10 day vacation upcoming - help please

[andy_andy]

I know this question has been covered before, but I'm a little nervous as this is my longest vacation since I've owned a pool. I will be gone for 10 days. I'm currently running my SWCG 12 hours a day at 100% and this produces the right amount of chlorine. I was going to keep that going while I'm gone. I'm sure my pH will be high when I get back, but I will lower it before I leave.

My only real concern is the water level. I live in northern Alabama and it's very hot, so I usually add water at least once a week. And I hear we are in for several very hot days while I'm gone.

My first thought was to turn off my 2 skimmers so that the pump only pulls from the 2 drains in my pool. What do you guys think about that? Is there any reason why that would be a bad idea?

Thanks!

 

[AimeeH]

I know this question has been covered before, but I'm a little nervous as this is my longest vacation since I've owned a pool. I will be gone for 10 days. I'm currently running my SWCG 12 hours a day at 100% and this produces the right amount of chlorine. I was going to keep that going while I'm gone. I'm sure my pH will be high when I get back, but I will lower it before I leave.

My only real concern is the water level. I live in northern Alabama and it's very hot, so I usually add water at least once a week. And I hear we are in for several very hot days while I'm gone.

My first thought was to turn off my 2 skimmers so that the pump only pulls from the 2 drains in my pool. What do you guys think about that? Is there any reason why that would be a bad idea?

Thanks!

I did the same thing last year......panicked before a 14 day vacation abroad. I had peace of mind that a family friend agreed to check every couple of days. I returned to a green pool but we had a great two weeks in Bavaria and northern Italy.

I think you'll be fine. Mine was on a timer for 8 hours a day with SWG probably at 40%.

 

[woodyp]

Absolutely nobody available to come by and stick a hose in for awhile for ya'?

 

[Lilypad]

If it's in your budget, what about a Pool Sentry Water Leveler? Garden hose and auto fill would take care of your pool for you.

 

[andy_andy]

Thanks for the posts guys. I am working to see if I can get a friend to add the water. And the automatic leveler looks cool. But my question remains: it's not a problem to turn off the skimmer is it?

 

[AftonJeeper]

I've only shut off my skimmers once when I was lowering the water level for winterizing. Water flow slowed down a bit but didn't have any issues with my pump starving. You might want to test it out before leaving.