chessie
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Posts posted by chessie
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-Oracle -Thanks for helpful reply.Can confirm that it was the best - bought on recommendation of top pool man on here - and it IS the reddish brown - so that was fortunate.The OH opened filter set-up yesterday afternoon; we have dosed the wonderful Zeolite with salt but only for 18 hours - plus I talked very nicely to the Zeolite - seems to have worked. Did thorough backwash and rinse as well. Next time will be treated with TLC for 48 hours. As it's already the beginning of July and we're only just opening the pool it won't be used very much this summer so hopefully just this short dose will be effective for the next three months. Would have left the salt treatment for longer but we have friends arriving this weekend - a greenish or cloudy pool would be a bit of a disappointment so felt under a bit of a 'deadline' at the moment.Pool is now cloudy but clearing - much sighs of relief all round. And have printed out helpful info from this and the other questions of mine to keep for reference. I had not realised that Zeolite needed to be treated each season - but is now on our check-list for the future.I am so grateful for the help and info that is always available on this forum; I think this time it has prevented one of us (me) - deciding to go back to the UK for a 'short' holiday and a break !!! Many thanks -Chessie
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Sorry - this is in addition to earlier question.Have done on-line checking - seen reference to 'regenerating Zeolite using Salt'.Anyone know about this? Reference made to salt - is this ordinary domestic household salt ?He Who Doesn't Listen is starting to grumble about 'having to take filter apart' - if I tell HWDL that the whole load of Zeolite has to be removed - I know I won't have a pool this summer.....!!If I can get away with the regeneration bit for a few months - then find someone who can clear out filter for me in the Autumn might make my life easier - and happier; there's nothing worse than a 'grumbler'.
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Hello Clever BodsI know you're all busy at the moment and sorry to bother you -But - need help.We have above-ground pool, (12 x 24ft) with more than adequate pump - filter size is right - and we have the wonderful Zeolite.At the very end of last year, as we were closing pool, which we had to rush, couldn't give the pool proper clean through. Water wasn't clear, slightly green - but just had to leave it.This year, because of the unsettled weather, we're late opening pool. Pump problems - now sorted.Pool water was clear but there were funny little lumps of the sort of green algae that you'd expect on the sides of pools after winter - but these were in little round lumps on the bottom of the pool.We 'scooped' a lot of these out; we then brushed the sides and 'vacced' to waste all the 'stuff' from the sides and bottom of pool. Also put in the right amount of chlorine but left water balance which seemed to be on the highish side of normal (hard water area) and we'd put an eighth of fresh water into pool. The water itself looked very slightly 'cloudy' but I didn't worry because I thought we'd be working on pool in next day or two - but we didn't.Pool has been opened today; what was almost clear water has now gone a lovely lime green...Now put in loads more chlorine, and the PH balance is now down to 7.6.Pump and filter have been running for a few hours, but water doesn't seem to be clearing.Horrible thought; the Zeolite we have in filter is about 5 years old; we use the pool, very lightly because there's mainly just me using pool; we run pump and filter during the summer to keep water clean - but the pool is only ever used for 4 months maximum.Has the Zeolite reached the end of its useful life ?How long is Zeolite supposed to keep working ?Almost hate to ask, because Him Who Never Listens is going to hate me, and hate having to disconnect all the hoses, and tip out the Zeolite and replace.Almost afraid to ask this question - but do long for my lovely clear blue swimpool.Help please.Chessie
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Theiere & Half-blindThought I'd update you.Pump sorted - I have my friend back purring away quite sweetly.Asked in local forum if anyone knew someone or shop that could look at pump. Back came replies recommending local workshop. Take pump down there - sorted in half an hour.This clever bod knew what the problem was immediately, takes pump and starts work on it there and then and in half an hour it was working. Turns out it was only the capacitor - it had blown - and was obvious when he'd removed it from the little black box. He also took apart the two main sections just to check there was no other problem.Amazing man, friendly, courteous and helpful and cost us 45 Euros.Will be recommending him to everyone. Thank you for your very helpful advice; I'm breathing sighs of relief that it wasn't anything more serious - but I know who to go to if we have another problem. Isn't nice to know 'someone who can' fix problems. And I now know more about swimpool pumps than I ever imagined I would need to know.Will now be able to enjoy pool and it looks as though we're now in for several days of hot sunshine - so sunshine, pool and long drink - part of the reason we cam to France - so there's a few days of sheer heaven ahead.Have a lovely summer - and thanks for help.Regards - Chessie
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..... cold shower time I reckon - oooh - chocolate whatever.............Uhmm - what - a chocie covered devis - ahOK - thanks Theiere - another bit of good advice, although I have had several recs about this repair shop with specific ref to 'not expensive' - so we'll see what happens. (Over in 47 Lot-et-G by the way)You really live and learn out here don't you; never thought I'd be digging into the innards of a swim pool pump when I was on the 9 to 5 boring routine - all good fun this French lark - now where's the chocy bar - and the muffin....and.......!!Chessie
