New to Pool and Forum, Thanks and a Question

[PGerst]

Bought a home with an 18000 gallon in-ground concrete pool (built in 1971.) The home has been vacant for a few years and working through the pool problems (as well as other house problems.) Thanks for all the help so far as I have never owned a pool.

PoolForum helped me diagnose the sand filter was not properly functioning and the shop vacuum trick to change the sand was a great tip. Problem was the filter was filled with playground sand by the prior owner; can personally verify that playground sand will NOT filter your pool.

PoolForum also got me the correct test kit (2006) so I could determine I have very high alkinity (250), CH (400) and CYA (200). I think the real estate broker would just come by once a week and dump in pounds of shock; so I need to dilute. Which gets me to my question: the drain and skimmer are not separately valved so unable to drain with the pool pump to waste. Can I use a large rubber stopper in the skimmer intake or should I get a submersible pump?

[PoolDoc]

You should be able to use a rubber plug -- links below. But, see if you bottom of your skimmer will accept a 1.5" or 2" PVC male plug, first. But be careful -- if you screw the PVC plugs in tightly, you may not be able to remove them without purchasing some LARGE 1/2" or 3/4" drive sockets, to use to unscrew the plugs.

If you do go with a rubber plug, the blow up test plugs work best. Cherne test plugs are professional grade (plumber's use them when water testing an house's drain system) and are easy to install and remove. You'll likely need an airline extension though, to use one easily at the bottom of a skimmer. Note that the floor pump listed has much better reviews that some branded and much more expensive bike pumps.

If you'll fill your skimmer with water, after plugging it, it will be much less likely to leak air into the line, causing your pump to loose prime.

Cherne 270-008 3/4" to 1-1/4" Test Ball Plug (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0078RYJJQ/poolbooks/)
Cherne 270-016 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" Test Ball Plug (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000R82NZ0/poolbooks/)
Cherne 270-024 2" Test Ball Plug (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000VYNU7A/poolbooks/)

---------------------------------

Serfas FP-35 Floor Pump, Black (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003BYYPYO/poolbooks/)
Cherne 274-038 3FT Extension Hose (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00748164U/poolbooks/)

[PoolDoc]

(membership upgraded.)