not due it.  And the customer says they know for a fact the air blower was used occasionally this past fall and winter.

So the really scary part is there is still not explanation for what highly combustive material/fumes were in the plumbing and additionally how they got there.  Fun stuff!

So the scary part is

110

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: The official goEMAW Swimming Pool thread.

« on: May 25, 2023, 11:16:30 AM »

Scariest moment in my pool career just unfolded this morning. Customer having a big party this weekend and I was asked over to fix a pump leak and check all the equipment. So I am checking everything. The last thing I check is the air blower for spa. The instant I press the button on the automation to engage the relay for the air blower and explosion occurred. Momentary fireball, noise concussion so loud that I could not hear anything other than ringing, landscaping pebbles from the ground cover raining down, jagged pvc shrapnel everywhere with a piece even knocking my hat off. All while I am trying to figure out what the eff just happened and if I am still in danger.

About 5 minutes later I could finally hear again and there is still a slight ringing in my ears 1.5 hours later. I have always known that you can not do any sort of plumbing repairs on an air blower line without giving ample time for the pvc glue & cleaner fumes time to vent. That is why I always return the next day to reinstall the blower on the plumbing. But there was no plumbing done today, or by anyone recently on the property. Briefly spoke with the customer and she said they use the blower occasionally.

I have spoken with several trusted industry veterans and the general conclusion is this. Someway somehow something highly combustive had found its way into the blower line. When and how is beyond any possible scenario that any of us can come up with. This is just not rough ridin' normal. So the moment the blower motor engaged either a spark or the change in pressure caused the explosion.

Still shaking. I would call it a day but these customers need the pump replaced for their party.

111

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: cooking

« on: May 22, 2023, 05:05:31 PM »

Brush pan/parchment with evoo, drizzle with maple syrup & balsamic glaze, set sliced onion on top, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme, lay puff pastry on top (I used store bought frozen), brush with egg wash.  Cook at 350° until puffed.

This is it.  This is all you have to do.  I subbed in portobellos on half because I thought it would be good.  It was.  Next time though I will slicke the bellos thin. 

did you pre cook the shrooms to get rid of some water?

No I did not.  The pastry came out fine but the shrooms were just a little al dente.  I guess that would be another solution to the problem.

112

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: cooking

« on: May 21, 2023, 06:58:51 PM »

Brush pan/parchment with evoo, drizzle with maple syrup & balsamic glaze, set sliced onion on top, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme, lay puff pastry on top (I used store bought frozen), brush with egg wash.  Cook at 350° until puffed.

This is it.  This is all you have to do.  I subbed in portobellos on half because I thought it would be good.  It was.  Next time though I will slicke the bellos thin. 

113

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: cooking

« on: May 21, 2023, 01:50:18 PM »

Calm your jets guys, this is truly a top 5 easiest thing I’ve made this past year.

114

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: cooking

« on: May 21, 2023, 09:46:56 AM »

Made some  savory maple & balsamic puff pastries this morning.  Fantastic.  Half vidalia and half portobello.  Thyme as the herb.










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115

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: cooking

« on: May 14, 2023, 02:43:18 PM »

do you just scrape the mold off or what

I think the article was about stale bread, not moldy bread.  I could be wrong though.

116

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: cooking

« on: May 14, 2023, 11:23:15 AM »

Had no idea

https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/cooking-tips/article/how-to-revive-stale-bread


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I literally read this head to tail a couple days ago and was clueless as well.  Awesome info to have.


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117

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: cooking

« on: May 14, 2023, 11:22:26 AM »

Double post

118

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: cooking

« on: May 14, 2023, 11:22:25 AM »

A little bacon & sweet pepper quiche action for mother’s day.  Sweet cayenne crema and lime for the fresh fruit.












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119

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: Any cyclists?

« on: May 02, 2023, 10:00:06 PM »

gravel bikes are the best. also the roads are generally garbage where i live with debris and broken glass, etc, so my gravel bike with tubeless tires is kind of my DD. what bikes are on your list?
i've never done the belgian waffle but i've heard it's a great event. that elev gain is real

I don%u2019t have an extremely narrow list yet.  Just doing more research currently while I start on the trainer.  I will most likely go the route of seeing what is gently us d and available to get the most bang for my buck.  I have been keeping an eye on The Pro%u2019s Closet.  I have heard good things about them and there are some nice bikes on there.  I will also keep a lookout for bikes on consignment sale at a couple local shops.

