For those who have a pool - give it to me straight

[mudnuri]

Maybe I can shed some light on some of the problems/comments made here.

I'm a AFO/CPO (national aquatics facility/certified pool operator)...and under my care in the summer is a 75'x75 foot public pool, with 4 diferent depths....

Okay..first off... Chlorine should NEVER be "felt in your eyes"...if it is...your water either has too much chlorine, but not enough for a super shock, or not enough chlorine, and too much bacteria....Ever go into an indoor swimming pool, and smell what you think is chlorine? yeah- well that's bacteria...not chlorine...anyway, back to outdoor pools.

A filtration system should be set on a timer, if not run continuously for 24 hours....it should be run when you use the pool most- say 10am-6pm non-stop, and then on/off during the overnight. This keeps the pool much cleaner as the turnover rate of your filters will vary greatly. In my case, I have a 4 hour turnover rate...which means basically that in 4 hours, every gallon of water in my pool, has gone through the filter system...CLEAN WATER....

Backwashing should be done regulary...your filter should have a pressure guage on it, so you are aware of when to backwash....I can't give you the #, as each system is a bit different...once you know where yours runs on a just backwashed system, you can tell, by the drop is pressure when to backwash...

If you have a cartridge filter, please buy more than 1 cartridge..cleaning a cartridge filter, takes 24 hours...if you don't know how to clean one, let me know I'll pm you on Tuesday with the info (it's in my office...I have to follow directions each summer, as I lack in the winter LOL)

if you have a sand filter, you should replace your sand every 2 years or so....once the sand has been beaten down by the water, the granulas are too small to "wash the water".

I could go on and on and on...however, I think that's the jist of what I wanted to say.

Also- automatic vacumes are great, however they take forever to cover the pool.. I can vacumm my 75x75 foot pool in just under an hour...and that's not missing a spot. 1.5 hours my skimmers are all cleaned, and pools vacummed!

OH- I forgot..........your water needs to be tested VERY frequently when your pool is in use...body oil, sun screen etc... cling to bacteria....etc...

Oh- the automatic feeder, I have one as well....it's not as simple as 'turing the dial" you need to know how fast it's going to enter, and how long to keep it where it is....mine's automatic, 100% I dont touch my feeder, once set in early summer, my filtration system, vacumm and backwash keeps my chemicals in check..and thats with upwards of 200 kids swimming in the pool on very hot days!

Okay, thats it
Brandy

 

[kilee]

We had our pool installed last year. The best upgrade investment we made was the addition of a bottom filter. It was something like $200 extra for the parts and installation. We only had to vaccum the pool twice last year and it stayed crystal clear spotless clean all summer. The bottom filter really made a difference. We also have the robo vac--- but think that's just okay. However, we only used it twice last year and once this year-- so maybe we just haven't gotten the full hang of it.

We let a few of the neighboor kids in last year-- it got out of control. NO MORE!! Most of them were well younger than DS and next thing I knew their whole families were in the pool. Mom and dad too-- and we didn't even previously talk w/ these people. My favorite was when all these people would "slide on in" while watching their kids. But on the 3rd of July last year the same few families had a "cook-out" and to watch the village fireworks (which you could see from our house's). Anyhow, DS and I sat out alone all night. They were right next door. They never once invited us over. They'd get in the pool and huddle together and talk softly. It was very awkward! So this year unless you're a family memeber or a long time friend-- you're not coming in!! Learned my lesson.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I don't mean to be downbeat but my three year old great nephew drowned a few days ago. He wanted to go swimming and went on his own. There are so many dangers for children and you cannot protect them from them all. It is heartbreaking.

A swimming pool company came in, for free, and filled in the pool the day before yesterday and that area will now be a memorial garden.

I know that this sounds too pat to be true but I would never say such a horrible thing if it were not true. We learned this news while we were at DW. I came home and hugged my grandkids a bit harder.

Like anything else swimming pools can be good or otherwise, different for each family. Is a great way to keep your teens close to home though. Enjoy, be careful.

SG/Linda

 

[trishy]

I'm so sorry. What a horrible tragedy. No words I say can make it any better, really... just so sorry.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Originally posted by WebmasterAlex
A hole in the ground into which you throw money

 

[AZKathy]

Protect children by putting a fence around the pool. Besides having a walled back yard, we have a wrought iron fence with a gate that closes on it's own around the pool.

We live in an area where 80% of the homes have pools, so we don't run into being the neighborhood kid getaway every summer afternoon. Ours was the warmest this spring since we had a solar pool cover, so we ran into everyone wanting to use our pool because their pool was "freezing!" I would not let any kids swim in our pool until I spoke with the child's parent about abilities or lack thereof with swimming.

I don't know if your neighborhood has CCR's, but if you have them, check them for above ground pools being allowed. One of my friends purchased an above ground pool and then found out that the development rules did not allow above ground pools even though every backyard was walled in. She never got it up and is currently getting an in ground pool.

SlightlyGoofy, I am so sorry about your loss. What a horrible tragedy.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Thank you all for the kind thoughts about the loss of such a young life. I had never met the child but as I love children so much it is still painful. They are the flowers in the garden of life and just plain interesting as can be.

In Indiana owning a pool can take away from the homes value as it so expensive to keep up with.

On those hot days of summer I will envy those of you who have one and be grateful that I do not have the expense the rest of the year. (smile)

SG/Linda

 

[crz4mm2]

Selling mine this year. ONly used it three times last year. Not worth the expense.

 

[grinningghost]

Wow, what a wealth of information you guys gave me! Thanks so much. I really appreciate every single bit, because this is all so new to me.

SlightlyGoofy, so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be extra sure to watch carefully if any small children are around the pool. Our own DD is 15, so the only time small kids should be around is during family gatherings. Scary to think how quick a child can drown.

The neighborhood drop-ins! That's something I never thought of. Luckily, most of our neighbors have pools, so I hope we don't have to worry. Part of my reason for wanting a pool of my own is so I can just go out on my floaty chair and totally relax. I'd feel a little guilty if a neighbor popped in and I ignored them.

And all the filter/chemical/vacuum advice is awesome. I haven't a clue - but I guess I'll find out soon enough.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi there Ghost

I have heard of people who have a sign or something that they put on their door when they are willing to welcome guests to share the pool or come over to play. Might be an idea so that you can enjoy your privacy when you want and share when you want.

I am sure you will be careful. You cannot protect children from everything and in doing so you deprive them of a lot of pleasure.

I will enjoy thinking of you and yours enjoying the cool water this summer. I will crank up the a/c and just hide until it cools off. LOL

SG/Linda