First time homeowner here, purchasing an old home with an inground pool. I've posted a couple of time for advice already, but I haven't gotten all my equipment in yet and don't want to waste precious days doing the wrong thing. A short summary is that my in ground pool was not winterized and is now a bright green swamp with only a couple inches of visibility and tons of debris. The sand filter froze and is destroyed - leaks from all ports.
We have purchased a new S244T sand filter. I do not know how to install it but I think that is the first step, and definitely the part I am most nervous for. I believe the old pipes have unions, but I can't get them to move. How rough can I be with those when trying to disconnect?
The old filter is still full of sand. I have not looked at it because I have not been able to get the valve off yet. What should this sand look like? How will I know if it is reusable? Should I backwash this before attempting to take it out if I plan on using it in the new filter?
We do not have a vacuum. I imagine I want to buy a vacuum and do that before messing with chemicals. The pump functions even though the filter does not. Can I attempt to vacuum with the old leaking filter? Also need a rake or other device to scoop out debris from top and bottom of pool. Are there any recommendations for either of these piece of gear?
I have ordered a TF-100 bundle, which includes the Speedstir and Wall Whale. I have not received it yet. At what point should I brush the walls?
The cover is currently off the pool and it is exposed to the sun. Should it be covered while I am not doing anything with the pool? I imagine this might fuel algae growth.
I'm sorry for the wall of questions, I'm just very nervous that I'm going to break something else. Money is tight from all the repairs we've done so far and I really want to avoid unnecessary expenditures. Thank you!
We have purchased a new S244T sand filter. I do not know how to install it but I think that is the first step, and definitely the part I am most nervous for. I believe the old pipes have unions, but I can't get them to move. How rough can I be with those when trying to disconnect?
The old filter is still full of sand. I have not looked at it because I have not been able to get the valve off yet. What should this sand look like? How will I know if it is reusable? Should I backwash this before attempting to take it out if I plan on using it in the new filter?
We do not have a vacuum. I imagine I want to buy a vacuum and do that before messing with chemicals. The pump functions even though the filter does not. Can I attempt to vacuum with the old leaking filter? Also need a rake or other device to scoop out debris from top and bottom of pool. Are there any recommendations for either of these piece of gear?
I have ordered a TF-100 bundle, which includes the Speedstir and Wall Whale. I have not received it yet. At what point should I brush the walls?
The cover is currently off the pool and it is exposed to the sun. Should it be covered while I am not doing anything with the pool? I imagine this might fuel algae growth.
I'm sorry for the wall of questions, I'm just very nervous that I'm going to break something else. Money is tight from all the repairs we've done so far and I really want to avoid unnecessary expenditures. Thank you!