Need some guidance-starting up pool after uncovered winter

[OxPool]

Back again (moved away from my parents so pool maintenance went away). Info in my profile by 16000G vinyl pool. Elderly mom didn’t have it covered nor winterized just turned pump on.

She decided a week ago to turn the pump on to clean the pollen/debris off the top which of course stirred up the leaves/debris on the bottom (she did remove some she said).

Have to hunt down my TF100 kit and check regeant age today when I make it back over.

Have basically just backwashed filter/rinsed/ quick backwash daily and scrubbed sides/shallow end.

No way to see the bottom but last time I saw it plenty of leaves etc.

Debating if I want to vacuum it blind or drain 2/3 or so and refill (have landscape irrigation taps so quick to drain and fill) or both vs starting SLAM now with the organics in it.

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[OxPool]

Apologies just realized I posted this in just getting started vs pool opening.

 

[Newdude]

Apologies just realized I posted this in just getting started vs pool opening.

No worries. We're there now

Debating if I want to vacuum it blind or drain 2/3 or so and refill (have landscape irrigation taps so quick to drain and fill) or both vs starting SLAM now with the organics in it.

That's the million dollar question and all roads work with various levels of effort.

With cheap water and a good path to drain, I'd always opt for dumping as much as I could. With vinyl you need to leave 12 to 18 inches in the shallow end to keep the liner from shifting.

Scooping will be somewhat more effective / productive once it's lowered so get out whatever you can while it's easier.

I'd then try and match the fill and drain while it's still low for a while to dilute what's left before refilling. Then slam away as you refill and vac blind once full until you get the last of the crud.

 

[Bperry]

Back again (moved away from my parents so pool maintenance went away). Info in my profile by 16000G vinyl pool. Elderly mom didn’t have it covered nor winterized just turned pump on.

She decided a week ago to turn the pump on to clean the pollen/debris off the top which of course stirred up the leaves/debris on the bottom (she did remove some she said).

Have to hunt down my TF100 kit and check regeant age today when I make it back over.

Have basically just backwashed filter/rinsed/ quick backwash daily and scrubbed sides/shallow end.

No way to see the bottom but last time I saw it plenty of leaves etc.

Debating if I want to vacuum it blind or drain 2/3 or so and refill (have landscape irrigation taps so quick to drain and fill) or both vs starting SLAM now with the organics in it.

.View attachment 637815

I never understand why people don’t chlorinate more during the winter to avoid that green mess.

 

[Newdude]

I never understand why people don’t chlorinate more during the winter to avoid that green mess.

Most close it and walk away and don't even care it's overflowing (mesh covers).

I don't get it either. I drained mine and mixed it up well two times and would have added FC if it was low. I picked days I was home anyway and did other stuff when was mixing/draining and maybe spent 30 mins total on it for setup/breakdown

In this case, elderly Mom gets a free pass.

 

[OxPool]

Thanks!

Fortunately drain and fill is a doable option-I think I’ll try and vacuum blindly first then drain and fill and evaluate.

 

[Newdude]

It goes alot better than you think doing it blind. Maintain a basic pattern, give it a couple hours to settle, then hit it in a different pattern. If you could see the bottom, you'd see how much of it you stirred up and slow down, so keep reminding yourself to slow down. Lol. You'll still stir it up anyway so it'll take a few attempts. I'd also brush towards the pump as you're draining.