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Gosh - I was just getting a bit confused there - 'take photos' and 'mud covered thighs' got mixed up in my head into one sentence - [:D] - really need to have swim pool ready to cool me down !!!OK - serious - OH will not, is totally adamant, that he's 'not touching' any of the wires - would be much happier taking the whole pump down to the repair shop as is. But your advice, Theiere, about taking photo was excellent - not sure if I'd have thought of that. But not necessary this time.I do hope, though, that others who may be reading this, remember your good advice for future ref. Still can't helping thinking about 'the thighs' though !!Chessie
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Hello halfblind - thanks for your very informative reply. Couldn't work out symbols so I wrote '20uu' with plus/minus 5% SH - or could that have been an FH? (worse than computer code !!) I couldn't put the 'tail' on - but I think this- the 20uu(tail) is what you are referring to for the MicroFarads (as in Faraday I presume ?)Have discovered, via personal recs, that there is an excellent electrical repair shop locally - with good reputation and who does definitely repair swimpool pumps; had considered taking the whole assembly along to him - but your idea is probably a lot better; can I be absolutely clear - the capacitor can be removed quite easily, and it is the black stubby round 'thing' - looks a Roman Candle firework (oh the good old days); rather than the whole black box itself with the other bits of wiring that sits on top of the motor - don't need to take whole black box just the black round container type thing. (Sorry for technology but I'm sure you can understand that I'm having difficulty with all these terms !!). I'm of the 'pick it up and shake it' school - which never really seems to work - you'd think I'd know better by now. As for the men (more like little boys) running around - silly little prima donnas; give me the real men with 'the thighs' chasing oval balls - although it doesn't take long for 'the thighs' to become mud covered - then I lose interest...!!!If the pool pump were working I could have sanctuary - as it is, it isn't, so I don't - life gets complicated.Fingers crossed it is just the capacitor - thanks for good advice.Chessie
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Thank you both - it's so nice to have helpful experts on here - superb.Here's a link to the exact pump we have - (hope mods allow this- please -http://www.poolpartsonline.com/p-59806-astral-sena-pump-parts-spa-parts-pool-parts.aspx (USA site - haven't found French one)The details on the black capacitor are as follows - hope he's copied them correctly - it's an Astral Sena Pump -On one side is written - SO7103and -S.OK20uu +/- 5%SH400u - 10000 H\CL.B450v +/- 3000 H\CL.C500v +/- 120 + 20 2/01000h/cc D-25/85/21 PO#AI CE EN 60047On top plate - Single phase induction motorModel - YY71220.55kw 0.75hp3.45A2780 r/minF 450 VS1 IP55Ins F50 Hz230 vWhere would I obtain such a capacitor - haven't found any French pool site yet that seems to offer such detailed replacement parts - any suggestions as to where I could try ?This will give you a smile -I went to ask OH if he'd take the cover off the electrical gubbins for me so we could get these details. I went into the living room and he was watching the tv - there was some sort of game with lots of men racing round after a ball - he certainly did not appreciate me disturbing him; I decided discretion was the best part of whatever - and disappeared for a an hour or so. What was going on ? (!!!) Talk about living dangerously - that's one of my nine lives lost tonight !!Oh well - Chessie
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Hello Theiere - thank you for not laughing at me!This pump is only 4 years old, and has been used for about 4 months max each year so if it is the bearings then it's a bit of shame.OK - we'll try the capacitor first; trouble is nearest pool shop (presumably that's the place to go) is over 30 minutes drive away - could we get capacitor from anywhere else ?As for taking the cover off round the impeller housing (where the water enters the pump) - this is where his cautious nature comes into play and he really doesn't want to delve too much into a bit of mechanical gear that he knows nothing about. The fan at the end of the motor does move - freely - by hand; it started moving - under power - once it had been spun - but within 10 seconds we then had this awful screeching noise from the motor, then motor stopped - and elec immediately turned off - with both of us wondering if we'd done further damage to poor pump.If we were to take this pump to a pool shop - would they be able to test for us while we wait; and could we rely on them to say that 'capacitor needs replacing' ? Thank you for sparing time to help a novice - very kind of you. Chessie
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OK - dumb question - please be kind.We have a large above-ground pool. We have a Zeolite filled large filter and a powerful pump - both 3 or 4 years old. We are in the process of opening the pool (late because summer has been late arriving this year). Everyone's nightmare - the pump won't start. It just hums at us. Pump has been disconnected from water hoses and 'looked at'. The electrical connections seem clean; the black capacitor seems brand-new. The housing for the motor fan has been removed and sprayed with WD40. OH plugs in the power, the fan starts to work - there's a dreadful screeching - and the fan stops working. We can turn the fan by hand and it spins OK - but once power is applied it doesn't. Pump is an Astral Senna .75v 9 m/3 h for a pool 12ft x 24ft.I know there's other parts of this pump where the water enters and gets pushed into the filter and out. We don't want to touch this however.What worries me is that this 'testing' of the motor was done without any water going through pump - have we totally damaged the pump?Can you 'repair' and test a pump as a stand-alone without the water flow from hoses - ie test 'dry' - or have we now ruined pump ?What could have caused original problem - and any ideas or help much appreciated (even if the only comment that can be made is 'dumbkopf'.. - don't mind !!!