Looking for a double ring set up, I am a spinner that tries to keep it above 90 cadence almost always.  I know that really narrows down my selection.  Tubeless or tubeless ready.  Non-carbon frame, carbon forks are fine.  Have not been swayed one way or the other on 650 vs 700.  GRX600 equivalent or above. 

This bike popped up and man, it is hard for me not to pull the trigger right now.  I promised my wife that I would not buy until I logged hours on the trainer and need to hold up my end of the deal.  It is so dang sexy.

https://www.theproscloset.com/products/2020-gunnar-hyper-xx-l

It sounds like you are a dyed in the wool roadie at heart. I got my gravel bike right before 1x became standard and that's kind of my only regret. Maybe test drive a 1x setup before you commit to a 2x. Otoh if where you live is mostly flat and you want max speed, 2x would be fine.
If you're anti-carbon frame I would 100% recommend steel frame (carbon fork is totally fine but try to find one with fork mounts).
Coming from road bikes, you would probably be most comfortable on a bike with endurance road type geometry. About half of gravel bikes on the market are basically evolved mtb's with drop bars and you would maybe find that jarring.
And would go with a wheel/tire setup in the 700x40 range.

edit: hydro brakes and thru-axles are a must (industry standard now in the price range you're looking at; but if you get a used bike just double check the specs)

100% of my miles logged have been on the road.  I feel that having familiarness of my gear range that I have trained with for years out-weights the benefit of switching to 1x because it is more streamlined and rugged to handle the rigors of gravel rides.  Most of my week day rides will be indoor trainer miles and a good portion of my weekend rides will still feature large sections of asphalt and open road to get to gravel.  Alas, living right in the center of Dallas is not great for an aspiring gravel rider.

120

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: Any cyclists?

« on: May 01, 2023, 07:37:23 PM »

gravel bikes are the best. also the roads are generally garbage where i live with debris and broken glass, etc, so my gravel bike with tubeless tires is kind of my DD. what bikes are on your list?
i've never done the belgian waffle but i've heard it's a great event. that elev gain is real

I don’t have an extremely narrow list yet.  Just doing more research currently while I start on the trainer.  I will most likely go the route of seeing what is gently us d and available to get the most bang for my buck.  I have been keeping an eye on The Pro’s Closet.  I have heard good things about them and there are some nice bikes on there.  I will also keep a lookout for bikes on consignment sale at a couple local shops.

Looking for a double ring set up, I am a spinner that tries to keep it above 90 cadence almost always.  I know that really narrows down my selection.  Tubeless or tubeless ready.  Non-carbon frame, carbon forks are fine.  Have not been swayed one way or the other on 650 vs 700.  GRX600 equivalent or above. 

This bike popped up and man, it is hard for me not to pull the trigger right now.  I promised my wife that I would not buy until I logged hours on the trainer and need to hold up my end of the deal.  It is so dang sexy.

https://www.theproscloset.com/products/2020-gunnar-hyper-xx-l

121

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: Any cyclists?

« on: April 30, 2023, 01:54:49 PM »

Hey guys, thanks for keeping me inspired for a return to cycling.  The conquests of this thread are great motivators.  I have long since planned my return and think it has finally come.  But I think I am going gravel.  And with that in mind, any of you ever ridden the Belgian Waffle Ride in Lawerence?  It is in October and is basically a 200k with about 8,000’ of elevation gain.

I set up my trainer today with the goal of logging at least an hour a day for the next 2 months with most likely some longer sessions on weekends.  If I hit my training goals, I will be buying a gravel bike on July 1st and signing up for the ride.  Maybe I will see some of you in Lawrence in the fall.

 


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122

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: tacos, por favor

« on: April 22, 2023, 09:56:06 PM »

Taquitos West Ave San Antonio.  Lengua, cabeza, pastor.




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I love that place! I’ve posted ITT from there several times. How long are you in town?

Already gone.  Just flew into airport, grabbed tacos, and headed to Kerrville.

123

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: cooking

« on: April 22, 2023, 01:38:57 PM »

Smash
Triple smash
Double smash

124

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: tacos, por favor

« on: April 22, 2023, 11:37:16 AM »

Taquitos West Ave San Antonio.  Lengua, cabeza, pastor.




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125

Essentially Flyertalk / Re: Ask Steve Dave Farm And Cow And Ranch And Tractor And Truck Related Questions

« on: April 21, 2023, 08:23:44 PM »

Dang man, that sucks.  I guess it is a good thing it is early in the year?  Looking for silver linings.