We are planning a pool renovation for next spring, and, after reading all of the great info here, I am a bit overwhelmed. We think our IG oval vinyl pool dates from 1973. We have maintained the pool for the last 10 years, adding a heater (heat pump) and replacing the pump, filter, & liner. The filter now has a small leak in a seam (only 2-3 years old, which is unfortunate) and the liner is seriously patched (9 years old), so this is a good time to make some other updates, if our budget permits.
We have a BASIC pool set-up now. The pool itself is a 32' x 16' oval, 3' -10' deep, no steps, 2 metal ladders, one skimmer basket, one water inlet, no drain. I have been using BBB/TFP since 2010. My husband is a 4x cancer survivor, so we like that the TFP method limits the chemicals in our pool. Because of his neuropathy, we keep the pool at 85-90 degrees, which means the pump and heater run 24/7 during pool season. I test almost every day and frequently add MA to bring down pH.
AUTOMATION? Our children are no longer living at home, so we are traveling more. It has been difficult finding friends/neighbors who can really maintain the pool properly while we are away. Are there automation systems that work with TFP? Is there a helpful resource to get a handle on this?
SWG? We are considering adding this, but one pool company told us that with the metal coping, metal ladders, and concrete decking around the pool, salt will be too corrosive. The PB that we will use for the repairs/renovation told that salt will be fine. Is that true? Will salt be hard on the heater?
DECKING? The concrete around our pool is original and quite cracked and heaved from freeze/thaw. I've patched and coated, but it looks rough. Can it be covered with wood? Is resurfacing an option? Because of the weirdness of our backyard and restrictions on being in a historical district, removing and replacing isn't the option to pursue at this time.
DEPTH? The pool currently slants from 3' to 10', with a small level area at both the shallow and deep ends. My husband would like a larger and level shallow area for playing volleyball and basketball,and the boys and I would like some deep area, but it could be 6'-7' rather than 10'. Is it feasible to have a large, flat shallow area with a small, deep end? Is the large slope needed for water circulation? The PB is not sure they can get the equipment to the pool to change the depth, and hand hauling the material is beyond our budget, so we may stay with the current depth.
STEPS? Can we add steps since we are replacing the liner? Is that going to increase the chance of leaks?
Other questions/issues we need to consider?
Thank you!!
We have a BASIC pool set-up now. The pool itself is a 32' x 16' oval, 3' -10' deep, no steps, 2 metal ladders, one skimmer basket, one water inlet, no drain. I have been using BBB/TFP since 2010. My husband is a 4x cancer survivor, so we like that the TFP method limits the chemicals in our pool. Because of his neuropathy, we keep the pool at 85-90 degrees, which means the pump and heater run 24/7 during pool season. I test almost every day and frequently add MA to bring down pH.
AUTOMATION? Our children are no longer living at home, so we are traveling more. It has been difficult finding friends/neighbors who can really maintain the pool properly while we are away. Are there automation systems that work with TFP? Is there a helpful resource to get a handle on this?
SWG? We are considering adding this, but one pool company told us that with the metal coping, metal ladders, and concrete decking around the pool, salt will be too corrosive. The PB that we will use for the repairs/renovation told that salt will be fine. Is that true? Will salt be hard on the heater?
DECKING? The concrete around our pool is original and quite cracked and heaved from freeze/thaw. I've patched and coated, but it looks rough. Can it be covered with wood? Is resurfacing an option? Because of the weirdness of our backyard and restrictions on being in a historical district, removing and replacing isn't the option to pursue at this time.
DEPTH? The pool currently slants from 3' to 10', with a small level area at both the shallow and deep ends. My husband would like a larger and level shallow area for playing volleyball and basketball,and the boys and I would like some deep area, but it could be 6'-7' rather than 10'. Is it feasible to have a large, flat shallow area with a small, deep end? Is the large slope needed for water circulation? The PB is not sure they can get the equipment to the pool to change the depth, and hand hauling the material is beyond our budget, so we may stay with the current depth.
STEPS? Can we add steps since we are replacing the liner? Is that going to increase the chance of leaks?
Other questions/issues we need to consider?
Thank you!!