And.....Pool Is Operational

But not without a few days of frustration...why are things never simple?  We knew the valve on the sand filter needed to be replaced.  While the pool company has a location here...the main branch is about a 35 minute drive from us.  We were assured a new valve was set aside for us at the main branch...and since son-in-law works close by...he went in to pick it up.

And....there was no valve there....it needed to be ordered!  With no idea how long it would take for arrival.  Son-in-law left empty handed.  After numerous attempts to contact both branches by telephone...voice messages left...no one returned our calls.  Their reasoning... "they are busy".  Well...duh...it's pool season!  When did you expect to be busy...February?  Oh..and the valve we needed...was inadvertently sent out to someone getting a pool install.

I went in to our location..and advised them...this issue was going to be resolved...that day.  How did that need to happen?  I might have been a bit abrupt.  Now...they had a sand filter there...which they were using for parts...and it still contained the valve we needed.  Huh?  Anyhow...for an extra $60 we chose to replace the whole sand filter...along with three bags of sand required to fill it.

Just one hitch...there were no sand filters at this location.  Not a problem...daughter, grand baby & I made the 35 minute commute to the main branch...and voila.  After enjoying an impromptu lunch...we headed home with new sand filter in tow.  

This is the valve...which in retrospect had served us well for 12 years...that caused all the problems. (this is the new one that came with the filter tank).

Mr. Seventies was under the deck installing the tank to the pool pump...I decided a photo of the box would have to suffice...

We held our breath as he turned on the pump...although I have complete faith in Mr. Seventies and his capabilities.  I had been assured if he ran into any issues...a pool technician could come...but I really don't put a great deal of stock in that...since we've been led down that garden path before.  Mr. Seventies replaced the backwash hose as well...we had a roll of it on hand..

So far so good!  It's pretty icky...but we have excellent water flow and circulation...

Mr. Seventies will get me a water sample tomorrow...and I'll take it in for analysis.  Usually a bottle of buffer is required...then it's just a matter of adding the chlorine, pucks and algicide.  And in no time...the water will be clear!

Once it is...the steps will be set in...and swim season is underway.  We had a couple of very hot days...temperatures broke previously set records...a cold front has moved through today...with a strong wind. But we will be ready for hot weather now!  A few days of sun....and we will be ready to put the solar blanket on overnight.

Looking forward now to refreshing swims!