Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questions

[rarenomad]

Hi all,

I'm brand new to these boards, I discovered it while performing some research before diving into the deep end which is my future home with an in-ground pool.

At this time all I know is that it is a standard chlorine pool, I'm not certain if the filter is DE or sand, but will be going back for my inspection which I'll be getting more details.

I did have a few questions though, with the climate now chillier, the pool is quite green. A dead rat is in there and I'm not sure what I want to know what is deep in the abyss.

The pool is retangular, i'd say about 12x24 or so, has a diving board. I dont know the depth, but I assume its at least 8" deep?

I am overwhelmed at the amount of information I need to consume...

Aside from going to a local pool company to have it professionally cleaned (which I have no idea how much it would cost vs DIY, which I have no issue doing, as long as I understand what it is i'm doing and why)

What things would you suggest for this newbie first? Should I hire a pool specialist to give me the in/outs or is it easy enough (through research) to get it in a good place for next year.

I have a few children and my main concern is their health overall.

The idea of converting the system to SWG did cross my mind, but for now I think i'll stick with it being chlorine based.

The only pool equipment I know I have is a cover. Anyone have any good suggestions as to what (and where) to buy next that is affordable but is durable? (nets, chemicals, robots, etc)

Thanks in advance to everyone, I look forward to reading up and getting myself educated.

Cheers!

 

[Divin Dave]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

Hello,

You have found the right place to have your questions answered. I'm new to pools also, and it is not as daunting as I imagined (and have heard about). This forum is all about DIY pool maintenance with regular every day items.

Bleach, Borax and Baking Soda are the main ingredients for good water.
Yes that's right. Regular old bleach, backing soda and borax. You will also probably get some muriatric acid and maybe some Cyanuric Acid aka CYA also called chlorine stabilizer.

Recommend to read the Pool School (over and over again) which is on the home page.
category.php?c=getting_started

The very first thing you will need to get is a good test kit. The TF-100 test kit which about everyone here recommends. Taylor K2006 is also a good one.
http://tftestkits.net/splash-page.html

This will get you started with the basics. Also, familiarize yourself and play around with the pool calculator. Very handy tool.
http://www.poolcalculator.com/

No reason you cannot clear up that green pool in short order yourself!

 

[jblizzle]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

Welcome to TFP!

Dave pointed you to some good info, but wanted to point out as few things.

Many pools never need borax or baking soda. Our methods are based on accurate testing and adding only what your pool needs.

Also we recommend using PoolMath (see link in my signature) instead of poolcalculator that has been abandoned by its owner.

Please ask questions as they come up.

 

[rarenomad]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

Thank you both for the warm welcome, after reading up on pool school, my first order of business would be the test kit, will probably pick up the TF100 XL since I can just order reagents for it if needed.

Im wondering though, since its nasty now, should I go ahead and make it "not so nasty" by cleaning and shocking it prior to re-winterizing it? Atm its just under the the holes which appear about 1ft under the waterline, the water isnt going into the...skimmer? (its a square opening where there is a round plastic top on the top surface...man im a noobie...

 

[Swampwoman]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

Welcome. I was in your shoes two years ago, with a major rehab required.

With the benefit of hindsight, I'd first, read up as suggested, and secondly, if you feel insecure at all about how the equipment works, pay a pool co. To SHOW you how it works and help identify the age and condition of system.

And then pretty much ignore or carefully vet anything else they might say (for example, I was able to successfully clear a very nasty pool that THEY couldn't seem to clear even a thousand bucks into the process...but I had the advantage of being available to monitor and taking an approach outlined here in pool school that the pros CANNOT undertake because they're not onsite long enough. AND however expert they sound, they will usually only know the information fed to them by the pool chem industry and same can be lopsided in favor of selling formulations that lead to unintended consequences.)

You can also just read the equipment models, look up online, post pictures here, watch YouTube videos etc. to truly DIY.

Keep us posted and we'll help you along. Also let us know once you've read thru pool school and then we can give you step by step reinforcement.

(In response you your new post)

If there is a lot of debris in the pool, I found a "leaf gulper" helpful - cheap and attaches to a garden hose-- for getting huge volumes of leaves off the bottom. You want to clear as much as you can before slamming/shocking because otherwise you're just wasting chlorine that will be eaten up by the organics.

So yes, get as much debris out as you can. Then decide whether you want to close clean or cleanup in spring (if people in GA even close...I'm up north, so don't know.)

