Help-Pool Guy Is A No Show

[Poconos]

Gee...on a hard to prime system it seems pretty easy to set any valves to skimmer only, shove a garden hose down the skimmer pipe at the bottom, pack a rag around it to seal a little, fire up the pump, and when it starts sucking pull out the hose. Then start looking for air bubbles and go from there in the troubleshooting process.
Al

[Dafreak]

Thanks guys for all the info. The pump is primed and running. NOW, how the heck do I get all of the leaves out of the pool and how long until all the dust is out? It looks like a pool at an old motel (although the water is crystal clear).

[Watermom]

Scoop as many leaves out as you can. Then let your pump handle the dust.

[Dafreak]

Thanks, unfortunately the leaves are all in the deep end of the pool. Ill work on it. One more question, is it OK to turn the heater on right now or do I need to wait for some reason? I thought I read somewhere that I should wait. Thanks.

[docsobeck]

there's an inexpensive item that's GREAT for getting out all those leaves in the bottom without vacuuming and clogging up the baskets repeatedly. check it out here:

http://www.shopping.com/xPC-Big_Sucker_Leaf_Vacuum

there are a couple of brands available. you can find these at most pool stores, and even some wal mart-type places, or home centers. i've seen them for as low as $21, and it works great for leaves. just attach to your plain old garden hose and telescoping pole, then drop it in and suck up the leaves. the only down side is that is stirs up the dust on the bottom and clouds up the water a bit, but that's why you have a filter.

[mwsmith2]

I'd wait to turn on the heater until you check your water balance. That becomes very important when heating, because if not correct, it can damage your heat exchanger.

Michael