Pool Cleaning Project

when I purchased this (HUD) home back in 2015

this pool water was sitting for approximately 4 years stagnant under the Florida sun.

the cover was recently added.

Step 1: Cover Off !

i started by renting a 1/2 HP (horsepower) submersible sump pump Maximum flow rate pumps up to 5100 GPH, (gallon per hour)

i simply tied a rope around the pump and dropped into the pool, discharge hose was placed in a 4'' inch sewer pipe drain about 50 ft from the pool ...

plug pump, draining process begins .

it will take approx.. 6-8 hours to complete drainage.

although the pool is 16000 gallons.

the longer you run your drainage hose the less pumping power you will have.

i ran the discharge hose about 50 ft ,losing half of the pumping power.

Step 2: Draining Has Begun

Thick black algae residue, decomposed leaves and branch matter uncovering

Step 3: Dozens of Garbage Bags

Use a hard rake with a commercial broome with hard bristles , sweep all decompose leaves and branches in a pile, use a square tip shovel to scoop up leaves.

place leaves into a heavy duty contractors garbage bags, poke a number of holes at the bottom of bags.

allow drainage...although it's only leaves ...they are soaked, so extremely heavy ,do not fill bag to top

place the bags on lawn for a day or two to allow drainage before putting them out for collection.

Step 4: After All Pick Up

Start with a 3200 psi.pressure washer to soak side walls,

I used about 18 , one gallon jugs of chlorine to soak walls of pool to loosen up the black algae.

although no photo of me wearing protective gear is seen.

I was wearing protective gear such as goggles, respirator mask, boots and, heavy duty gloves.

(YOU WILL NEED TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN DEALING WITH HARMFUL CHEMICAL).

Step 5: Pressure Wash & Rinse

after the chlorine wash rinse using only water, (so not to mix chlorine with muriatic acid)

followed by an acid wash

Step 6: Muriatic Acid Wash

After the chlorine wash & rinse

you are now ready for the acid wash...

( IF YOU ARE GOING TO TACKLE THIS PROJECT MAKE SURE YOU'RE WEARING PROTECTIVE GEAR.)

Step 7: RINSE & Drain

after acid wash, Drain and rinse one more time with only water.

and drain one final time.

Step 8: You Are Now Ready to Fill Your Pool

Running continuously with a garden hose it will take approx 20 -24 hr to fill pool.

Step 9: Final Step Add Chlorine

call a licensed pool professional to add all necessary chlorine .

wait 24 hr before swimming.

Step 10: Water Turns Blue As a Result of the Added Chlorine

Enjoy..!