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We have been having odd problems with TV reception - odd break-up of pix from time to time.The OH has decided - because it's affecting the cricket coverage - 'that something must be done...'At the moment OH is on top of ladder, with a bucket full of soapy warm water in one hand, and a sponge in the other - vigorously washing the sahara dust and winter dust from the satellite dish.In the words of a famous sit-com - I'm wondering - 'Do you think that's wise, Captain Mainwairing...?' Tell me OH isn't going to cause more problems with tv reception...... or should the dish be left well enough alone - not touched.... Must admit it looks funny though; one of my comments - 'won't grow any bigger by washing it you know' - has not gone down at all well. Must remember to keep to my study this evening I think !!!!Chessie
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Must admit that - thinking 8 - 10 years down the line, whether we might be better moving back to UK and renting, and leave house here to be 'staged' and looking clean, tidy and spotless. Having to keep everything clutter-free for at least 6 months whilst house is on the market would drive us all totally nuts.As for those of you describing your horror stories about tenants can I just make one point. Aren't letting agents in the UK supposed to carry out brief inspections every 3 or 4 months, then if the tenant isn't keeping their side of the contract it's possible for them to be served notice. I know Letting Agents aren't cheap but it would surely have prevented some of the horrible horror stories mentioned above. And I am sympathetic - it's not easy getting in a team of builders, decorators, plumbers, arrange new white goods and carpets - and all the time there's no rent coming in.Why do we own property ? !! (Don't answer, please....). Any more horror stories anyone ?Chessie
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- confused - (well I don't think you are) -You took the words out of my mouth; your comments exactly mirrored mine when I read NickP's comments. If you have UK income then it is better to keep your UK bank account; once you are out here it is impossible to change from one UK bank to another - can't be done. You can only try to switch accounts within your bank - but you can't change.Sometimes people don't seem to really appreciate the problems that the ex-Pats do have out here; and sometimes our grievances are genuine and real, there isn't much we can do about them - except moan.And let's get back to the EDF direct debits. EDF have increased our direct debit payments by 30% - even though our electricity consumption has remained pretty much the same over the past 2 years. EDF seem to be doing to us what they are doing to their UK customers - taking far too much in direct debit payments - and by the time we get credited with the amount overpaid EDF have had the use of OUR money.I think I'll need to run this aspect of the joys of living in France on a more appropriate page - like how to get EDF to reduce their unfair increase in direct debits - should be fun.Chessie
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It's the banks getting more of 'our' money any way they can.What happens when, as explained above, 'they' take the maximum amount from your card - and you then have to wait 15 days before the money is returned to you. Presumably the money is 'yours', in your debit card account - in this case it means 'they' have taken your money, and have had the use of your money until 'they'; are good enough to return it to you 15 days later.Or is it only 'technical' money ?I hate the banks; I hate EDF which have almost doubled the amount of money we pay per month in direct debits for our electricity bill; VISA card which now charges for EVERY single transaction on our UK Visa card for any purchase made using that card here in France; our Bank for doubling the transaction charges for transferring money from our UK to our French bank accounts...I HATE the whole s------g lot of them. You have to watch 'em - and at the end of the day there is almost no escape from their clutches.Sorry - but feel better now after my daily 'rant' against the world..- and 'them'.... !!!Chessie
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Several things to bear in mind here. Firstly, it was Milliband Jnr who kept referring to the influence his father had on his views and his thinking. As Milliband is a potential PM of the UK then it is only right the voters are aware of the influences and ideas which will shape whatever decisions Milliband will have to make.If Milliband Jnr had not kept referring to his father, then there would not have been an increasing wish to know more about this 'great influence' on the life of Milliband Jnr.Regardless of whether Milliband Snr 'fought' for the UK in the war - it was more that he was fighting for his own country, along with the Italians, and French, and Polish etc who were in the UK and fighting at the same time. I doubt whether they were fighting for the 'love' of the UK - but to free their own countries.Having seen one of Milliband Snrs lectures then I must say that I found his views very left-wing, rather suspect - and not those of a so-called patriot. The Home Office at the time Millband Grand Snr applied for refugee admission