What do I need to do to my pool before vacation?
Question:I am leaving for two weeks. Do i leave the pumps running 4 hours a day or do I turn them off and shock it when I get back?
Answers:
Set the pool on a timer to keep it running got 5-6 hours a day in the heaviest daylight. It will make it much easier for when you return. Also you may want to increase the shock level in the pool before you leave, just be sure when you return and go for a dip, you test it. if your going to be gone for more than 6 days give double normal weekly shock, just use caution, pool chemicals that come in direct contact (lumps or undissolved) with a pool liner can cause a weak spot. Good luck, and happy vacation :)
First, have the water tested for chemical balance. Add what the supplier suggests. The supplier being a store that specializes in pool/spa sales and service. Use the pump timer as recommended, but get chlorine tablets that dissolve slowly and put them in the strainer where water will flow over them to maintain the chlorine level. A float type chlorinater loaded with slow dissolve tablets would be a good addition.
To help a pool warm up, or to maintain a temperature, especially in the later end of the summer, or Fall, pour in half to a full pint of rubbing alcohol. It won't affect anyone, and it forms a thin film on the water that helps hold in heat.
Fill the water level up to the highest point and have someone check on it. Run equipment at least 4 hrs, if that maintaines the pool while you are home swimming it should be fine if nobody is swimming. If pool is 20,000 gallons, add 2 gallons of chlorine and fill two tab floaters with 3" tabs. If you let neighbors swim while you are gone make sure they can test the chlorine levels and maintaine 3.0 ppm of chlorine in the pool. Have a great trip!
mamalisa is basically correct, but go to http://appliancequickfix.com/ to see the straight scoop on taking care of your pool water
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