I'm trying to respond but I get a message saying there are curses in my text but there isn't??
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Imgur: The magic of the Internet
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Imgur: The magic of the Internet
First time pool owner, have an awful time and need advice on drain issue
- Thread starter DanielleOv
- Start date
Hi all,
Update Day 6 of SLAM and pretty much the same here. https://imgur.com/a/Mg2rb8T
My hubs say it's a tad lighter when he goes to check it at 6pm but I don't see it. On top of this issue, we've been having issues with the siding on the pool (not sure of the proper term) but it was pulling away from wall, we thought we could hire someone to just nail it back but its separated from the liner. So I say all that to say that the piece finally came completely off so there's a part of the pool where the liner is exposed. I know that means this is the last year for the liner, it was purchased in 2009 according to the prior owners. So I'm not even sure it's worth the good fight anymore. We were holding onto hope that we could at least get some time in August to be in it but looking for your insight.
When do we give up on the SLAM process? Has it ever been unsuccessful? Do the numbers usually remain consistent like this, there hasn't been much change in a few days.
In regards to the prior questions, we have an issue with the drain line. We have a call into our warranty company to see if they can find someone to come and give us a second opinion, waiting for weeks for that. They're an awful company. We don't want to have another company come in and charge us more money because we just feel like we're literally throwing away money at this point and if you know anything about NJ property--we already bleed money in taxes and everything else. So at this point, I'm looking for advice on what you think our best bet should be. I spoke to one moderator who said that getting it clean this year would make things easier next year BUT if we have to get a new liner next year, then what's the point? We would only move fwd if there's a chance we can get it clean to use this year.
I know I'm kind of all over the place, sorry!
Update Day 6 of SLAM and pretty much the same here. https://imgur.com/a/Mg2rb8T
My hubs say it's a tad lighter when he goes to check it at 6pm but I don't see it. On top of this issue, we've been having issues with the siding on the pool (not sure of the proper term) but it was pulling away from wall, we thought we could hire someone to just nail it back but its separated from the liner. So I say all that to say that the piece finally came completely off so there's a part of the pool where the liner is exposed. I know that means this is the last year for the liner, it was purchased in 2009 according to the prior owners. So I'm not even sure it's worth the good fight anymore. We were holding onto hope that we could at least get some time in August to be in it but looking for your insight.
When do we give up on the SLAM process? Has it ever been unsuccessful? Do the numbers usually remain consistent like this, there hasn't been much change in a few days.
In regards to the prior questions, we have an issue with the drain line. We have a call into our warranty company to see if they can find someone to come and give us a second opinion, waiting for weeks for that. They're an awful company. We don't want to have another company come in and charge us more money because we just feel like we're literally throwing away money at this point and if you know anything about NJ property--we already bleed money in taxes and everything else. So at this point, I'm looking for advice on what you think our best bet should be. I spoke to one moderator who said that getting it clean this year would make things easier next year BUT if we have to get a new liner next year, then what's the point? We would only move fwd if there's a chance we can get it clean to use this year.
I know I'm kind of all over the place, sorry!
Well, that sucks. I can only imagine how defeated you are feeling right now. I have read other posts that it took up to two weeks before it finally cleared up. With your other issues, it sounds like you have some decisions to make.
Thanks, yea we definitely do. It really stinks, to say that we have buyers remorse on this house is UNDERSTATEMENT of the year
Danielle, so sorry to hear about your troubles. I was really hoping for a miracle for you guys. We have all had struggles with decisions that we have made and didn't turn out the way that we wanted. But working through those issues with your spouse is one of the things that makes a happy life. Just lean on each other and draw upon your mutual strength. A person is more than the sum of their parts and so is a relationship. Choose to be happy and you will be.
Sorry to be so philosophical this morning, but I can tell there is a real struggle in your voice. It will get better.
Sorry to be so philosophical this morning, but I can tell there is a real struggle in your voice. It will get better.
