Question QUESTION: for the last two years we have had trouble "turning" our pool when we open it. we have had several repairman check/service the system with no improvement. we ended up draining it in both of the last two years and finding tons of debris at the bottom drain including tiles that had fallen from the tile line. we thought blockage at the drain was the problem in each instance, so we did not think anything of it. this year we did a complete rebuild of the coping, tile and plaster. however, we have noticed we still do not seem to have good suction at the skimmers or good overall circulation in the filtration system. Water is definitely pumping through the DE filter and water is being returned to the pool through the return lines, but the skimmer suction is very weak and the pool overall does not appear to be staying clear even when the filter is being run. Any suggestions for how we isolate and correct the problem?
ANSWER: First I have a few questions.When you close your pool is it clear,when you open it how did it look?How old is the filtration system,when pressure are you getting on your gauge before and after regeneration?You have 2 skimmers,how many outlets?Is clarity the only problem and what type of sanitizer do you use.Lynn
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QUESTION: We just purchased the house in 06. The pool had not been opened that year as sellers moved out before season and we moved in after but we received a home warranty and a statement from the pool service that all was in working order in 05 at closing. It was a swamp when we opened it in 07 and couldn't turn it despite shocking algae out etc. We drained and filled but had difficulty keeping the water swimable. We had one repair to replace the O ring but at the time no other reason to suspect the filter. Pool was not clear when closed in 07 and then we had a patio installed over the fall/winter that left pool partially open and exposed to lots of debris. Pol was again swamp green at opening this year and couldn't turn it despite putting every chemical recommended by leslies for 3 weeks. Another repairman came to check filter which we started to suspect because gauge would not go below 20. He said filter needed to be cleaned and we took DE filter unit out and cleaned. Pressure went a little below 20 temporarily but after 2 days with no significant change we drained again. At this point we had a major interior renovation because of tile coping and plaster issues but thought filter was still due to excessive debris which we found after draining. But now we have refilled the new pol and still seem to be having the same problem with low skimmer pressure and poor filtration. We also have small air bubbles coming out of the return line. We have two bottom drains one in deep one in shallow and to parallel skimmers and return lines.
Answer I do not understand why a pool sitting with proper chemistry[high acidity PH eats up chlorine]that has 3.0 or better chlorine level or whatever type sanitizer use,would have active algae.Are you sure sunlight is not getting through your cover to eat up the sanitizer?Did you replace the socks in your filter?Their is a partial blockage somewhere.When you shock do this.Add algaecide if active algae is present.At sundown double shock your pool,put all vac equipment in shallow end of pool,run filter for approx. 3 hours,vac in the morning.If algae was heavy vac to waste.Do not use instant or 20 minute swim shock.Be sure chemistry is correct especially PH.You will probably need a coagulant to help clarify the water after algae is dead.Lynn
