September 15th, 2009 | 
Author: I just bought a house with an empty Inground Pool. I have no idea where to get started and I don’t just want to walk into a pool store and get taken for my cash since I have no knowledge. What do I do to get started?
An extra note.. the pool is in Florida and the home is a foreclosure. I was informed by the foreclosing bank that they had to empty the water due to insurance reasons (in the event someone comes in and fall in the pool etc.).
Is it too late to purchase a homeowners protection plan to cover the pool equipment and structure? The pool structure is lighter than the ground it sits in so an empty pool could lift and shift as the water table rises. In some cases they can pop out of the ground. When the pool shifts the plumbing likely breaks and you have an expensive problem. Contact a pool inspector to evaluate the pool and equipment/plumbing.
Note when you fill your pool after verifying the plumbing is tight and equipment operational take a water meter reading before and after filling the pool and spa, as needed, and equipment primed and full of water. Pool fill point is typically 1/2 the way up the skimmer opening on pool side. Subtract the two and multiply by 7.48 gallons/cubic foot if your meter is in cubic feet, many are! If in gallons then no conversion is needed.
Write this gallonage on your equipment and on the inside of your sub panel. Take this value to your pool supply place, along with a sample of your pool water, and they can tell you what your pool water needs.
Get a good test kit and learn how to use it!
Posted in Inground Pool
you first need to get the pool filled with water. whether you choose to fill it with the hose or have the water dropped in is your choice.
if i were you i would call a pool company and have them get the pool up and running since you don’t have any history on the pool and there is no telling what could be wrong..such as leaking pipes, bad motor and such.
Plus, when the pool is filled its going to need a ton of chlorine and other chemicals.
spend the $200- $300 and have it done right, since you have no idea how to do it.
pay attention as to what they are doing and ask questions so that next year you can do it yourself.
I’m surprised the pool is completely empty… that is unusual
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You should go into a pool store and speak to someone. You don’t have to buy anything. You can visit more than one pool store. Check out online to see if any reviews have been written on the pool stores in your area. My parents have an inground pool and this is what they do every time they open and close the pool. I have a relative that owns pool stores. He has been in business for many years.
You want to examine if there any cracks. Does the pool have a liner or is it concrete? Did the previous owners leave you any information regarding the pool? It seems bizarre that they would empty it unless there was a problem.
I would check out the pool and see what you see. Write what you see and then visit at least 2 different pool stores. Tell them your observations and see what they say. If they say anything that you don’t understand then ask questions until it makes sense to you. Go with your gut. If you feel like they are being less than honest then walk away. Go with someone that can help you stick with that. Make a plan to go to at least 2 pool stores (after checking online about reviews, etc.). Do you know anyone that has an inground pool or do any neighbors have a pool??
You need to fill the pool with water. You can do so with a hose. It will take a while and be expensive. You will need chemicals to get the water to the right balance. You will need a testing kit to test the water. You should buy a cover for the pool. It will help keep debris out and heat in.
But the fact that the pool has been drained is a little worrisome. I would check to see if there is any documentation as to why. Maybe the previous owners neglected the pool?? That’s kind of what it sounds like.
References :
Is it too late to purchase a homeowners protection plan to cover the pool equipment and structure? The pool structure is lighter than the ground it sits in so an empty pool could lift and shift as the water table rises. In some cases they can pop out of the ground. When the pool shifts the plumbing likely breaks and you have an expensive problem. Contact a pool inspector to evaluate the pool and equipment/plumbing.
Note when you fill your pool after verifying the plumbing is tight and equipment operational take a water meter reading before and after filling the pool and spa, as needed, and equipment primed and full of water. Pool fill point is typically 1/2 the way up the skimmer opening on pool side. Subtract the two and multiply by 7.48 gallons/cubic foot if your meter is in cubic feet, many are! If in gallons then no conversion is needed.
Write this gallonage on your equipment and on the inside of your sub panel. Take this value to your pool supply place, along with a sample of your pool water, and they can tell you what your pool water needs.
Get a good test kit and learn how to use it!
References :
here is my website it has all kinds of tips on pool equipment such as troubleshooting pumps,heaters,timeclocks,etc. that you may find useful with photographs and comparisons of different types of pool equipment: http://www.swimming-pool-information.com/index.html
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