Tree on pool - questions on opening

[pktaske]

So I got wacked by a tornado in March and I have a lot of debris in my deep end that I can't see. Leaves, pine cones, large twigs, etc. On top of this, it's my first year opening a pool. 45,000 gal IG, 70sq Hayward DE. Built in Paramount self cleaning unit. 8 foot deep end. Vinyl liner over concrete. 2 skimmers/1 floor drain. Pool is 60% full.

My initial question is, in order, what steps should I be taking to open the pool with a large amount of debris still in it that I can't fully remove yet? So far I have:

-bottom skimmed shallow end and 'blind skimmer' deep end.

-dumped 8 pounds of shock in hopes of clearing water a bit.

Next?

 

[JodieM]

Removing as much of the debris as possible is the first step. The debris is organic matter that is consuming your chlorine. Use any thing you have to pull debris out. Use caution with sticks on your liner. Do you have a TFP recommended test kit? We can help you with your chemistry when you post a set of test results.

 

[pktaske]

Pics

 

[pktaske]

Pics

 

[JodieM]

Oh man, I’m very sorry that happened to you. I’m glad your pool cover was still on.

 

[pktaske]

So it's still hard to see the bottom of the deep end even after adding chlorine making a good clean up impossible. My thought is to now fill the pool, run the filter (only skimmers since the debris on bottom will quickly clog floor drain) and see if that clears it enough to get the stuff out. Thoughts?

I am going to post separately some suggestions for a self-powered vacuum and are they worth the investment. I absolutely detest priming hoses and right now I just sweep to the main drain, which isn't bad but not great for larger debris.

 

[Texas Splash]

Even though it took a few hits with tears, it's amazing to see the cover even supported that thing. Good luck on your clean-up efforts. If you have any questions along the way you know where to find us.

 

[JodieM]

So it's still hard to see the bottom of the deep end even after adding chlorine making a good clean up impossible. My thought is to now fill the pool, run the filter (only skimmers since the debris on bottom will quickly clog floor drain) and see if that clears it enough to get the stuff out. Thoughts?

I am going to post separately some suggestions for a self-powered vacuum and are they worth the investment. I absolutely detest priming hoses and right now I just sweep to the main drain, which isn't bad but not great for larger debris.

Yes, running your filter is a must. There is no other way to clear your water. The method you will follow to kill algae and bacteria is called a SLAM. In order to accurately perform a SLAM you need a TFP recommended test kit. The TF100 on www.tftestkits.net or the Taylor2006c on your favorite online shopping site.
Take some time to read about SLAMing your pool. This is a very important step and must be followed closely.

SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

We’ve all had to deal with a green pool. Clear algae from your pool with a SLAM! Read here to use shock level and maintain to clear your pool.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[pktaske]

I have a test kit on the way. Thanks ....

 

[JodieM]

I have a test kit on the way. Thanks ....

Awesome! There are instructions that will teach you each step of testing your water. The bottle lids are color matched for each test. Post your results and we’ll get you on the right track with your water! How is the removal of debris going?

 

[pktaske]

Awesome! There are instructions that will teach you each step of testing your water. The bottle lids are color matched for each test. Post your results and we’ll get you on the right track with your water! How is the removal of debris going?

Deep end still has some material in it but it's cleared enough so I can now vac the last of it out. Can't get good prime on vac hose. That's another thread.

 

[pktaske]

Pool bottom nearly clean and very clear.

 

[MITBeta]

 

[pktaske]

True dat. Here.