Danielle, so sorry to hear about your troubles. I was really hoping for a miracle for you guys. We have all had struggles with decisions that we have made and didn't turn out the way that we wanted. But working through those issues with your spouse is one of the things that makes a happy life. Just lean on each other and draw upon your mutual strength. A person is more than the sum of their parts and so is a relationship. Choose to be happy and you will be.
Sorry to be so philosophical this morning, but I can tell there is a real struggle in your voice. It will get better.
Hi Jay, yes it's been a strain to say the least. It's all about managing our expectations and balancing making the right decisions. I appreciate your thoughts.
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Here's some photos of the new liner issue. If anyone is savvy in this area of pool expertise, please comment. Also, since this isn't chemical related should I start a thread somewhere else to get insight from folks w that expertise?
Imgur: The magic of the Internet
Oh you poor thing!!! I was on vacy when you started this thread and am just now able to jump in. You are in VERY good hands with all that have helping you!
I think I can help with the liner issue.: Above Ground Pool Liner Types: The Good and the Bad
I know this is for above ground pools but I think it will help you see how liners are attached. You may need to get in the pool (ewwwwwwwwwww sorry) to see if you can "push" the liner up to help re-seat it in the channel. I am hoping this will do the trick.
I think I can help with the liner issue.: Above Ground Pool Liner Types: The Good and the Bad
I know this is for above ground pools but I think it will help you see how liners are attached. You may need to get in the pool (ewwwwwwwwwww sorry
) to see if you can "push" the liner up to help re-seat it in the channel. I am hoping this will do the trick.You might be able to just pull up on the liner and slip the bead back into the track. You can warm it up with a hairdryer to provide pliability. Lowering the water level a few inches can also help with reinstalling the liner in the track.
Be careful if you use a hairdryer. If you overheat the liner, it can get damaged. And, be careful because it's electrical near water. Use a gfci and don't drop it in the water.
Is the coping secure or loose?
Be careful if you use a hairdryer. If you overheat the liner, it can get damaged. And, be careful because it's electrical near water. Use a gfci and don't drop it in the water.
Is the coping secure or loose?
You should start to see the pool improving in color within the next few days, it should "soon" be blue. Are you able to clean the debris from the bottom of the pool on a regular basis? Removing as much of that as you can from the pool will be a big help.
As others have stated, try not to let emotion overwhelm you and make you feel defeated. You might be able to solve the liner situation without as much of a headache as you think. The pool can start to rapidly improve in terms of color and clarity any day now. As someone who feels the burden of financial strain, I know what that is like. Try not to let it consume you. The only thing to come from that is that you'll be unhappy all the time.
I think this pool can see a few weeks of good swimming this year. If the liner can be salvaged, that can turn into a good season of swimming next year. If you get a little bit of luck, and things go that way for you, this means all the effort and resources your putting into the pool right now are not only for a few weeks of good swimming this year, but a nice start to the swimming season next year as well.
As others have stated, try not to let emotion overwhelm you and make you feel defeated. You might be able to solve the liner situation without as much of a headache as you think. The pool can start to rapidly improve in terms of color and clarity any day now. As someone who feels the burden of financial strain, I know what that is like. Try not to let it consume you. The only thing to come from that is that you'll be unhappy all the time.
I think this pool can see a few weeks of good swimming this year. If the liner can be salvaged, that can turn into a good season of swimming next year. If you get a little bit of luck, and things go that way for you, this means all the effort and resources your putting into the pool right now are not only for a few weeks of good swimming this year, but a nice start to the swimming season next year as well.
Thanks all, we have a pool company coming tomorrow to give us a second opinion about our drain line. Fingers crossed, we can fix that as I'm sure that will help expedite things. I'm also going to ask them about the liner. The last pool company was GOING to help w the liner but due to the height of the water and the fact that he was scared it was brittle he didn't want to tackle it. So we let it go and then it got worse so we'll see what they say tomorrow.
