I'm cleaning up a 18' round above ground 48" to 54" deep vinyl pool, hayward sand filter and 1.5hp pump, and a saltwater chlorinator, that was left since summer 2017, in Houston, TX.
I've drained out all but 1'. I put in a 3 gallons of 10% bleach and skimmed off most of the leaves that were left. The bleach took it from greenish brown, to turning white, then back to brown as I stirred it up skimming and raking most of the leaves. It's a lot of work to drain it lower than this from my experience. The pool vinyl doesn't feel slimy or scaly, and there isn't much of a muck at all; the water is just kinda dirty especially after stirring it up with the skimmer. I imagine it will settle overnight.
I've got the recommended test kit, although I might have to refresh some chemicals. I'm wondering if I Slam the 1' of dirty water that is left in there if it leaves anything behind that makes it more likely that the pool will have issues than if I drain it completely. Or does the chlorine and sand filter actually get everything down to pure H20, salt, and chlorine? I was going to put in 3 more gallons tonight, and see what happens. I have 9 gallons on hand. Would that clean up the mess and give me a good start for the year? Other years I've had to completely drain because I needed to make a repair, or I wanted to powerwash the inside. This year I don't seem to need either (which I was kinda hoping I would because I actually have brand new liner to use, but why fix what's not broken.)
It really is a PITA to drain it completely. I guess I could take a hose an siphon it down more. But I'm wondering what others would consider, would do. Will the Slam process make it good as new?
This is a great community of some really smart pool nuts. Been a lurker for years and I've been able to keep my DIY thing going because of what I've learned here. Thanks Everyone!
I've drained out all but 1'. I put in a 3 gallons of 10% bleach and skimmed off most of the leaves that were left. The bleach took it from greenish brown, to turning white, then back to brown as I stirred it up skimming and raking most of the leaves. It's a lot of work to drain it lower than this from my experience. The pool vinyl doesn't feel slimy or scaly, and there isn't much of a muck at all; the water is just kinda dirty especially after stirring it up with the skimmer. I imagine it will settle overnight.
I've got the recommended test kit, although I might have to refresh some chemicals. I'm wondering if I Slam the 1' of dirty water that is left in there if it leaves anything behind that makes it more likely that the pool will have issues than if I drain it completely. Or does the chlorine and sand filter actually get everything down to pure H20, salt, and chlorine? I was going to put in 3 more gallons tonight, and see what happens. I have 9 gallons on hand. Would that clean up the mess and give me a good start for the year? Other years I've had to completely drain because I needed to make a repair, or I wanted to powerwash the inside. This year I don't seem to need either (which I was kinda hoping I would because I actually have brand new liner to use, but why fix what's not broken.)
It really is a PITA to drain it completely. I guess I could take a hose an siphon it down more. But I'm wondering what others would consider, would do. Will the Slam process make it good as new?
This is a great community of some really smart pool nuts. Been a lurker for years and I've been able to keep my DIY thing going because of what I've learned here. Thanks Everyone!
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