were extremely unhappy and suspicious about the Millibands. If Milliband Jnr hadn't played on the 'my father - my greatest influence' then maybe there wouldn't have been a desire to just check out the guy and see exactly what was so inspiring about his thoughts and ideology. Milliband Jnr is now throwing his toys out of pram, putting even more pressure on Levenson to 'control' the press - but he brought it all on himself, and I have absolutely no sympathy for him.This is the man who leads a party, which is supposed to represent the working-class but doesn't, and for whom the chattering class of Islington, and the social workers, and all the other do-goodie little lefties cheered and triumphed and behaved disgracefully when Baroness Thatcher died. For that, if for no other reason, I think it only right that Milliband Jnr's parental influences are held up to the light and scrutinised.As for 'Britishness' - I would suggest that watching Prof Brian Cox as he celebrates all the great British inventions that we have contributed to the world, and which makes this world a better (?) place - from the telegraph to the world-wide web; look at Magna Carta, our Bill of Rights - both of which formed the basis of the American Constitution. Our legal system copied around the world. Our democracy - first in the World. I think Britishness is a sense of fair play, and expect to be treated fairly by other people - but which has now been corrupted by the Europeanisation of our politics with the corruption, and lying, and double-dealing that seems to have arrived with the Common Market/EEC and now the wonderful European Union - harmonise everything.Chessie
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- retread -Agree with you that 27 is lovely (28 is better); 26 is refreshing and 25/24 is refreshingly cool; anything less is very very refreshingly cool ouch ouch ouch...But in fairness to the Brits when they come out here to lovely France they expect the sunshine and high temperatures - but don't realise that pool temps are likely to feel coolish because between 26 to 28 it is far more refreshing than too warm. Any warmer and the pool would be same temp as the air temp - and you don't get that lovely cooling contrast.Your comment about 'happy to splash around at 16' - but that's the difference isn't it ? Happy to splash, get their toes cold, and legs blue - but they are not swimming in the sea - and that is what they will be using a swim pool for here in France for more than 2 minutes at a time. So there is a subtle difference.Agree about the 'some people will complain whatever' comments though. Chessie
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To everyone who loves, and misses Boots - please read this.Today I logged onto the Boots website just to check on an item - and I got a pop-up screen indicating that Boots will soon be delivering outside the UK - including to France.According to the web-site it will 'be soon' - you are asked to sign-up and Boots will then advise when this service is on-line.So if any of you are interested - and would like to sign-up to encourage Boots to 'march swiftly' on with this - don't hesitate.And no - I have nothing at all to do with Boots; just a customer who, on every visit to the UK, stocks up with bits and bobs I love and can't get out here.Chessie
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One VERY important point about the General Anaesthetic; there are growing concerns about the use of GA's for the more 'mature' patient. There are indications that GA's can lead to onset of dementia; we've had personal experience of this in my family, and there are growing number of cases where patients have had GAs and 'not been themselves' after the op. Please be careful about GAs unless it is absolutely necessary.I can remember my mother having a hip joint replacement op and the procedure was done with sedation and an epidural - couldn't believe it but that was what happened. Today's sedation drugs are so good that you can be 'out of it' but not anaesthetised.Just thought I'd throw this option in for good measure - but whatever the procedure hope everything is 'clear' and continues to be so.Chessie
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- Gardian -You know what'll happen now don't you ? The Welsh version of 'Sod's Law' will now operate; when you know you've bought something that's not quite right, but 'it'll do for the time being' - and you're just longing in your heart for it to give up the ghost -IT WON'T - it will go on, and on and on and on and on......... and will drive you insane in all that time because it's not quite strong enough to do what you want it to.It's called 'life and stuff' - and we never learn.Good luck with your new strimmer - may you have years and years of fun !!!!!!Chessie
