Ok, I have a new pool that we installed in February 2023. Since that time, we have had to drain the pool on 3 separate occasions (about 1/2 way each time) to get the CYA level down. Each time, the CYA levels were around 100 ppm (as told by my pool professional). Brown algae would develop in the usual places. Deep end corner of the pool and by the deep end light and near the bottom of the wall. Small blotches, no bigger that 8 inches in any direction.
Let me add, my concern with draining my pool is not water costs. In fact, our water rates in Southern Utah are pretty awesome compared to other parts of the country.
My issue with draining the pool is messing with the pools structure from water weight fluctuation. Our soil is stable, however we did have to take the extra effort during the build to provide a required soil sample to the county because of the area we're located in does have loose clay particles. So I prefer not having to drain if I don't have to. Furthermore, my Hayward pool equipment does not have a back wash hook up installed. I'll get to that more in a minute.
Below are some physical stats on my pool and home geography.
I also went a purchased a new pool cover, as the amazon rinky dink solor covers were barely making it 12 months after shedding and falling apart everywhere. I purchased the GeoBubble Energy Guard and have been using this cover for about 6 weeks now. It heats up my pool much faster than the Amazon covers. As of this week (we've been in the 90's and low 100's) my pool has been up to 87 degrees.
Should I remove the cover during the day to give my pool enough hours to "breath? Or, keep the cover on (when we're not using the pool) but risk the pool temperatures potentially climbing up into the mid 90's? I've seen it get this high last July when we were visiting family for a week in Southern California.
My pool professional has recommended the following options to combat the chemistry issues I've been experiencing.
Anyway, any help or guidance would be much appreciated. Should I consider someone else taking care of my pool? Does my cover need to be off during the hot day, but put back on at night to keep chemical balance? Which of the three options that my pool professional outlined makes the most sense (if any)?
Thank you all for your assistance. Pictures below for some reference.
Let me add, my concern with draining my pool is not water costs. In fact, our water rates in Southern Utah are pretty awesome compared to other parts of the country.
My issue with draining the pool is messing with the pools structure from water weight fluctuation. Our soil is stable, however we did have to take the extra effort during the build to provide a required soil sample to the county because of the area we're located in does have loose clay particles. So I prefer not having to drain if I don't have to. Furthermore, my Hayward pool equipment does not have a back wash hook up installed. I'll get to that more in a minute.
Below are some physical stats on my pool and home geography.
- 16x34 (rectangle)
- Around 20,000 gallon size
- Built-in square spa in the upper right corner which provides spill over feature.
- Hayward products (see photos)
- Home is in St. George, Utah.
- Summer peak high is 115 degrees. Routinely in the 100's June through early September. Mild winters.
I also went a purchased a new pool cover, as the amazon rinky dink solor covers were barely making it 12 months after shedding and falling apart everywhere. I purchased the GeoBubble Energy Guard and have been using this cover for about 6 weeks now. It heats up my pool much faster than the Amazon covers. As of this week (we've been in the 90's and low 100's) my pool has been up to 87 degrees.
Should I remove the cover during the day to give my pool enough hours to "breath? Or, keep the cover on (when we're not using the pool) but risk the pool temperatures potentially climbing up into the mid 90's? I've seen it get this high last July when we were visiting family for a week in Southern California.
My pool professional has recommended the following options to combat the chemistry issues I've been experiencing.
- Install a back wash line on my equipment to drain the pool water every few weeks (especially in the summer). ISSUE - My pool sits in my back yard which is about 20 feet lower the main entry point on the front side of my property. Meaning, each time I've had to pump water out of the pool I've had to pump water up hill and into my waste water outlet. It puts tremendous pressure on my small pump and takes about 8 hours just to get the pool drained about 1/2 way. Not ideal. Commercial property backs up behind me, so I can't drain water that direction nor to the side (neighbors).
- Add about 1 gallon of liquid chlorine each week during the hot months, which could get pricey but it will keep chlorine stable (maybe).
- Install auto pool chlorine feeder on my equipment, which he says would be a couple thousand dollars by another company (he only does pool cleaning and chemistry).
Anyway, any help or guidance would be much appreciated. Should I consider someone else taking care of my pool? Does my cover need to be off during the hot day, but put back on at night to keep chemical balance? Which of the three options that my pool professional outlined makes the most sense (if any)?
Thank you all for your assistance. Pictures below for some reference.
