I was thinking Im just gonna hook up the normal pool pump, I dont see any harm in doing so (Ill only run it during the day so I know there is no chance for freeze up).
But Ill add a bottle of poly and maybe put some pucks in the chlorinator, just to get something circulating. Then Ill go all out on opening it in a couple weeks.
Thanks!
-Chris
Chris, as you are a senior member, I doubt that I need to remind you of the CYA increase, if you use pucks. The other thing is your saying that you'll only run the pump durring the day to prevent freeze up - I'm also in Ct. and the daytime temps are well above freezing now, so perhaps you meant to say you'd run the pump only at night to prevent freezing. Your water hasn't reached 50 deg. yet ( I know, I'm just starting to open up pools and the water temps are lower than 50Originally Posted by chrisexv6
) However, the water temps are a little more comfortable every day and I think you are doing the best thing for your pool by adding chems and circulating the water now - at this time of the year, a minimal dose of cl and a few hours of pump run time will save you many headaches - as opposed to waiting until the water was temperate enough to swim, and then trying to get it ready for a weekend swim party
Luv & Luk, Ted
Having done construction and service for 4 pool companies in 4 states starting in 1988, what I know about pools could fill a couple of books - what I don't know could fill libraries
I know about the CYA increase, but I had drained 50% of my pool (TWICE!) last year while trying to fix a plumbing leak, so there is very little to no CYA in my water right now. Pucks for 2 weeks shouldnt be a problem (especially if I dont have the filter on that long anyway).
As far as *when* to run it, I guess you can look at it 2 ways: 1. run the pump during the day so the pump doesnt freeze up, or 2. run the pump at night so the pipes dont freeze up. I suppose #2 is safer, because I can always replace my pump if it freezes. On the other hand, I dont think the ground will freeze again anytime soon, but I suppose you never know.
Ive tried the submersible thing before, it didnt work very well. My pump was offline for a couple days 2 seasons ago, so I used the submersible with a floating chlorinator in the "wake" of the pump, and I really didnt get much circulation of the chlorine.
Ill come up with something I guess. Or I can just wait the 2 weeks and open it completely at once. No parties here, we have a 9 week old, so about 99% of my time goes to him, the other 1% is various forms of work
-Chris
Actually, running the pump at night will be better for the pump as well since you'll ensure that above freezing water is running through it.
Allowing water to sit in the pump and potentially freeze is the danger.
Well, I opened her up today!
Water is crystal clear, but of course I have algae all over the bottom. But at least I can see the bottom! Every year I end up waiting until 1st or 2nd week of May to open, and every year I regret it.
Running the pump 8 hours overnight, added a little bleach for now (need to buy more). I figure its worth what little added expense because then Im not fighting for most of May to recover.
-Chris
Chris, you are definatly a candidate for a " 'poster'-child of the year award" , for following the forums advice!!
* ( there isn't really such an award (yet - but it might be fun to have a 'sucess stories' area on the site & don't know the feasability of awarding prizes)
Luv & Luk, Ted
Having done construction and service for 4 pool companies in 4 states starting in 1988, what I know about pools could fill a couple of books - what I don't know could fill libraries
Thanks!
But I like to think Ive learned from 2 seasons of taking care of our pool......sometimes its all about common sense and not much else
-Chris
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