Swimming Pool Query

[PaphosAL]

Off the top of my old head, I would say empty it for that period.

But HIC (Lloyd) will be along soon, with a more professional response, I'm sure

[Mark]

Not a good move.

It will cost at least 200 euros to refill the pool.

The liner could degrade or stretch, costing circa 2000 euros to replace.

Instead adjust the timer to twice per day, I hour morning and evening, will cost little in electricity.

Or buy a pool cover and shut the pool down for winter.

You will still need chemicals to shut down the pool.

[JimX]

Emptying the pool is also dangerous, I have heard of folks injuring themselves falling in a pool with no water, best to cover it up with a hardcover, unfortunately, this is not a cheap option. I'm sure Lloyd could advise on this kind of hard cover.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqV_q3YeK9Y

[PolemIan]

Agree with comments. do not empty it, it exposes it to direct sunlight - still strong UV for that period, and risks it lifting as the weight of the water is holding it firm - and helping to balance against any pressure from movement. An 8x4 pool will take 3 0or 4 tankers, depending on size, to fill at €100 to €120 per tank - a significant proportion of pool cleaner costs for that period. I suggest either leaving it completely. or winterising as HIC suggests. A good pool cleaner can have a winterised pool sparking again in a couple of days with an algicide and flocculant. Probably the same for one well alone, but I'd tend towards the former to give the pump the occasional test.

Ian

[PaphosAL]

Emptying the pool is also dangerous, I have heard of folks injuring themselves falling in a pool with no water, best to cover it up with a hardcover, unfortunately, this is not a cheap option. I'm sure Lloyd could advise on this kind of hard cover.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqV_q3YeK9Y

Jim, your advice is sound and your video evidence of a winter pool cover (with three adults standing on it) is absolutely mind-boggling!

Providing Ian's advice regarding adding winterizing chemicals before covering is followed, I think? So how do we now go about running the pump for an hour or two once a month, to move the pool water around, if the owner is back in UK for a long period?

I've seen smart Lloytron programmable 24/7 mains Timers on the market (in fact I have one here in the office, sitting there unused, 13A UK plug). But I don't recall seeing one that deals with Weekly nor Monthly functions...

Cheers- AL

[smudger]

" So how do we now go about running the pump for an hour or two once a month, to move the pool water around, if the owner is back in UK for a long period?"

A friendly neighbour, there's loads of us here!!

[PolemIan]

Must be somebody who can just switch it on an off periodically?

[PaphosAL]

Just so you know, I've just been trawling fleaBay for a half an hour, and no-one seems to offer a 24/7 progammable mains Timer that also includes monthly (or 4 week) settings...

I guess a timer like this could be programmed to switch on (say) every Sunday @ 0900 to stir the pool water around for (say) 30 minutes, giving the pump a bit of exercise? What think ye, Lloyd?

Thinking in terms of total absenteeism and automation here (along with the cover suggested by Jim, and winter chemicals from Ian)...

Cheers- AL

[bmwx5]

Plenty of 240 v 16 a digital programable timers up to 17 on / off settings 24/7 on eBay also available in the DIY super markets. Either plug in or terminal type.