Although inflatable plugs are extremely convenient and versatile, they’re also less durable than other types of plugs. To keep them in proper working order and avoid unnecessary replacement it is important to use them correctly. Be careful to inflate the plugs only to the specified PSI (pounds per square inch) designated for each one. While it may be tempting to overfill a plug to try to fill a slightly larger line, you’ll save money in the long run by using the appropriate plug for the pipe being tested. The best way to ensure proper inflation pressure is to use a hand pump with an attached gauge. Since not all sizes have the same required inflation pressure, we’re provided a chart below for easy reference:
Trade show season is here and to help you get ready for it Aqua Magazine put out an article titled Tips for a Better Trade Show. We couldn’t help but notice the nice picture of Anderson Manufacturing’s Lance Anderson in the booth talking over retail products with a customer.
Anderson Manufacturing at the International Pool Spa and Patio Show.
In the post Ted Lawrence highlights tips from good notetaking to beating the traffic. Much of his article, however, was directed towards finding new products. While lots of our time, energy and promotion is spent on the leak detection equipment side of things we have many innovative and time tested leak detection and repair products that make great retail intems. Here is a highlight of a few retail items that you could sell to customers or stock your service crews with:
Leak Locating Dye
This dye tester is a crucial tool in leak detection both for the experienced leak detection crew or the homeowner that wants to try to locate themselves. It is a low cost but high value product that can move on a retail floor. Try the new florescent if you haven’t used it before.
Leakmaster Quick Set Putty
Fast Curing, two part epoxy in a convenient single stick format. Quick set putty is great for cracked skimmers, cracked in the pool shell and has thousands of applications outside of the pool as well making it a desirable purchase.
Vinyl Pool Patches
Peel and stick patches work above and below water. Patch fast and effective. Works in cold water.
New Leakmaster Pool Glue – Stop by the booth this year to get more details on the new Leakmaster underwater all pool glue.
We have lots of retail and repair items available. Make sure read the article to prepare for the show and plan to stop by our booth!
We often get asked from current users of LeakTrac 2100 or 2200 units about the differences in the new LeakTrac 2400. The new device operates in a very familiar way yet offers a number of advantages which are the result the more robust, energy efficient, and feature rich digital circuitry.
Here’s what’s new:
1. Touch pad controls will reduce problems related to corrosion build-up on knob contacts.
Updated SPU helps limit corrosion build up.
2. Digitally controlled speaker enables pitch variation as well as click rate variation when you’re zeroing in on a leak. In addition to helping to pinpoint problems this feature also enable you to perform Jimi Hendrix-like LeakTrac solos when the audience demands.
3. The new unit uses a more robust and conventional wireless frequency (2.4 Ghz) for communication between the Booster and the SPU. This change will be especially important to our international customers who can now be assured that the unit conforms to international wireless standards.
4. The Power requirement of the Booster has been reduced from sixteen to eight AA batteries. These batteries can be more easily changed with brass knobs on the bottom of the unit rather than the screws on older units that were prone to stripping.
New Thumb Screws makes changing batteries easier and faster.
5. The SPU now uses 2 AA batteries which can be easily replaced by opening a snap-on access panel. No more awkward dis-assembly of the entire unit in order to replace batteries. One supply of AA batteries will keep you prepared to replenish both the Booster and the SPU.
Overall the LT400 provides the same accurate and dependable results our customers have come to rely on over the last 20 years to help build their leak detection businesses and find leaks in vinyl liners.
Any one who has built or serviced pools for any length of time knows that pools can move in relation to the surrounding soil. Since the underground plumbing is held in place by the soil this movement frequently causes leaks at or near return fittings where the plumbing is integrated with the pool structures. A simple pressure test and/or dye test can often confirm where the problem is, but the solution to the fix is far from simple.
Common Leaks in Return Fittings
Historically there have been two methods of repair.
The first and most effective method is to replace the broken fitting or pipe. This method can be quite extensive due to digging through the concrete deck. Whether it is the high cost or an interest in preserving the aesthetics of a decorative deck, customers often are looking for an alternative solution.
Patching the crack in the fitting, has historically been the alternative to the extensive replacement option. This far less expensive solution would consist of patching the leak from the inside of the fitting or pipe with an epoxy or glue. H20 Glue, and Quickset Putty would be common products used due to their adhesive nature and ability to be applied underwater. Applying patch material comes with its own set of challenges and has varied results, but can still be an effective solution, especially with improved quality of patch products now available.
There is now another option to this problem and after its first year on the market the Fitting Saverhas been very well received. The Fitting Saver provides a long term solution that installs in minutes. The Fitting Saver slides into a broken fitting and creates a seal in both the 1 ½” threads of the fitting and the 1 ½” pipe beyond the break. A ¾” open pipe extends through the seals enabling water to pass through the repaired fitting when the pool is put back into service. The repair can be completed in minutes and provides a semi-permanent solution that eliminates the need for immediate fitting replacement.
In many areas of the country with expansive soils or ground freezing winters the forces that caused a crack in the first place don’t go away. The tension that caused the crack in the first place will often cause a patch to come loose or even a replacement fitting to crack again. The unique design of the fitting saver handles this challenge since the rubber seals provide some flexibility and will maintain a seal even with some movement.
The Fitting Saver comes in a Short (4″) version and an Extended (14″) version. It also comes with a decorative cover for a finishing look. This new innovative product is a slick solution to the common problem of a leaking return fitting. Click Here for product video.
Return fittings are, and will continue to be, a source for leaks and an opportunity to service your customer. Finding the right solution for your customer depends on several variables only you can determine. Now you have another option.
How many broken fittings do you come across each year? Which solution do you tend to recommend?
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