When to admit defeat and start over?

[SpacemanSpiff]

Hi all.
We're on our 2nd season with an 18'x48" Intex 'baloon type' AGP that got away from us over the winter and opened very badly. Lots of algae.

Before I go into details about what all chemicals we've thrown in and what our measurements are [or lack thereof], I have to question whether it's even worth it.

We've been at this for over 4 weeks and have spent more money on filters, supplies and chemicals than the $47.00 it would cost to simply drain, clean and refill, not to mention not being able to actually use the thing.

By haphazardly following advice from this site, we've managed to kill off most of the algae to the point the water was mostly clear, with just some greenish/brown dust piles on the bottom. The 'debris vacuum' the pool comes with is worthless on that, so I picked up a 1½" hose and vacuum head, and hooked it straight to the Intex pump/filter. It vacs up a little, but we quickly lose suction. I don't think the Intex pump is strong enough to draw through 25' of hose.

In the process of vacuuming from inside the pool, we stirred up all the bottom dust and made the water cloudy again. We also noticed that quite a bit of the dust was flowing right through the filter and back into the water.

So, the question at this stage is, should we keep on keepin' on, or drain the thing and start over? And should we buy a bigger pump? [such as http://smile.amazon.com/Swim-Time-NE...=1&*entries*=0 ]
The Intex pump seems to do the job as long as the algae is under control, but if it does get out of control, it fails miserably.

[Watermom]

If you can, it will be faster to dump it and start over. Then, with your freshly filled pool, you can use our Super Simple Start-up Recipe to get the chemistry started on the right foot. http://pool9.net/sspool-info/

Those little pools are actually harder to deal with than a big pool at times. It is critical that you not let algae have a chance to get started because, as you have found out, it is extremely difficult to clear up.

Let us know if you have other questions.

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Welcome to the Pool Forum!

[SpacemanSpiff]

Thanks. That's what we thought.

Now, is it worth replacing the Intex pump with the one in my earlier post?
Any firsthand with that pump?

http://amazon.com/Swim-Time-NE6151B-...=1&*entries*=0

[Watermom]

I'm going to ask Dave, who is one of our support team members, to take a look at your question. He is more familiar with Intex equipment than I am.

[BigDave]

That pump (by specification) would be way too much for your pool.

What filter were you considering? Intex makes some sand filters that would be appropriate. The Hayward VL would also be appropriate.

[PoolDoc]

. . . membership updated.

New filter cartridges will help, but a bigger pump by itself will not. If you want to improve filtration, but a pump + filter like this:

Intex Sand Filter Pump 2900 Gallons (GPH)

But, for $47, I'd absolutely start over . . . even if you get the new pump. It's hard to clean up algae, and harder to clean up chemical hobo soup, which it sounds like you have.

Good luck!