Hello! So I purchased the home that originally had me join this forum and have been lurking quite a bit. The real estate agent couldn't give me exact details but from reading the FAQS I know you guys need dimensions and the liner type to help. I'm relatively positive the pool is a 20 x 40 rectangular pool and it has a vinyl liner. The variable is instead of the standard 8 foot depth, this pool is 12 feet deep on the deep end. Is that enough info to start with? I have noticed that along with the slope, the pool tapers along the sides underwater as well. The pump and liner are relatively new (Hayward model that I will get a pic of once I'm home.) There are various filters my friend mentioned at the pump that I don't know how to check or what to add, etc.
The owner's version of maintenance according to him was just run the pump constantly. Well, once I committed to purchasing he apparently left it off for 4 or more days. The water is still blue but every day since I have been running the pump on Filtration it has been refilling with stuff that I have to skim out daily. I am hoping this is only a result of the previous owner leaving the pump off multiple days. I have no problem with daily skimming but 75% of the pool (especially on one side for some reason) is always refilled with stuff that looks to me mainly plant matter. No trees within 20 feet and the pool does have a 6 foot high fence.
I also had a buddy who used to tend his parents above ground pool show me some basics. The old plastic vacuum he was showing me broke off in the pole so even though I have been skimming daily for about 4 days now, I have not been able to vacuum until a new cheap vacuum arrives via Amazon tomorrow. There is obvious sediment on the steps and a sizable underwater dark patch (6 by 3 feet or so) of something along the shallow area of the pool that I'll get with the vacuum once its in. Past that, the water is pretty blue. From reading this forum I know most pool shops are Satan but my real estate agent did suggest that I could take a sample of water to a pool shop and they would tell me what I need for free which does seem like a very good idea. I know I will need a testing kit and have looked at some of the ones offered on this site. Will a pool shop kit be as good- I imagine the main difference is theirs will likely just have crazy markup. My main concern is the pool was never officially closed (I'm in SC) and I haven't added chlorine since I closed on the home last Friday. I obviously don't want an algae problem so I'd like to get some chlorine in ASAP but don't know if I need to 'shock' or just add a standard amount. I've learned that liquid chlorine is much easier to work with and plan on using that when I do add it.
Thanks for any help and if I need to add some more direction to this rambling post, please let me know.
The owner's version of maintenance according to him was just run the pump constantly. Well, once I committed to purchasing he apparently left it off for 4 or more days. The water is still blue but every day since I have been running the pump on Filtration it has been refilling with stuff that I have to skim out daily. I am hoping this is only a result of the previous owner leaving the pump off multiple days. I have no problem with daily skimming but 75% of the pool (especially on one side for some reason) is always refilled with stuff that looks to me mainly plant matter. No trees within 20 feet and the pool does have a 6 foot high fence.
I also had a buddy who used to tend his parents above ground pool show me some basics. The old plastic vacuum he was showing me broke off in the pole so even though I have been skimming daily for about 4 days now, I have not been able to vacuum until a new cheap vacuum arrives via Amazon tomorrow. There is obvious sediment on the steps and a sizable underwater dark patch (6 by 3 feet or so) of something along the shallow area of the pool that I'll get with the vacuum once its in. Past that, the water is pretty blue. From reading this forum I know most pool shops are Satan but my real estate agent did suggest that I could take a sample of water to a pool shop and they would tell me what I need for free which does seem like a very good idea. I know I will need a testing kit and have looked at some of the ones offered on this site. Will a pool shop kit be as good- I imagine the main difference is theirs will likely just have crazy markup. My main concern is the pool was never officially closed (I'm in SC) and I haven't added chlorine since I closed on the home last Friday. I obviously don't want an algae problem so I'd like to get some chlorine in ASAP but don't know if I need to 'shock' or just add a standard amount. I've learned that liquid chlorine is much easier to work with and plan on using that when I do add it.
Thanks for any help and if I need to add some more direction to this rambling post, please let me know.