Swimming Pool Vacation Problems

by Mary K
(KS)

I just returned from a one week vacation of which I left my husband in charge of my 24 x 52 AGP--but I got algae! I've always had crystal clear-clean water since pool was installed in May '11--he says he did run the pump throughout the week for several hours per day--and occasionally, he cleaned the skimmer basket; I do believe him:).

So it's hard for me to believe I would get algae that FAST if these things were done--he never swept it, but my pool has been so clean when I'm here, I only had to sweep it about 2 times per week--I also used the Aquabug maybe once per week. He also put a 3" chlorine tab in one time.

Tonight I checked the levels, the chlorine was just fine, course the PH was way too high---I have my Aquabug going now and I swept it--but sweeping it just stirs the green stuff in the bottom!! Aquabug is doing a good job. I also put in PHminus granules.

I have acid liquid I bought at the pool store, but I'm kind of scared to use it. I don't have any other products on hand and it's too late to go to store. Any other ideas? How long does it take to clear up? I assume it's not safe to swim in it till it's totally clear? I sure wanted to swim today.



Hi Mary. It sounds like your husband did everything you asked him to. My guess is the problem was not running the filter enough. The hotter it gets the more hours per day it needs to run. It is not uncommon for some filters to run 24/7 during the hottest months of the year.

Another tip for prepping the pool for a vacation is you chock the pool. Use a bag or two of vinyl shock, let your filter run 24 hours, and you should be good to go for a week. Upon your return do the same thing.

Anytime you have water clarity problems let the filter run non stop. It may take a few days but let it run. Algae can be a little tough to get rid of because it will blow through most filters. You are best off vacuuming to waist and not letting the stuff go through your filter.

I'm sure hubby feels bad, so don't be to hard on him, just do things a little different next time you leave home.