 

[duraleigh]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

Im wondering though, since its nasty now, should I go ahead and make it "not so nasty" by cleaning and shocking it prior to re-winterizing it? Atm its just under the the holes which appear about 1ft under the waterline, the water isnt going into the...skimmer? (its a square opening where there is a round plastic top on the top surface...man im a noobie...

Since your water is drained below the skimmer, you would not realistically be able to clear your pool because you have no circulation.

I would suggest that you just close it on down for the winter and be prepared to clean it in the Spring when you reestablish the correct water level.

Read "The ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry" up in Pool School for a good place to start learning about your pool water.

 

[rarenomad]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

@Swampwoman: Very good points and thank you for sharing your experiences with me. Though it may have been at your great expense, I hope that if I focus on what you've told me I will navigate the minefield that I feel like im about to traverse.

@duraleigh: Thank you for your reply. I was mainly concerned that if I left it the way it was, aside from getting a leaf net and pulling out some of the organic stuff out so its not so....funky in the spring as you say then shock (slamming is the samething yes?) it to kingdom come.

I've been looking at this place:

https://www.poolsupplyworld.com/shock-c ... _chemicals

To buy the shock, if you guys have better sources i'm all ears. Btw, is a pool store the only place to buy a leaf net and skimmer?

 

[duraleigh]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

By far, liquid chlorine (bleach) is the best source of chlorine to SLAM your pool. Everything else has certain, often unwanted side effects so I would use bleach.

Cleaning the debris from the pool with a leaf net is a very good idea. I always suggest a very high end one (you won't find many good ones at the pool store) for sturdiness and longevity but they are pricey. Purity pool (online) has a good selection. I thinks it's puritypool.com

 

[jblizzle]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

We recommend the SLAM process and avoid the word "shock" as it means too many things to too many different folks.

By far the best source of chlorine is liquid chlorine / bleach. The solid forms have additives/binders that can cause problems. Read the first few articles in Pool School to learn about the chemistry.

 

[rarenomad]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

Just off the shelf laundy bleach? I am fairly certain that the pool has a vinyl liner, will it damage or fade it? I dont have the measurements, but I think its in the balpark of 12x24-ish, i'll need to get that information soon (just waiting on the final MI sign off, should be monday or tuesday god willing) How much guessing of bleach should I get to get the pool ready so I can just put the cover on it?

Im wondering, I did see that they have the cover for the pool nearlyby rolled up, it has a some damage (like cracking vinyl or whatever material they use, looks like a flap that is on top of the cover...again, something I'm wondering if the realtor/bank will be doing prior to the sale of the property....so many questions, you guys are fantastic btw!!!!

Ok, looking at the purity pool products on amazon (link on the website), I'm somewhat blown away with all the options, any recommendations?

EDIT:

@jblizzle: TYVM for the clarification, im doing my best to absorb all the info and just reread some of the terms in the chemistry. Im printing it out as we speak so I can staple it to my forhead

Yea, I think at this point my plan is to:
1. Buy the TF100 test kit
2. Buy a net to clean the pool (not sure which would fit me the best...Standard, Tuff duty, rag bag, Leaf chaser, silt) Im thinking a tuff duty and a silt one? So many options hehe

 

[duraleigh]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

I am fairly certain that the pool has a vinyl liner, will it damage or fade it?

A commonly asked question but, of course, you know the answer.....we would never suggest it if it did.

On leaf nets, I purchased the "Red Baron" with a rag bag netting and it has worked pretty flawlessly for me for four years.

Again, these things are at the top of the price range but they do a top of the line job and are quite durable.

 

[duraleigh]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

Purity Pool has a nice selection of their products on Amazon.

 

[Patrick_B]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

I am fairly certain that the pool has a vinyl liner, will it damage or fade it?

A commonly asked question but, of course, you know the answer.....we would never suggest it if it did.

On leaf nets, I purchased the "Red Baron" with a rag bag netting and it has worked pretty flawlessly for me for four years.

Again, these things are at the top of the price range but they do a top of the line job and are quite durable.

Good to know and I will be checking these out. One thing I will need is a good leaf rake/net thingy. I don't care about the price if they are that good.

 

[chem geek]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

Whenever you add any concentrated chemical to the pool, especially chlorine or acid, be sure to add it slowly over a return flow with the pump running and after you are done, lightly brush the side and bottom of the pool where you add the chemical to ensure thorough mixing.

 

[rarenomad]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

I just spoke with a pool inspection/maintenance company (http://www.aquavisionpools.com/) and they are asking $150 for the inspection, however discussing it with their rep, he was confused why the bank put in a new pool liner (was installed within the last 3 mo) but only have water level down to a few inches below the returns.

