Busy Day

For waking up late (7:30 or something like that) and having no real plans, I sure did a lot today.

Started with some work. Nothing real heavy just a few little knick-knacks that were rolling around in my head. I doubt anyone will even notice. Not like me working on a Saturday morning is odd, but working because I felt like it was different. Beats the 5am logins I was pulling last weekend by far.

After the girls got up and breakfast was had, I ran out to barter some beer for a kid backpack. I’d started looking at the kid carriers a while ago, but the designs and choices were a bit over-whelming. Trading someone beer for their older and unused one was easier.

So far I’ve traded a bike frame and now beer for baby stuff. What’s next?

Hopefully the weather breaks some (should tomorrow) and we can get out to use it beyond washing dishes and cooking.

After the carrier was squared away I did some more work on closing the pool. I’m taking a whole new attitude/plan toward pool closings. I used to try and bust my ass to get it all done in  a day, but now realize that’s not necessary. Yes the pool has to be drained and covered in a day, but the equipment and line clearing can be done later as long as you do it before it’s starts freezing. Today the plan was to get the equipment prepared for winter. I’d save the line clearing for some other time.

Again, I decided on a new plan this year. In the past I had covered everything (pump and filter) with a tarp once the water was all drained and everything was dry. Last year I didn’t bother with the tarp and paid the consequences (my motor bearings died) this July. This year I decided to remove the pump entirely and store it in my garage. It’s not real hard and pays off way better in the long run. Once I had the pump removed, I started looking at the filter and thought why not do the same? It’s the same stainless steel filter that’s been there for 20 years. Maybe it’s time it started staying in doors during the winter too? Unlike the pump motor which could be repaired at a local shop, when the filter goes, it has to be replaced. Price tag on that is about $1,000.00. So yeah I took it apart too.

Now all that’s left outside for the winter is pipe. If pipe can’t withstand the weather, pipe can easily be replaced. Though now that I’m looking at that multi-port valve, maybe I’ll at least wrap it in some kind of protection.

The next question was where to store it all? First option was just in the (second) garage.

But that would get annoying over the next 9 months. I’d be moving it and moving it again, before I’d probably knock something over then have to replace it all anyway. Again, a little more work, but hauling up into the attic proved the best solution. It’s dry and, most important, completely out of the way.

Why I never did this before, I have no idea. As long as this helps make it all last a few more years, I’ll be fine. Unless of course anyone’s willing to trade some beer for a new pool filter when I need it.

– b