We bought a 16'x48" Intex Ultra Pool last year. We are in Texas so it was left up throughout the winter. We probably made all of the mistakes that new owners made. Although, I repeatedly discussed it with my husband, we did not cover it, did not unhook the pump or hoses, and did not drain the pool. We had more snowfall here in Texas than I've ever seen in February. We also had several days with freezing temperature. We think the pump may have frozen, water leaked from the hoses (we think). The pool lost water for a while, then I realized that the skimmer basket was floating in the pool, so I think it was slowling siphoning the water. It was still hooked up to the hose, but not the pump. Before we add more water and use the pump again, I want to make sure that the pump works and will not leak. Is there a way to do this? I was thinking about using a kiddie pool or something to see. We now have about 18" of green water with periodic clumps that look like oatmeal, and lots of bugs in there. My thoughts are to shock this water, then drain it to clean the bottom of the pool before adding more water. Can you give me anymore advice? There are also fire ants on the pump, will those damage it? We have a pump from a friend that has been housed inside. I'm not sure if it is strong enough for this pool or not. Otherwise we may have to look into a new pump/filter.
Thanks for any help you might give me.
Thanks for any help you might give me.