Swimming pools blog

In a message dated 10/19/2003 2:17:53 PM Central Daylight Time,
mikensd@… writes:
My pool is empty and I plan to have it resurfaced next spring. I was told by
a
company that builds pools here in LA that I can leave it empty over the
winter,
which is our rainy season (~8 inches), if I make a hole in the pool, then
replaster it next spring. Winter is a horrible time to maintain a pool here
b/c
of the Santa Anna winds and the unending debris that blows in the pool, not to
mention electricity costs. The pool has been empty for several months and has
no cracks or other damage as a result.
Question: Is the pool contractor correct, and if so, where should I make the
hold (deepest area?) and how big should it be?
What is that noise that game shows make when you get the answer wrong. About

punching a hole in the bottom just think of that noise. When you say punch a
hole in the plaster that is only about a quarter to a half an inch of
material then what about the six or so inches of gunite behind it. Punching a
hole
in it is not a good idea.
If you are worried about the ground water lifting the pool which can be a
real possibility if the water table is high enough then fill it. Rain water
will
accumulate in the pool anyway and if you do nothing to it the pool will be a
mess by next spring anyway so protect your investment by at least filling it
part way and make a trip to the pool store for some liquid chlorine which is
cheap stuff and pour in three cases or about six gallons every two weeks. Do
not fill it high enough to get into the skimmer or returns and do not worry
about running the pump just or balancing the water for that matter. You are
going
to resurface anyway so all you need to do is to keep it from being damaged by
lifting and to keep it from becoming a breading ground for bugs.
There is another member having his pool done in the So.Cal area and maybe he
will post pictures of the result. He sent me some pictures of the tile job so
far and I think it looks great.
Ken