Swimming pool water can go bad over the years–so bad that the chemicals are no longer effective. With this information and an empty weekend, you (and a friend) can drain and refill your swimming pool without spending more than 2.5 million in wages (not counting the chemicals needed for the new water).
Step
Part 1 of 3: Drain
Step 1. Go to a home supply store and rent a submersible sump pump
Pumps can be rented at a cost of around Rp. 468 thousand/24 hours. Do it in the morning so that your pool is empty before the evening.
Renting a pump includes a 15 m long rubber hose. Two hoses should suffice for most homes, but check to make sure the pool is no more than 30 m from the drain/sewer
Step 2. Prepare the pump and water outlet, connect the hoses to suck water
This step is very important. Most cities don't allow you to drain and run water directly into a neighboring street or yard, for example. So there are two options for draining water:
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Straight to the sewer. This is usually a 7.5 to 10 cm plastic pipe in the grounds of your home, usually outside the bathroom or kitchen, with a threaded cover on top, this pipe leading straight to the gutter. The city will reuse this water. In older houses, there is one outlet and rises from ground level into the walls. In newer homes, there are two outlets at ground level sometimes disguised by a garden arrangement.
Using a connected line is risky and can cause water damage to your home. If the line is directly related to your home, consult a swimming pool specialist or general contractor before proceeding with the action
- Drain the water onto other grass, plants, or shrubs. This is not recommended if you are draining the pool water, nor is it a good idea on certain grasses or plants that don't react well to excess salt or chlorine. Certain grasses and butter flowers can be watered in pool water, but citrus trees, hibiscus trees, or other plants that are sensitive to salt should not be watered with pool water.
Step 3. Put the pump in the pool and turn it on
Make sure the pipe is securely in place and the other end is attached to the outlet before starting the pump. Some hoses will drop about 90 cm to the outlet before touching anything; make sure it is properly latched.
Step 4. Watch the water coming out of the pool closely
The time it takes to drain the pool water depends on City Government regulations, pump speed, and pool size.
- As strange as it may sound, check out the City Government's laws regarding the speed at which water discharges. In some cities, the discharge speed is set quite low - the city of Phoenix, for example, sets the speed at 45 liters per minute (or 2725 liters/hour). This ensures the safe flow of water into the gutter.
- Most good pumps will far exceed municipal discharge speeds. The pump normally runs safely at a speed of 189 liters/minute, and a maximum of 265 liters/minute.
- The size of your pool will also determine the time it will take. If you pump 113 liters/minute, or 6814 liters/hour, and you have a pool of 94,635 liters, it will take approximately 14 hours to drain the pool.
Step 5. Spray the hose at the waterline that goes down every 30 cm or so
Do this step especially if the water is dirty, it will save you time at the end of the process. Try brushing it while you water.
Step 6. Wait for the pump to drain almost completely, drain the last remaining water manually
The amount of water that can be pumped out depends on the contour of the pond at the end of its depth. Dry the last 30 cm with two buckets. It's time for you to take advantage of your friends' help.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning
Step 1. Remove the dirt by spraying the hose
If you have an underfloor cleaning system, this is a great option to use. Alternatively, you can contact the pool builder for repair/maintenance tips.
Step 2. Clean the calcium or water scale ring
Now is also a good time to clean the calcium or water scale rings (if any). Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover (Calcium, Lime, and Rust remover), also known as CLR, can usually be used with good results. Remove stubborn dirt with a kape (putty knife), being careful not to damage the pool lining. Dirt that is not too hard can usually be removed with rubber gloves, brush pads, and the aforementioned CLR.
To prevent the dirt ring from reappearing, you can buy "stain and scale preventers." See the manufacturer's instructions for use, as well as repetitions. Some preventative agents need to be reapplied monthly to function effectively
Step 3. Acid wash your pool (optional)
A good acid wash will clean the pool walls, keep the water clear and transparent, and make things look nicer. If your pool looks clean enough or you don't have enough time, you can skip this step.
Part 3 of 3: Recharge
Step 1. Estimate the amount of time it will take to fill the pool with the in-house pump
You certainly don't want to go to sleep and find there's a lake in your backyard when you wake up. Make a little effort to prevent a mess at the end of the process.
Step 2. Fill your pool
Connect one or more garden hoses to the available faucets and drop the hoses into the pool. Turn it on. If, for example, your pool has just been plastered, you may need to tie a sock around the mouth of the hose, securing it with some rubber bands. That way the strength of the water does not damage the plaster.
Water shouldn't be expensive. If needed, call the City Government and ask for the cost
Step 3. Wait for the water to settle for a few hours before adding any chemicals or additives
You're almost done. All you need to do is test the water's alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness. After your test, adjust the alkalinity, pH, and mineral content of the water appropriately before adding chlorine, cyanuric acid (CYA), or salt.
Tips
- I've read that groundwater problems can cause your pond to rise above ground level when drained. Scary.
- You have to drain the pool when it's very hot, I've been told that.
- Don't forget to return your tools to the hardware store.
- This information applies to underground concrete pools. I don't know about other types of pools.
- I was once told you shouldn't drain and refill your pool more than once every 3-5 years. Unless your pool technician sucks and/or you enjoy making draining and filling this pool a sport.
- If you know a pool company or specialist you can trust, ask them what you can do with the water now. I haven't gotten to that point yet, my pool water is 100% pure city water, and I know that water needs additives. I was once told a list of 7 kinds that I should put in my pool, now. I'll be looking for another opinion tomorrow! I prefer to do it right without using unnecessary additives.
- If you can't stand chlorine or have a salt system that doesn't work as well as mine, you should read up on oxygen/copper systems. I just discovered ecosmarte.net today and it sounds great. You can ask for information, tell them you read Mike's article on Wikihow!
Warning
- Do not forget to turn off the fuse (electrical circuit breaker) to the pump and other equipment.
- Be careful with electricity around water. Especially when using metal poles.
- It's not a good idea to drain the pool if it ends up causing damage that will cost you more. Call an underwater pool repair company when you need to repair your pool.