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Oh - the joys of SatNav... the soothing voice... the clear directions -Until the driver ignores the SatNav and misses the turning !!!Prie-SatNav days I really was the excellent map reader; I knew where we were going, which direction (north, south, east, west) - could navigate by the sun and shadows...The problem came when the driver ignored my instructions, or 'mis-heard' them and we'd go speeding past a junction where we needed to go right or left. It was always a case of - 'you didn't tell me in time...' etc etc.One day I'd had enough; when the car had stopped at a set of lights I got out, and disappeared up through a no-entry road, round into a shopping mall. Spent the next half-hour wandering around, returned to the spot where I'd got out of the (prepared to take train or bus home (if I did indeed go home !!) - he'd parked the car and was waiting for me - looking extremely sheepish. Thank the Gods for a SatNav - I now sit in the back of the car and enjoy the scenery while he has his 'love-in' with his new mistress - the sexy voice on the SatNav... - aaaah married bliss, peace and quiet.Chessie
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Regardless of peoples' personal views on here can I just point out one important fact about a Referendum on the EU.Prior to the last General Election ALL three main parties promised a Referendum; the voters believed the promises made. Then the LibDems walked out when there was a debate in Parliament and refused to vote. The UK voters have been lied to time and time again; is it any wionder they are feeling totally disenfranchised. No-one asked them about mass immigration - which never appeared in any manifesto anyway but was done to spite the white Tory voting people... The Political parties broke their promises. Is it any wonder the UK voter no longer trusts anything said by any politician of any of the three main parties.This is why UKIP is being supported more and more; not necessarily because the UK voters want out; no-one knows what the voters because THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ASKED. The only time there was any Referendum on the EU was when Wilson did so - but that was referring to a Common Market; a Common Market, free trade and movement of goods is a vastly different set-up to what is now going on. No democratic government in Greece, Italy or Spain - the Euro bean-counters have moved in. There is talk of a European wide police force; a European wide Army - ready to be moved into a European country to face down the local population in case of civil disobedience. The European wide data-base; the banning of certain vitamins, etc etc etc etc.What we are seeing is NOT what we were told by Heath - 'no lose of sovereignity' - oh really. He admitted he'd lied 30 years later.The UK voter has had NO SAY about a Federal Central Control EU. It is only fair that the citizens of a democracy should be given the freedom of choice. I cannot imagine that anyone here would take the line of one Guardian commentator I read - that only he and he class should vote because the 'ordinarys' didn't have a clue - but he should have a vote because he did !!!!! Sheer b---y arrogance.....Sorry - but I think the people of the UK should be given a chance to decide on the future of THEIR country - the one their parents and grand-parents and families fought in Two World Wars to keep free - and to return freedom to the Continent. Chessie
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Dog remains.
in Pets
Jo - sad time for you - not going to say any more........But - PLEASE PLEASE take note of what Rabbie has said. Do INSIST (sorry for caps but Very Very Important) - that the vet sedates your pet FIRST - before administering the (sorry) - lethal dose. There are several threads on this, and other Forums, from pet owners very concerned over the way French vets have carried out this sad task. There are NO guarantees that any French vet will sedate first; please be aware of this; watching your pet in terrible distress at the end because the French vets do not do what UK vets do is the stuff of nightmares.I didn't know - until it happened to my beloved cat....... I do now - and I would INSIST on sedation first.Chessie -
Not having a book on 'The Rules of Etiquette' - I'm wondering how all you lovely people would handle this rather awkward situation ?Group of 8 people, all friends, booked in as a team for a Quiz Night. Two of the team (married couple), had to drop out for personal reasons 24 hours before Quiz takes place.Now if you were Team Leader do you (a) go along as team with reduced numbers? - or (b) make very late contact with other friends and ask them to make up numbers ?Team Leader (not me) has opted for (a). What would be your reaction if asked to join a Quiz Team to make up numbers only 24 hours before the Quiz Night ? There's various ways of looking at this - I'd be very interested to read comments - honestly !!Chessie
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- Gemonimo - same situation as yourself and I would use a local florist who had a shop just a few miles away from my mother's home. Having seen photos of the flowers delivered I was always pleased with what the florist had provided. Two things with using local florist; I feel you can be far more specific with what you want as regards types or colours of flowers in the bouquet. But the other - very very important thing for me -is that if you plan it in enough time you can always hand-write a card out here - and send it to the florist to attach to the bouquet which makes it even more personal. A local florist will always help - and contacting them directly is far more satisfactory than going through the impersonal 'international florist' route. Chessie
Cloudy pool - pressure guage showing zero - now what ?
in Swimming Pools in France
Posted