Thoughts?

 

[Swampwoman]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

I am confused about a few things.

Is the foreclosure a Freddie Mac or Fanny Mae? If so, they have pretty specific budgets allocated to pool maintenance, and I'd be surprised if they replaced a liner. I'd want to see the bill of sale on this to confirm. If it were a bank, perhaps they have more leeway.

Freddie Mac and Fanny Mae foreclosures do have a stated budget for "pool securing/closing" on a schedule. Closing normally is scheduled for Oct. 1 maintenance.

At any rate, new liner notwithstanding, if like a true foreclosure the utilities are off, then they would likely have wanted to ensure the lines were clear in the unlikely event of a freeze/damage etc. So if they put a new liner in and knew they would not have power to run the filter/pump, they may have just elected to leave the water level lower, and possibly winterized the lines, though I'm not sure you'd need "winterization" in your location. To find out, ask your agent to contact the FM maintenance company, ask them to provide the work record on what was done, and contact the company that did it and find out definitive answers.

Just so you know, with a vinyl liner, you want as much water holding it in place as humanly possible to avoid float when water tables get higher. So when you "winterize" and blow out the lines, you leave the water a little below the skimmer level...but it will fill back up with precipitation over the winter usually.

 

[rarenomad]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

The foreclosure is owned by freddie mac. The listing agent hasnt provided me with the bill of sale, but only said that a new liner was installed within the last 3 months.

I did see the cover rolled up nearby, the listing agent did say this:

"The pool liner is new within the last three months. The green slime is from lack of ongoing chemical treatment and cleaning. I am in the process of getting bids to have the pool winterized and covered. This may include a new cleaning. However, there will be no additional major maintenance or repairs made to the pool."

The property does have electricity and water on, I dont know about gas...but that is irrevelant here hehe.

So just so i'm understanding it right, you want the water level to be just under the skimmer level (looks like a big squarish port with a round "cap/cover" on the top)....so the water returns will be submerged correct?

 

[Swampwoman]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

If they haven't winterized it, then I see no reason why the water level would be deliberately below the skimmer. I might have a concern about the integrity of the installation job and whether or not there is a leak, and you might want to tip off your inspection co to see if they can determine any reason the water is below the skimmer. You might want to check with the company that did the liner as to what level they had filled it.

If FM did/contracted that work, which I find highly unusual, then I personally would be reluctant to close the sale unless the pool is deemed to be in good working order and leak free, since the work itself could have inadvertently caused a leak. While I realize they like to say "as-is" I also think it's fair that the work they've done to secure and maintain the pool not exacerbate it's condition...so I would attempt to negotiate a credit if there was. And possibly fail

Part of the reason I would want written confirmation that the pool is in good working order is because with FM you will be getting a 2 year home warranty that WILL cover the pool equipment IF AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE you can prove it was in good working order. I actually ended up receiving a substantial warranty coverage on a $2,000 boiler bill this way (house boiler, not pool boiler) because I had been THOROUGH in inspections and record-keeping

To properly clean it, meaning to sanitize it via "slamming" with liquid chlorine, it will have to be filled with the equipment turned on and in running order, because you need to be able to filter and move the water to use the chemicals without damage. So "cleaning" and "closing" do not in my mind go together very well. I would ask that they clean it and leave it running until you move in and are able to maintain the chlorine level, then once you're living there, close it yourself or have the pool co back -- because if the pool is "closed" you have no way to "clean.

Make sense?

 

[rarenomad]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

Yes makes perfect sense, I'll try to get more details but just waiting for MI to sign off so its fully executed and my due diligence starts (i have already informed both my home inspector and pool inspector of the new liner). I will push for a cleaning, or at the very least, get the pool in a state where it can be inspected, as it stands now...being that the pool is below the return, the pool inspector indicated that it would be impossible since he cant gauge if the equipment is working or not. This made perfect sense and your comments only reinforce this. With the dead rat in there...I can only guess as to what other nasties are lurking...

 

[Swampwoman]

Re: Hi from Atlanta GA! Bought a Foreclosure /w pool questi

^I'd get permission to fill it adequately for the pool co to turn on the equipment and circulate the water. (You might need to sneak over there with a hose, though, because otherwise the pool co will be standing there for hours.) They'll need to have it filled to inspect it properly -- FM agreed to all that with mine.

If you elect to "mysteriously" fill the pool for inspection purposes, fill to the "center" line between the two sets of screws on the skimmer plate -- you should see a faint arrow fill line. It needs to be about half way of the opening square for the pump to work properly.