March 7 2020 Pool/Spa Problem

We arrived home at 1:00pm and Sydney the security guard asked us to come to the pool and listen because something does not sound right.  Sure enough, we heard the spa pump whining.  Ken immediately went to get the water hose because this indicates the spa is low on water.  It was not until after he started the hose reel to fill the spa that he noticed what really went wrong.   The line to the autofill device was disconnected and the red hose was connected to the faucet.   The pool guy was seen filling the large pool with the red hose last week.  Sidney removed the disconnect to stop the pump.  Three points to consider about this incident:

1.   The hot tub leak was supposedly fixed.  Considering the amount of rain in the last few days and the fact that the heater is not working I don't think the leak is fixed.
2.   The autofill connection is a kluge job with an above ground PVC pipe which will eventually freeze in the wintertime.
3.   Someone removed the autofill connection when they could have just connected the hose to the Y-connector instead of removing the Y-connector which disabled the autofill.  

This is the hose reel connected to the faucet.

Here is the problem the autofill pipe is disconnected.  Note they used a Y-connection which can be easily taken off and the autofill will be rendered useless again.  This is a very poor design.

 

Sidney located the disconnect box and removed the connector.

This is what the disconnector looks like.  

Sidney removed it from the box and put the connector to the back of the box.

This is the spa pump which was cavitating because it had run out of water.

Thanks to Sidney our guard.

The connector is behind the box.

At the same time, Sidney reported that the entry gate from Beach Blvd. failed to close.  Ken and Sidney attempted to reset the control by recycling the on-off switch with no success.  The gate would only close by releasing the clutch.  Gate secured with cone.

2019 Walk the Builiding with Engineer Ken Hoffman

We start at the top of Beau View.

This is the view on top of the roof.  The roofing is a rubber roof which goes up the walls.  To protect the roof,  thick rubber mat walkways lead to the right a storage room and to the left the Elevator Mechanical room and to the other exit.

Aviation obstruction lights are placed all around the perimeter of the walls and on the peaks of the roof.  Also we have many lightening arrestors to divert lightening strikes from damaging the facility.

One of our new roof vent fans for the two trash chutes.  This eliminates the smell away from the building.

Tour of the Elevator Room

Here is the view of the three hoist machines for elevators 1, 2 and 3.

Elevators 2 and 3 had the lift cables replaced this fall along with other upgrades.

Tour of the Fire Alarm System

The fire pump room is located on the second floor to the right from the entry going to the exercise room.  The fire pump has not operated correctly for some time.  A test revealed it needed to be completely rebuilt and has been accomplished.  This pump will supply water to fire department connection of hoses or  when the sprinkler system has been activated.

This is the dry sprinkler system control room.  The system controls were completely replaced including the compressor.  This was part of the nuisance fire alarms as the old unit leaked.

New exterior surface mount fire pulls are now installed on all floors.  The old devices were extensively corroded as shown above which resulted in repeated false fire alarms.  The new devices shield the sensitive electronics from moisture.  

This is the Fire Command Center where the Biloxi Fire Department checks into to see what is going on with a fire alarm.  Preventative measures with replumbing has corrected water intruding in the room.

This is the master fire detection panel and other equipment used by the Firemen.  Also on the front of the panel is a list of Handicapped people requiring assistance to evacuate the building.

Tour of the Domestic Water Machinery

Also located on the second floor are the three water pumps which supply the water used throughout the building.  The three pumps are programmed to operate in sequence to assure we have pressure at all time.  Soon we will have to replace the electronic control board which is housed in the large gray box.  This unit is obsolete and will be replaced with one more sophisticated and one fourth the size of the obsolete unit.

What is in the closet across from the elevator on each floor?

This is the electrical distribution for each floor.  You have heard us emphasize "NOTHING CAN BE STORED IN THIS CLOSET".  Here is why.  Combustible material in this closet could result in possible fire which would render the building with no power.  

Also located in the Electrical closet on two different floors are the data acquisition and battery back up for our fire system.   Each unit requires three ups batteries which have been recently replaced.  

Also located in the Electrical closet is where your internet is distributed throughout the building.  Four connectivity units are located throughout the building in Electrical closets.

The power meters are located on every other floor in the Electrical closet.  Mississippi Power replaced all the meters this past year which do not need a meter reader.  Your power usage is sent electronically to Mississippi Power for calculation of your power bill. 

 Also we learned the electrical distribution on each floor will not sustain additional power requirements for tankless water heaters so for now we have to prohibit any further installation of tankless water heaters.

Located on the second floor (nicely located above flood levels) are the central power supply switchboards for the entire building.

CARE OF THE POOLS AND HOT TUB SPA

This summer much work was done to enclose the pool equipment. Also you will soon be able to see the new pool lights. Work is still ongoing as we work to protect our investment in pool related equipment.

The hot tub received an autofill device and search for the leak which we hope is fixed.  Also new lights are being installed. 

REMEMBER FOR HEALTH REASONS ONLY ADULTS ARE ALLOWED IN THE HOT TUB SPA.

Much effort has been made to restore all the speakers to operation.

The new spa blower in the forground.

The new heater for the spa.

Also a new inline chlorinator was installed for both pools.  A new Kiddie pool pump was installed.

New filters installed.

GENERATOR REGENERATED

We have a 500kw diesel generator which has low hours of operation and is in good condition.  This powers the emergency lights, fire pump, domestic water pump and elevators in case of an emergency.  At least 15 sprinkler heads(which have been removed) were spraying the housing of the generator for 13 years.  Rust clearly and nearly destroyed the housing.  The roof was sheathed with new roofing material, the vent tube covered and the louver doors had to be replaced completely.  It still needs to be secured from rust holes in the sides, painted with rust preventive paint and a cover for the circuit breaker panel.

GATES

For many years we have had problems with our gates not operating properly.  The gate openers are 13 years old and malfunction frequently.  We are currently soliciting bids for replacement of all four openers.  Please bear with us while we complete this task.

I  thank you for taking the tour with me.  It has been my pleasure to serve on this Board in the capacity of Engineer of Operations.  My time on the board will expire with the Annual Meeting.  This is my home and I am proud to be able to contribute to its well being. 

Ken Hoffman