just bought house with SWG but going away for a month...

[ellexesse]

We just got a house with a SWG and I don't know what to do about opening the pool up. We have arrived and it is clear but there was not enough salt in it (guessing the previous owner was using chlorine). We have a few more days here until we have to go away for a month and I don't know whether we should try to get the chemistry right now or just cover it over, add some shock and hope for the best. We can't get someone to come over whilst we are away because we have no money left from buying the house (!) and also don't know anyone in the area.

Any ideas? I started to try to get the chlorine levels up but now I'm thinking that its just a poinless task. If we leave it for another month, will it be really hard to clear up? Water was at 18c (64f) yesterday and the we live in the Pyrenees in France.

Thanks
Elle

 

[baudilus]

It may take longer than you have to get your numbers in line - I would bring it up to shock levels a cover it. Do you have access to a good quality test kit?

 

[ellexesse]

im afraid we don't have a good test kit. just a simple ph and cl tester. Not much use. Just about to order a good one though, although that doesn't help much!!

 

[JasonLion]

I agree with baudilus, add chlorine and cover.

 

[frustratedpoolmom]

We can help you clear it when you return.

 

[ellexesse]

in the absence of a decent test kit, and therefore no way of finding out the shock level, would you just leave it as is? It is already going green.

Sorry for my ignorance.

 

[frustratedpoolmom]

Yes. You'll just be guessing, you won't really make any progress, and you'll likely just waste chlorine at this point.

 

[ellexesse]

thanks so much for the help. Should be fun cleaning it up in a months time! How long does it normally take to get it swimming standards?

 

[JasonLion]

It varies, anything from a couple of hours to a week. It depends both on how bad the pool gets while you are gone (it might be just fine) and how diligent you are about the cleanup process.

 

[baudilus]

I would also just check that the pH is above 7 and below 8 to avoid any damage to pool surfaces and equipment while you're away.