BUT I stopped in a pool store today for something and sparked up a chat with someone. He said I should be using algecide to kill the reproduction of the algae and I explained i'm doing this process and how that would effect it and he said it won't. Sooooo What's the deal with algecide? Should we be using it so that more algae isn't developing in there.
THanks for all the motivation!
BUT I stopped in a pool store today for something and sparked up a chat with someone. He said I should be using algecide to kill the reproduction of the algae and I explained i'm doing this process and how that would effect it and he said it won't. Sooooo What's the deal with algecide? Should we be using it so that more algae isn't developing in there.
THanks for all the motivation!
- May 3, 2014
- 62,732
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Algaecide is a prevention additive, it does not kill active algae. Chlorine does both.
Many algaecides are counter productive. Some have ammonia, which consumes huge amounts of chlorine, and some contain metals, which can stain your pool liner and turn blonde hair green.
You need the consistent application of chlorine using appropriate testing methods to determine the levels of chlorine needed.
Many algaecides are counter productive. Some have ammonia, which consumes huge amounts of chlorine, and some contain metals, which can stain your pool liner and turn blonde hair green.
You need the consistent application of chlorine using appropriate testing methods to determine the levels of chlorine needed.
Algaecide helps prevent algae growth. It does NOT kill algae that is already in the pool. What you are using, chlorine, is what kills it.
Algaecide is too little too late. It is more of a preventative measure than a fix. Like mouthwash to fix a cavity. Don’t bother with the algaecide, better use of that $ is liquid chlorine.
Continue with the SLAM process, when done properly, it has never failed to clean a pool. I apologize if you’ve answered this, but were you able to get all the stuff off the bottom? How often are you testing and adding chlorine? Are you bringing it up to SLAM level FC each time you test?
Continue with the SLAM process, when done properly, it has never failed to clean a pool. I apologize if you’ve answered this, but were you able to get all the stuff off the bottom? How often are you testing and adding chlorine? Are you bringing it up to SLAM level FC each time you test?
Algaecide is "optional" and really only used for closing swimming pools in the winter, but you can not use both. If you have high chlorine levels, the algaecide will eat away at most of the chlorine. Only Poly Quat 60 (non foaming, non metallic algaecide) should be used and it is a little extra insurance for people who close early on, but they also must open early in the spring no matter what to prevent an algae bloom. Only time really used and again it is optional.
Hi All,
So the second pool company confirmed what the first said. 1--Can't really pull that liner up, too risky since it's old and brittle and the water is so high. 2--The drain is a wash, tho they didn't have the pressure gauge to check it. Sooooo here we are still the same, the levels don't move much and neither does the clarity. We are on Day 8 of SLAM an dy es we keep the levels where they are supposed to be and add at least a bottle of shock/bleach per the pool math daily. We vaccuum and scrub as much as we can but it's been rainy this weekend so haven't been out there much to do the scrubbing, just some vaccuming.
Originally, we were going to clean this pool up as much as possible so the opening next year would be easier BUT since we have to get a new liner anyway we're at a cross roads on trying to figure out if it's worth it at this point. By worth it I mean, whether we can get 2 week of pool use out of it in August. I really don't know if we should even bother at this point so we can just close up shop and tackle it next year. I mean can someone be honest with me here, how much longer can this take?? Everyone keeps saying it's going to start getting better but it's been at a pretty consistent level for the entire week. The levels and clarity. I know your role here is to stay positive and supposedly the process works but we're battling alot of areas w this pool, including an unknown history, so I want folks that have seen awful situations tell me a worst case scenario. I do not want to keep doing this daily and August 31st arrives and it's the same thing.
I'm thinking I should give it one more week and if it's literally the same then it's a wash. I mean that's alot of money and energy going down the "drain" (pun intended). We are celebrating my daugther's first bday next Sunday and I'm going away for a business trip Wed-Thursday so we can have alot going.
