Anyway to not open the pool this summer?

[Watermom]

OK. After I posted above suggesting that you use Polyquat 60% algaecide, I started thinking -- filtering will just remove the polyquat. So, I talked to Ben about your situation, and here is his recommendation for you:


I would use polyquat to maintain an unopened pool in summer. But the process I'd follow is this:

1. Hold the chlorine above 10 (if vinyl, not too far above!) for a few days with the cover partially off. After the first day or two brush the pool to make sure you have exposed any algae.
2. Let the chlorine drop to 3 and replace the pool cover.
3. Let the chlorine continue to drop to 1, and then begin adding weekly maintenance doses of of polyquat.
4. If there's a pump timer, operate for 2 hours, 2x per day.
5. Both filtration and chlorine remove polyquat. So low chlorine and low filtration extend polyquat's life.
6. If clarity drops -- use a waterproof flashlight at night -- filter full for 24 hours.
7. If there's a slimy feel to the vinyl walls, or any sign of algae, restart the process.

There are other ways, but that should work.

[ryan44827]

Thanks again for the replies. I will have to try to do this with the cover on. I realize this may not be the best solution but I will not be the one doing the work and really would hate for the person doing it to go thru all the hassle with it. The pool has the fencing kit around the whole perimeter of the pool so just undoing the cover is a pain. The plan is get the pump hooked up next week and see how bad the water is, then go from there.

[PBLsQuad450]

I am no mod, so they are giving you the best info. But... this is a losing proposition, PERIOD. Unless you have someone to MAINTAIN the pool, you are screwed. It is just like your house. I spent years as a state licensed inspector, and one of the most important things I learned, "there is nothing more damaging than vacancy!" You would be better off with meth-head tenants than vacancy. You will be able to fix the broken-ness when you come back, but IMO, plan on ZERO intervention. Deal later with 100+ gallons of bleach and maybe a little touch of silver? There isn't a way to have both, a clean pool and vacancy. Heck, just keep water in your gas traps! I don't mean to be bummer post guy, but IMO, you are having no choice, don't even think of keeping up, the stress isn't worth it, just know that the pond can be fixed. We did it. Addition and all kinds of things, got weird with frogs keeping us up all night, then nothing... Quiet. Dead quiet. Then we saw "Nessie." She (it?) was half the size of a man hole cover, a snapping turtle. Never heard a frog again.

Good luck! Vacancy is the toughest of all. But the green eco-friendly/bio-hazard just behind your house can be recovered, I promise! I have done it!

PL

[KirstenHW]

After years of pool forum lurking and being a BBB convert from 1998 or so, I sadly have been unable to open our 18x42 vinyl inground till now - working 2 hours away all summer plus construction at the house . . . so I am losing sleep about it. There's literally lillies growing on the mesh square of the solid safety cover.

I have not been able to do any checking of pH or FC at all this season so I know it is a mess. My gut says to open it, clean it up to make sure all is good for the fall. The liner is fine, as I have not lost any water . . . I'm just nervous and curious if it is worth opening now - if I have already damaged anything, if anyone else has had this situation. I feel bipolar about the whole thing!

Thanks everyone . . .

[KirstenHW]

Forgot to also ask -

I have a DE Perflex system so I can't set to bypass. So, if I do open today here's a pH quandary I have:

I will test then add my box or two of Borax to get pH right before I start to shock - but I must add the DE powder to the system immediately so as not to damage the fingers of the filter. How long do you all think it would take for the pH to come up high enough before I can start bleaching the bejeesus out of it?

[Watermom]

Why do you need to bring the pH up first before starting to add bleach? Unless there is some issue with your DE filter (that I know nothing about), you can add Borax and bleach at the same time.

[KirstenHW]

Really? That would be easier - I was basing it on Ben's sticky / item #2 for if pH is too low at opening: http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=190

Thx!

[Pamsel]

PBLsQuad450, am I understanding you correctly to say that you have gone through a season without opening your pool or treating it at all? Is the only real problem the fact that it will take a gazillion gallons of bleach to clear it when it's opened next year? We, too, are in a situation of considering not opening the pool this year and want to be sure we'll not cause any damage. I know it will be full of algae and will need a lot of bleach, but other than that, is there any risk of damage if left covered and untreated until next year?

Thank you!

I am no mod, so they are giving you the best info. But... this is a losing proposition, PERIOD. Unless you have someone to MAINTAIN the pool, you are screwed. It is just like your house. I spent years as a state licensed inspector, and one of the most important things I learned, "there is nothing more damaging than vacancy!" You would be better off with meth-head tenants than vacancy. You will be able to fix the broken-ness when you come back, but IMO, plan on ZERO intervention. Deal later with 100+ gallons of bleach and maybe a little touch of silver? There isn't a way to have both, a clean pool and vacancy. Heck, just keep water in your gas traps! I don't mean to be bummer post guy, but IMO, you are having no choice, don't even think of keeping up, the stress isn't worth it, just know that the pond can be fixed. We did it. Addition and all kinds of things, got weird with frogs keeping us up all night, then nothing... Quiet. Dead quiet. Then we saw "Nessie." She (it?) was half the size of a man hole cover, a snapping turtle. Never heard a frog again.

Good luck! Vacancy is the toughest of all. But the green eco-friendly/bio-hazard just behind your house can be recovered, I promise! I have done it!

PL