Help!!! Neglected pool start up

[mgraves]

Similar story to ones I've seen on the forums, we just purchased a foreclosed home with a 30,000 gallon in ground pool. The pool has a Hayward sand filter as well as a salt water generator. The pool has set unused, covered for several years and is full of brownish-water and lots of green algae. We purchased a test kit and are showing that the Ph bromine hardness and alkalinity are all at acceptable levels. Obviously, we are showing zero for CYA and chlorine.
We have tested the pump and filter and all are in working order. Our question is are we better off draining it or attempting to clean it? We've already pulled out several massive piles of algae and debris. On the plus side we also found a very nice net in the pool. We have photos, but not sure how to upload those here.

 

[woodyp]

http://www.troublefreepool.com/thre...tures-to-a-post-(full-guide-with-screenshots)

there ya' go! Welcome to the forum!

 

[Casey]

Welcome to TFP!

Which test kit did you buy?

You will need to become familiar with the ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and then SLAMing Your Pool.

 

[Donldson]

Welcome to TFP!

Since you mention bromine as being acceptable but no reading on chlorine, I have to ask if you are using test strips? If so please replace them with one of our recommended kits (TF-100 or K-2006) as strips are very unreliable, as are pool store results. The reason this is a red flag is you have a chlorine pool (thus the SWG), not a bromine pool.

If water is inexpensive in your area it might be easier to empty the pool and clean it out. The water can absolutely be be salvaged, it just might be easier and less expensive to start with fresh water. After all, if you are literally pulling piles of gunk out

Check the links Casey posted, very important learning there. All seems overwhelming at first but it is well worth the outcome!