Advice on re digging out filled in pool

Jump to latest Follow Reply
JoyfulNoise said:
So only two lines - one suction and one return. If you do find a main drain, then it is likely tied into the skimmer. The picture of the skimmer with the blue "GIZZMO" in it shows the second opening plugged closed. Either there's no MD or there may be one but, because it was leaking, they simply sealed it off....definitely lots of intrigue with a buried pool.

As far as the coping and concrete goes, I suppose it depends on how much you want to spend? If you want to truly renovate this pool and make it "your own" then redoing the deck around the pool and adding on new coping (perhaps with a more modern liner track) is the way to go. If the desire is to just get the pool back to life and not sink too much money into it, then leave everything as-is as much as possible including the plumbing. Buried PVC pipe should have a long expected life (about 40+ years) assuming it never suffered any freeze damage. The returns in your picture look like they were plugged and so there's hopefully no water infiltration. If the pipes at the pad are looking damaged, then all you might need to do is dig down a foot or two, cut the old pipe away and stub up new connections. In order to completely redo the plumbing, some portion of the deck would have to be cut away to access the return pipes and install new ones. Digging under an existing deck is dangerous and you'll never be able to backfill it properly which could result in the deck sagging and cracking.
Click to expand...

There are actually 2 returns
bcbd40beb51a0af889685f07568e661e.jpg



If you look there is one on the left with wire coming through it and one straight ahead.
 
Alex36 said:
There are actually 2 returns
If you look there is one on the left with wire coming through it and one straight ahead.
Click to expand...

I meant one return line (assuming there were at least two in the pool). It's typical to have all of your returns in the pool to be fed from one line, though some people do dedicated home-runs for each return.

I'm still interest to see if there's a main drain. It's not critical and many liner pool owners hate them because they can be the source of leaks, but they can be helpful in some instances.

Do you have any natural gas where you are? What kind of electrical is running out to the pad? In NY, having some kind of pool heater (gas or electric heat pump) can greatly extend the swimming season and keep the pool swimmable during the summer. My understanding is that NY had a lousy summer this year and so, without a pool heater, that pool of your can easily stay cold throughout the summer. Just some thoughts...
 
JoyfulNoise said:
I meant one return line (assuming there were at least two in the pool). It's typical to have all of your returns in the pool to be fed from one line, though some people do dedicated home-runs for each return.

I'm still interest to see if there's a main drain. It's not critical and many liner pool owners hate them because they can be the source of leaks, but they can be helpful in some instances.

Do you have any natural gas where you are? What kind of electrical is running out to the pad? In NY, having some kind of pool heater (gas or electric heat pump) can greatly extend the swimming season and keep the pool swimmable during the summer. My understanding is that NY had a lousy summer this year and so, without a pool heater, that pool of your can easily stay cold throughout the summer. Just some thoughts...
Click to expand...

No natural gas. Propane though no electric to pad. But it’s only like 5-10 feet from source.
 
Propane is probably the most expensive way to heat a pool because of the cost of propane relative to NG or electric utility rates. I would suggest contracting an electrician (or DIY if you have the skills) and run a proper sub-panel out to wherever the equipment pad will be. It's safer than running long cords and having a some extra utility outlets at the pad allows you to do more with the pool (robot cleaner, lights, etc). If you were able to run a large amp circuit out there (I think they need 50 amp feeds), you could do an electric heat pump. If you had an empty rooftop nearby with good sun exposure, you might be able to get a little bit of help from solar heating panels, but that's hit or miss in terms of efficiency where you are.
 
The problem isn't the drainage. The problem is ground movement from freeze-thaw plus possible external pressure from water table, depending on your geo. So yes to bracing the walls if you want to ensure the structure stays intact.
 
I've posted pics of snapped a frames & bowed wall jobs around tfp.. bracing properly is as laborious as finishing the work, particularly with what appears to be "iffy" fiberglass panels to start with... just get'r done & and look forward to an awesome summer [emoji474][emoji106][emoji474]
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
PoolguyinCT said:
I've posted pics of snapped a frames & bowed wall jobs around tfp.. bracing properly is as laborious as finishing the work, particularly with what appears to be "iffy" fiberglass panels to start with... just get'r done & and look forward to an awesome summer [emoji474][emoji106][emoji474]
Click to expand...

Great so how would I brace them properly? Put sheathing up around and have 2x4s screwed together across the span?
 
Pretty much, looks like you have true 90degree corners - those are a liability too. You are on the right sheeting, dispersed pressure like a washer... really best to just get the job done, but I get it- work family life etc, time flies too quick nowadays.
Out of curiosity, did you know how much you were buying off or did it compound on ya? I give you credit for going for it.
 
PoolguyinCT said:
Pretty much, looks like you have true 90degree corners - those are a liability too. You are on the right sheeting, dispersed pressure like a washer... really best to just get the job done, but I get it- work family life etc, time flies too quick nowadays.
Out of curiosity, did you know how much you were buying off or did it compound on ya? I give you credit for going for it.
Click to expand...

No we thought it would be just dig out dirt new pipes maybe buying filer and pump new liner and done.
 
Ok just updating the story here. We finished digging out the pool and the pool guy is supposed to be coming to brace the pool for winter. Now for the questions. I have to purchase jets and filter and pump. Any suggestions on types. Pool is 12x24x4 and roughly 8900 gallons. Any cheap but good solar heaters also?
e8d072a2a80c50a2845f50012132af94.jpg
c8dea4c917877a77f494cbe8c6dc6384.jpg
 
Bet it will feel good to boot those buckets! Well done! Did the pool guy say what he will be doing to brace the sides?

I have a couple of links to help you with the pump and filter.

Pool School - Pump Basics

Pool School - Pool Filter Comparison

I will give you my 2 cents on the pump. I say get a 2 speed pump. Do NOT get a single speed one. The power saving on the 2 speeds will pay for it's self fast. I only run my pump on hi when I am running my cleaner. I don't think you will need a VS pump as you do not have any water features or such.

-filters-I LOVE my sand filter but Matt loves his DE filter so.............it is up to you. I think the sand filter is the easiest to take care of it and you can add DE to the sand for an extra polish. Make sure to get as big as you can afford no matter what kind you get. The bigger it is the less you have to clean it.

Have you been able to pressure test the pipes? (Too lazy to look back over the back posts LOL)

When you talk about "jets" what are you referring to? I think I know but want to make sure.

I am not help with the solar heating. I hope someone else will jump in. You can also do a search at the top of the page and see what you find.

Kim:kim:
 
The jets I’m talking about are the ones that go from the return line. Don’t know what size to get 1/2”, 3/4” etc.
I still didn’t pressure test pipes because I still have to fix one. They rammed a pipe in one return hole and had electric wire in it to give power to a fountain.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply