Sapphire Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 [size="3"][color="#0000ff"]SSSoooooo..... Hubby and I have been house hunting the last 3 weeks. I think we have driven by almost 70 houses, and only about 10 were worth having the realtor show us. We put our bid in on one and the owner accepted it!!!! It is a cute little [color="#2e8b57"]Key lime pie green [/color]- beach bungalow...with a POOL ! Yea, so I got "wet" a little over the fact that it had a pool. Tee hee! But...... I have NO IDEA how to care for a pool. We have asked around a bit and gotten some good advice from pool store employees, but I was wondering if anyone here has had experience with this kind of thing, Or could give any tips? [/color][/size] [img]http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Smileys%20Summer/summer_h.gif[/img] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyler Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 Tip: Fill it with water Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainUM Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 use chlorine probably daily. i dunno how often it rains up there, but in south florida it rains a lot for a little bit, which can seriously throw off the ph of the pool water. check with the people up there on the chlorine patterns cause i cant remember what my family uses at their house anymore also get an automatic cleaner, cause the hand held ones you have to do are a pain in the ass and if you forget one day you have to basically play catch-up. don't leave anything like those floaty noodles in the water over night, always take them out of the water when not in use, cause A) the sun will damage it after time and bugs land on it, inevitably fall in the water/die on it, and then you have tons of bugs in the water you have to clean with a skimmer, which is both gross and a pain in the ass hope this helps!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh Hamilton Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 I used to hang out with some poolboys coz I borrowed the pool at nights...they would put chlorine at night...thats as simple as it gets...asides from that I assume you have a filtration system... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rani Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 [quote name='Sapphire' timestamp='1286817952' post='484667'] [size="3"][color="#0000ff"]SSSoooooo..... Hubby and I have been house hunting the last 3 weeks. I think we have driven by almost 70 houses, and only about 10 were worth having the realtor show us. We put our bid in on one and the owner accepted it!!!! It is a cute little [color="#2e8b57"]Key lime pie green [/color]- beach bungalow...with a POOL ! Yea, so I got "wet" a little over the fact that it had a pool. Tee hee! But...... I have NO IDEA how to care for a pool. We have asked around a bit and gotten some good advice from pool store employees, but I was wondering if anyone here has had experience with this kind of thing, Or could give any tips? [/color][/size] [img]http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Smileys%20Summer/summer_h.gif[/img] [/quote] It's not difficult. You'll need a test kit and chlorine tablets. There are these floating devices that you can drop the tablets in, that work a bit better than dropping them in the filtration system. As they bob around in the pool it disperses the chlorine more evenly. Test the water every couple days to make sure the chlorine is high enough and not too high (it's color coded). Before you know it you'll almost instinctively know by the way the pool looks and feels if it's balanced. Pull and clean the filter once a moth minimum depending on a couple factors. Like how much lotion you use, how long your hair is, that kind of thing. You just pull out the filters and wash them down with a hose normally. Then pop them back in. Vacuum it at least once a week - more depending on how much dirt, leaves, etc., get into the pool. And you can get automatic vacuum devices that work off the pump system. And you'll need a net to scoop out big leaves or whatever. Chlorine also comes in powdered form to "shock" the pool if it gets badly out of balance. Shocking it raises the chlorine to a level where you can't swim in it, but it's useful now and then to kill off any possible algae and bacteria. I once had a pool pump go out and managed to get through almost two weeks without any algae or bacteria growth by shocking it every four days while the pump was being repaired. Shock it at night and wait until your test kit says it's safe to swim. It's really a piece of cake. If you're really worried get a temporary service and let them know you want them to train you on it because you want to eventually do it yourself. Then keep their number on hand for any emergencies. Oh! And on safety........ if there's any chance at all of children accessing the pool, get an alarm. It bobs on the surface and if something falls in, it sounds a very shrill alarm you can hear for about a block. You'll also need to drown proof any pets you might have or get. I had a Great Pyrenees puppy that I got in winter. So there I was standing in 40 degree water as my then boyfriend threw the puppy in the pool and I called her and showed her the way out. After a couple of times she headed straight for the steps without urging. If you have or get pets, you'll need to do the same. Cats aren't so much of a problem because they tend to avoid the edge of the pool and can generally get out. Their claws are more for climbing and pulling their entire body weight like up a tree, etc. But if you have any doubts, into the pool they need to go just like the dogs. Don't worry, they'll forgive you. Eventually. 'Rani Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcane Posted October 11, 2010 Share Posted October 11, 2010 hire someone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammy Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 just try once a month test your water, ive had a pool for abour 3 years, and its nteresting whats really going on in that huge thng of water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genie Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 I don't know the first thing about pools, but if I had one I'd make it into a saltwater pool. No chemicals, soft water, sounds lovely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IainUM Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 [quote name='Genie' timestamp='1286850450' post='484741'] I don't know the first thing about pools, but if I had one I'd make it into a saltwater pool. No chemicals, soft water, sounds lovely. [/quote] the problem with those (correct me if i am wrong) is that you have to basically change the whole filtration system, which is a huge pain in the ass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ntur Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 [quote name='IainUM' timestamp='1286822056' post='484673'] use chlorine probably daily. i dunno how often it rains up there, but in south florida it rains a lot for a little bit, which can seriously throw off the ph of the pool water. check with the people up there on the chlorine patterns cause i cant remember what my family uses at their house anymore also get an automatic cleaner, cause the hand held ones you have to do are a pain in the ass and if you forget one day you have to basically play catch-up. don't leave anything like those floaty noodles in the water over night, always take them out of the water when not in use, cause A) the sun will damage it after time and bugs land on it, inevitably fall in the water/die on it, and then you have tons of bugs in the water you have to clean with a skimmer, which is both gross and a pain in the ass hope this helps!! [/quote] i agree with lainUM, the autmatic cleaner is the way to go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noodle Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 Talk to the pool supply shop. They're there to school you in how to take care of a pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Genie Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 [quote name='IainUM' timestamp='1286851943' post='484747'] the problem with those (correct me if i am wrong) is that you have to basically change the whole filtration system, which is a huge pain in the ass. [/quote] I have no idea, I don't know the first thing about pools. I'm just a fan of anything more natural and better for the environment. And, from what I understand, it can save you in the long run. But that's based on things I've heard, not anything I KNOW. I don't think the whole filtration system has to be changed, I think there's just this one thing that has to be added to the system. But I haven't really read up on it or anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cp44 Posted October 12, 2010 Share Posted October 12, 2010 congrats brandy! Got any pics of the new place? Hire a hot poolboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sapphire Posted October 13, 2010 Author Share Posted October 13, 2010 WOW ... that is a lot of great info! Thanks! We do have pets. 2 dogs. One is a 3 leggid Chiuaua. We found out that the Pet smart carrys Pet life jackets So we will be using those at least for the Chiuaua. The other mutt can swim fine. = ) And will be getting a pool vacume too ! Thanks ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rani Posted October 13, 2010 Share Posted October 13, 2010 [quote name='Sapphire' timestamp='1286986245' post='484930'] WOW ... that is a lot of great info! Thanks! We do have pets. 2 dogs. One is a 3 leggid Chiuaua. We found out that the Pet smart carrys Pet life jackets So we will be using those at least for the Chiuaua. The other mutt can swim fine. = ) And will be getting a pool vacume too ! Thanks ! [/quote] Okay, you need to know though, that you have to get the dogs into the pool and teach them the way out. Doesn't matter that animals swim instinctively. If they don't find the way out via the steps, they will eventually become tired and drown. With all due respect, life jackets that are taken off and on aren't the answer. Teaching them how to get out of the pool on their own, is. Even 3 legged dogs generally swim just fine. Swimming isn't the issue. Knowing out to get out is. If I sound "determined" forgive me. But having owned a pool for years, and having known pet owners who lost their pets to the pool, this is absolutely critical for the safety of your pets. 'Rani Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sapphire Posted October 14, 2010 Author Share Posted October 14, 2010 [quote name='Rani' timestamp='1287001190' post='484962'] [quote name='Sapphire' timestamp='1286986245' post='484930'] WOW ... that is a lot of great info! Thanks! We do have pets. 2 dogs. One is a 3 leggid Chiuaua. We found out that the Pet smart carrys Pet life jackets So we will be using those at least for the Chiuaua. The other mutt can swim fine. = ) And will be getting a pool vacume too ! Thanks ! [/quote] Okay, you need to know though, that you have to get the dogs into the pool and teach them the way out. Doesn't matter that animals swim instinctively. If they don't find the way out via the steps, they will eventually become tired and drown. With all due respect, life jackets that are taken off and on aren't the answer. Teaching them how to get out of the pool on their own, is. Even 3 legged dogs generally swim just fine. Swimming isn't the issue. Knowing out to get out is. If I sound "determined" forgive me. But having owned a pool for years, and having known pet owners who lost their pets to the pool, this is absolutely critical for the safety of your pets. 'Rani [/quote] Will do for sure! We had talked about that before too. We have even been thinking about putting 4 extra "puppy exits" around it. They have these little platforms for dogs. That way we can teach them that no matter where they are in the pool, there is a way out close by. Should be some fun training! thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuie Posted October 14, 2010 Share Posted October 14, 2010 Fill it with concrete... They are a pain in the ars. Had one in high school and junior high. Key is getting the PH right.... Oh and learn to say F@!#(*$@ Real loud for when you get the electric bill the first month you use the pool pump. My dad got real good at that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Crafted Posted October 16, 2010 Share Posted October 16, 2010 [quote name='Stuie' timestamp='1287092784' post='485074'] Fill it with concrete... They are a pain in the ars. Had one in high school and junior high. Key is getting the PH right.... Oh and learn to say F@!#(*$@ Real loud for when you get the electric bill the first month you use the pool pump. My dad got real good at that. [/quote] I would pay to see that. hahaha. Sounds like a fond memory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
liquidglass Posted October 18, 2010 Share Posted October 18, 2010 Well we moved into a house with a pool when I was about 9 (nothing fancy) but it taught me a lot about how to care for a pool so let me share my 2 cents and hopefully something helps. There are 3 things you can keep the pool filled with: [b]1) Chlorine (most people use this)[/b] Pros: harsh chemicals keep pool very clean and keeps maintence lower and algae doesn't build up as quickly Cons: Irritates your eyes/skin, can stain pool liners and bathing suits, and hair if you use hair treatments (bleach, coloring, etc) [b]2) Bacquacil (most people DON"T know about this):[/b] Pros: it uses more neutral chemicals that don't irritate your eyes or skin & won't stain the pool liner or bathing suits. Cons: Only problem here is algae builds up quicker than chlorine so an automatic cleaner is a BIG HELP and a cover for non-use seasons is essential. *comment*: I was the designated pool boy for our house for years while we had to do it manually and it required physically scrubbing the walls, vacuuming, and screening [b]3) Saltwater (brand new trend that is catching on):[/b] Pros: Super easy maintenance, doesn't need a ton of chemicals (if any) to stay clean and it nearly eliminates any type of build up. Plus won't stain anything. Cons: Irritates eyes hardcore, and plus if you get it in your mouth, it sucks lol (just think swimming in the ocean or bahamas) [b]Maintenance [/b] - GET an auto-vacuum, saves a lot of trouble and time - load up on chemicals during the off season to save money - make sure the pump for the pool is a sufficient size to clean your pool efficiently - Every few years (sometimes every year) you'll need to change the sand in the pool pump (if it is that type of pump) so set aside a saturday for it That's all I've got. and you've got plenty of time to learn about it since it's getting cooler :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sapphire Posted October 18, 2010 Author Share Posted October 18, 2010 [quote name='liquidglass' timestamp='1287382756' post='485393'] Well we moved into a house with a pool when I was about 9 (nothing fancy) but it taught me a lot about how to care for a pool so let me share my 2 cents and hopefully something helps. There are 3 things you can keep the pool filled with: [b]1) Chlorine (most people use this)[/b] Pros: harsh chemicals keep pool very clean and keeps maintence lower and algae doesn't build up as quickly Cons: Irritates your eyes/skin, can stain pool liners and bathing suits, and hair if you use hair treatments (bleach, coloring, etc) [b]2) Bacquacil (most people DON"T know about this):[/b] Pros: it uses more neutral chemicals that don't irritate your eyes or skin & won't stain the pool liner or bathing suits. Cons: Only problem here is algae builds up quicker than chlorine so an automatic cleaner is a BIG HELP and a cover for non-use seasons is essential. *comment*: I was the designated pool boy for our house for years while we had to do it manually and it required physically scrubbing the walls, vacuuming, and screening [b]3) Saltwater (brand new trend that is catching on):[/b] Pros: Super easy maintenance, doesn't need a ton of chemicals (if any) to stay clean and it nearly eliminates any type of build up. Plus won't stain anything. Cons: Irritates eyes hardcore, and plus if you get it in your mouth, it sucks lol (just think swimming in the ocean or bahamas) [b]Maintenance [/b] - GET an auto-vacuum, saves a lot of trouble and time - load up on chemicals during the off season to save money - make sure the pump for the pool is a sufficient size to clean your pool efficiently - Every few years (sometimes every year) you'll need to change the sand in the pool pump (if it is that type of pump) so set aside a saturday for it That's all I've got. and you've got plenty of time to learn about it since it's getting cooler :-D [/quote] Yea thanks! I spent most the weekend learning about the sand filter. Kinda neat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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