Newbie - a philosophical question...

[CarlD]

Welcome! Yup, we need to know more. You will need either someone or something to make sure chlorine levels stay up.
Without knowing more, this is NOT a suggestion but an example. When we would travel, I would have someone pour a gallon of bleach in every other day and always came back to a clean pool, even after 2 weeks of this treatment. The bleach would keep the pool clean and everything else would stay in balance.

There are at least 4 other ideas I can think of, when we know more.

[jdm1322]

Hi - and thanks for your replies!

Ill post a picture as soon as I can figure that out. In the interim - I'll cover the questions you asked.

The good news; no trees or leaves around, never had a problem with the skimmers getting clogged. There is some vegetation that borders the pool (some sawgrass and flower beds), but nothing that ever ends up in the pool. I take care of landscaping on my own and make sure as little as possible ends up in the pool. It gets full sun for 8 - 10 hours a day while its open from May - October; Zero shade.

The pump runs on a timer, also never a problem. Its not saltwater.

I could have someone come by once a week and add bleach or whatever, so dont think thats an issue.

Thanks again for your answers and assistance.

JDM

[PoolDoc]

You can do it with a high CYA / high chlorine pool . . . if you have reasonably reliable circulation equipment.

If you'll look at the Best Guess chart, in the 60 - 90 ppm CYA range, you can run your pool up to 20 ppm on Sunday PM before you leave, and it will probably be around 5 - 10 ppm when you return 5 days later on Friday. PoolChlor of California and Arizona has been running 10,000's of pools that way since the late 60's. They use chlorine gas (CHEAP!!!) and ~150 ppm of stabilizer.

However, they have the routine down, and you don't. You will want to be completely sure you DO have the routine, before you kick the service guy to the curb. That probably means paying him for 4 weeks when you don't need him . . . just to make sure he's not needed.

You WILL need to supply info on your pool, so a recipe can be worked out. Before you start, you'll need to supply
1. A reasonable guess at your pool gallons;
2. Info regarding your pool surface;
3. Info regarding your pump and filter;
AND
4. You'll need buy a K2006 series kit. I'd recommend the K2006C, since you going to need to test your stabilizer levels more than the 6x a plain K2006 can do it.

[jdm1322]

Thanks for the info - already busy reading up on your suggestions.

I estimate the pool to be 35,000 gallons. Ill get you the info on the pump and filter - the pump was removed in the fall and is with the Pool co. In the two seasons I have had the pool its never given me any issues - but ill get you the info and some pics shortly. Agree with your suggestion about keeping the service for a few weeks til I get acclimated.

Can you tell me what you mean by 'Info about the pool surface'? Thanks again for the info and your patience.

JDM

[aylad]

He means whether it is vinyl-lined, gunite, plaster, tiled, etc.

Janet

[jdm1322]

Ahhh - got it. It's vinyl lined. Thanks!

[PoolDoc]

OK. Vinyl liner has two immediate implications:

1. You probably can't drain your pool safely, without professional help, AND
2. You should NOT use trichlor powder, let trichlor tabs hit the bottom, or dump large doses of granular chlorine all at once.

Otherwise . . . the best thing would probably be to put this thread on hold, till your pool guy opens the pool. Then, do two things:

1. Watch your guy, make notes AND take pictures. Once you let him go, you'll need to be able to do those things yourself. A photo record will be a HUGE help.
2. Post a note here that "I'm opening". I'll get an email, flagging me. Try to open early if you can. Things go crazy here between May 15 and June 10, and stuff WILL fall through the cracks.

[Watermom]

Things go crazy here between May 15 and June 10.

Ya think??!!