One more question: Would it help at all to drain some of the water and add fresh at this point (in regards to the chemicals/SLAM process)? ?
Give it to me straight folks!!!
So the second pool company confirmed what the first said. 1--Can't really pull that liner up, too risky since it's old and brittle and the water is so high. 2--The drain is a wash, tho they didn't have the pressure gauge to check it. Sooooo here we are still the same, the levels don't move much and neither does the clarity. We are on Day 8 of SLAM an dy es we keep the levels where they are supposed to be and add at least a bottle of shock/bleach per the pool math daily. We vaccuum and scrub as much as we can but it's been rainy this weekend so haven't been out there much to do the scrubbing, just some vaccuming.
Originally, we were going to clean this pool up as much as possible so the opening next year would be easier BUT since we have to get a new liner anyway we're at a cross roads on trying to figure out if it's worth it at this point. By worth it I mean, whether we can get 2 week of pool use out of it in August. I really don't know if we should even bother at this point so we can just close up shop and tackle it next year. I mean can someone be honest with me here, how much longer can this take?? Everyone keeps saying it's going to start getting better but it's been at a pretty consistent level for the entire week. The levels and clarity. I know your role here is to stay positive and supposedly the process works but we're battling alot of areas w this pool, including an unknown history, so I want folks that have seen awful situations tell me a worst case scenario. I do not want to keep doing this daily and August 31st arrives and it's the same thing.
I'm thinking I should give it one more week and if it's literally the same then it's a wash. I mean that's alot of money and energy going down the "drain" (pun intended). We are celebrating my daugther's first bday next Sunday and I'm going away for a business trip Wed-Thursday so we can have alot going.
One more question: Would it help at all to drain some of the water and add fresh at this point (in regards to the chemicals/SLAM process)? ?
Give it to me straight folks!!!
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Have you been taking pics? If so share the first pic you have and one from today looking at the same spot. THAT will tell use for sure if there has been any progress.
Danielle:
If this makes you feel better. My friend purchased a home in Jackson 2 years ago. Come spring, take the cover off and the pool was a super mess. He had a lot of junk on the floor and was vacuuming blindly, but slowly the pool started coming alive. It took about 75 gallons of 12.5% bleach and almost 18 days. He also had 2 skimmers, 2 main drains, & 3 returns and in full sun. The pool was opened around a week before the holiday. You started in the middle of July with real hot weather, which is a pretty big difference.
You could do this, but the water would have to come out in one hour and then back in another hour or so as the pool would be down for a good 24 hours if you just pumped water out and then willed with a garden hose. I would continue the slam.
You uploaded some pictures on the first few posts. Take some pictures now from the same area and lets take a look at the difference of the pool. Outside of this, you have to decide which pool company you will use for the liner. Some companies save the water and some companies dump all your water. The one that saves water (no names mentioned) in your area is quite expensive. The other companies who do not save the water are less expensive. This is another decision that has to be made. Why dump water, fill up again only to have the water removed come late fall or early spring.
If this makes you feel better. My friend purchased a home in Jackson 2 years ago. Come spring, take the cover off and the pool was a super mess. He had a lot of junk on the floor and was vacuuming blindly, but slowly the pool started coming alive. It took about 75 gallons of 12.5% bleach and almost 18 days. He also had 2 skimmers, 2 main drains, & 3 returns and in full sun. The pool was opened around a week before the holiday. You started in the middle of July with real hot weather, which is a pretty big difference.
You could do this, but the water would have to come out in one hour and then back in another hour or so as the pool would be down for a good 24 hours if you just pumped water out and then willed with a garden hose. I would continue the slam.
You uploaded some pictures on the first few posts. Take some pictures now from the same area and lets take a look at the difference of the pool. Outside of this, you have to decide which pool company you will use for the liner. Some companies save the water and some companies dump all your water. The one that saves water (no names mentioned) in your area is quite expensive. The other companies who do not save the water are less expensive. This is another decision that has to be made. Why dump water, fill up again only to have the water removed come late fall or early spring.
