Game Plan for Rust Stains, Dead Lights, Stained Drain Covers, and Inoperative PV3 In-floor Cleaning Sys

[heykerrdog]

Wasn't sure where to post this, so here it is.

To sum it up, should I drain the pool and tackle the list, or is there a better way?

1. Rust stains are all over the place and some are deep, dark, rusty red. Kids bicycles left in pool forever.
2. The floor drain is a channel drain. Installed for handicap compliance. The covers are rust stained. My guess is with the skimmer blocked, the floor drain was drawing all the rusty stuff forever.
3. The automatic floor cleaning system isn't working. Maybe a module. I'm wondering if the pool was drained if I could remove and inspect the heads.
4. Waterfall (sheer descent?) has cracked concrete and leak on the opposite side of the feature. I figure this is a pool contractor job, but maybe you know something I don't know.

Thoughts on how to proceed in a logical order, etc. ?

Pool inspection report with pics attached.

 

[ajw22]

Do Ascorbic Acid Treatment - Further Reading to lift the rust stains. Then drain the iron filled water and refill with fresh water. Note the risks Draining - Further Reading has and the No Drain Water Exchange alternative.

I think you should get the water valve working before dealing with the pop-ups. @proavia can advise on that.

Your waterfall is a separate project. If you want to discuss that post pictures of the situation.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dog,

Are you going to abandon your IFCS or try to fix it...

I am not much of an IFCS fan.. The key is can you shut off the IFCS, and still operate the pool? Do you have wall returns, or does all the water to the pool come from the IFCS.

Edit.. I looked at some of your pics and it looks like you have a valve that shuts off the IFCS.. If it was my pool, I would leave it shut off...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[proavia]

You don't need to drain the pool to service the IFCS popups. Each manufacturer make a tool to remove the heads with water in the pool. You need to determine the manufacturer and exact heads you have and obtain the correct tool.

Service the water distribution valve first.
Are the popups intact?
OEM parts are available from a variety of online and brick & motar locations at varying price points.

While I wouldn't necessarily recommend puting an IFCS on a new pool build, as long as your IFCS pluymbing is in good condition, no reason not to attempt to make the system work - within reason from a money standpoint.

 

[heykerrdog]

I was fiddling around and ran a brush across the floor drain. Not stained. Just funk. Brushed away.

Floor drain rust stains “fixed”. Two pool projects down!

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll review and get back.

 

[heykerrdog]

I’ve been hammering the adult bevs tonight, and although task-saturated, and mostly pool broken, one light came on and enough waterfall to obstruct the rust stains, it’s pretty cool…