I have many pool clients that are wondering if they should drain and refill their pool. In order to find out if your pool should be drained, simply answer the following three questions.
#1. Is your pool water brown, green, or cloudy?
Brown or green water means yes, you should drain your pool. Pool water should be clear and if it has already gotten so bad as to change color, the only way to safely correct the problem is to drain and refill your pool with new water. Caution: If pool water is not clear and you can’t see through to the bottom in any part of the pool, it is not safe to swim in.
Cloudy water could be due to a number of problems so draining the pool might not be necessary. Check the following.
- Check to see if the filter is clean
- Test the water for the following
- TDS (total dissolved solids) Should be no higher than 4000 ppm.
- CYA (cyanuric acid) Should be no higher than 100 ppm.
- CaCO3 (Calcium Hardness) Should be no higher than 800 ppm.
#2. Is your pool water old?
A residential pool should be drained about every 2 years but most pool owners drain their pools every 3-5 years. Old pool water can be difficult chemically balance. If the water is not properly balanced then there can be build up in and around the pool. Imbalanced pool water can also do damage to the pool plaster or equipment.
Test the following to find out if your pool water is old.
- TDS (total dissolved solids) Should be no higher than 4000 ppm.
- CYA (cyanuric acid) Should be no higher than 100 ppm.
- CaCO3 (Calcium Hardness) Should be no higher than 800 ppm.
If you do not have the proper water testing equipment, you can take a sample of your pool water to any pool supply store to have it tested.
#3. Is your pool plaster or pool equipment changing color or developing build up?
Pool plaster discoloration or pool equipment degradation could be due to the following.
- Age of plaster and equipment. Over time pool plaster can change color and develop bumps and craters regardless of perfectly maintained water chemistry.
- Improper application or installation of plaster and equipment. Occasionally, pool plaster and equipment can become damaged or change color showing staining due to improper installation. If the pool builders do not apply materials correctly then premature imperfections and equipment failure could be possible.
- Improper pool water chemistry. If the pool maintenance service provider is not managing pool water chemistry properly then it is very possible to begin seeing premature degradation of pool plaster and equipment. Make sure that your chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity levels are all at appropriate ranges.
- Chlorine (1ppm – 5ppm)
Ideal Range - pH (7.4 – 7.8)
Ideal Range - Total Alkalinity (80ppm-140ppm)
Ideal Range
For more information about having your pool drained please contact YardSwim