To get an honest assessment from us, please give an honest reply to these questions. We like actual numbers.
Were you able to get all the stuff off the bottom? How often are you testing and adding chlorine? What is your CYA level? Are you bringing it up to SLAM level FC each time you test? How much bleach are you going through each day?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,628
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
My opinion, close up the pool the best you can until next April. You now have a good idea what your spring startup plan is. Drain the pool, pressure test the plumbing, repair equipment as need, replace the liner, fill with fresh water, Begin using TFP methods day 1. Water should be clear day 1 and you can swim as soon as it is warm enough for your tastes.
Use the money you save this season and take your family on a summer vacation in replacement of having the pool. Or bank it for next years work.
You gave it a good try but swimming in your pool a few times this season is not worth the effort, money, and aggravation it is causing you. Take a break, regroup, and get the pool going next season.
Use the money you save this season and take your family on a summer vacation in replacement of having the pool. Or bank it for next years work.
You gave it a good try but swimming in your pool a few times this season is not worth the effort, money, and aggravation it is causing you. Take a break, regroup, and get the pool going next season.
It's hard for us to tell you what to do.
Water chemistry, pool equipment and it's condition (liners, pumps, and so on)... it can be so hard to compare as so much can be different. It's too hard to be able to say... well in 1 week a pool will respond nicely to a SLAM. Or in 2 weeks you should see clearer water. With all the variables and differences in starting condition of the water, we just can't give you a definite answer on how long it would take.
You can use the averages of the experiences here as a pretty good idea, but again... it's just not something anyone can tell you. At least not without a much better assessment than what we have here.
If the pool is that much of a burden in terms of stress, finances, and too much upkeep for the little time you have right now.... you may be better of just closing the pool and starting over fresh next year. The liner needing replaced, and the plumbing issues push me to that choice. If it weren't for those, I'd say keep fighting the good fight.
Even 100 gallons of bleach would still be cheaper than the cost of refilling the pool. So it's worth it in that sense to continue the fight. But if your just going to have to drain, repair and refill the pool anyways... well it's probably better to throw in the towel if it's really causing you that much distress.
No matter what you decide, the effort wasn't in vain. Your now very familiar with the SLAM process and I'm sure you've learned alot about water chemistry in the process. It was a worth while investment in time, money and effort to try to clear this pool. It just seems like it's going to fight you to the bitter end, and WHEN (not if) you do end up winning that fight... your just not going to have a lot of time to enjoy the spoils of victory.
Water chemistry, pool equipment and it's condition (liners, pumps, and so on)... it can be so hard to compare as so much can be different. It's too hard to be able to say... well in 1 week a pool will respond nicely to a SLAM. Or in 2 weeks you should see clearer water. With all the variables and differences in starting condition of the water, we just can't give you a definite answer on how long it would take.
You can use the averages of the experiences here as a pretty good idea, but again... it's just not something anyone can tell you. At least not without a much better assessment than what we have here.
If the pool is that much of a burden in terms of stress, finances, and too much upkeep for the little time you have right now.... you may be better of just closing the pool and starting over fresh next year. The liner needing replaced, and the plumbing issues push me to that choice. If it weren't for those, I'd say keep fighting the good fight.
Even 100 gallons of bleach would still be cheaper than the cost of refilling the pool. So it's worth it in that sense to continue the fight. But if your just going to have to drain, repair and refill the pool anyways... well it's probably better to throw in the towel if it's really causing you that much distress.
No matter what you decide, the effort wasn't in vain. Your now very familiar with the SLAM process and I'm sure you've learned alot about water chemistry in the process. It was a worth while investment in time, money and effort to try to clear this pool. It just seems like it's going to fight you to the bitter end, and WHEN (not if) you do end up winning that fight... your just not going to have a lot of time to enjoy the spoils of victory.