Emptying Our Swimming Pool

[squashmad]

I am considering empyting our pool as I am finding that the running costs of the pool are very high considering the amount of times we use it, which is not often. I have now calculated that it costs 30 to 40TL for each swim during the 'high' summer months (this would be considerably higher if I took into account all the costs for all 12 months of the year) and it would be cheaper to either go swimming in the sea or at a local hotel for 10TL per swim.

Is there any reason why I should not empty the pool?

What are disadvantages because all I can see at the moment is the advantages to my pocket!

[solic200]

The weather may cause some damage ie the heat may crack the grouting and the tiles may lift off and in the winter it will fill with rain water, become filthy and green, and become a haven for mosquitoes when the weather heats up again.
So apart from spending thousands to repair it later and the risk of Malaria, I can't see any problem emptying it. LOL
Just joking as I know where your coming from with the costs and if you go to the beach its like a day out on holiday.

[Soner]

I have heard that is a pool is left empty for too long the walls may crack and possibly cave-in.

[squashmad]

I had heard that the walls may move but did not know if that was just a rumour or not.

Maybe there is someone on here that knows about pool building and can confirm this?

[JBA]

Your biggest problem will be the winter rains which will partially/fully fill the pool. The water will eventually go green and certainly become a mossie breeding ground. That, coupled with the noise fron the inevitable frogs (they are way louder than cicadas and nocturnal), will not endear you to your neighbours.
Another problem is that the rain gets into the pump room and without the regular attention of a pool cleaner this can submerge and fatally damage the pump/electrics.
I also dread to think what animals might fall in there (never mind kids) so you should either fence it in or cover it securely.
Resurrecting it eventually will not be cheap as it will require a full overhaul, an acid wash, and either 60 tons of water for an 8x4 or 90 tons for a 10x5 - so be sure you really don't want it.

[Jonnie]

we shut ours off for the winter. Give it a shock with chlorine and a good clean and away you go in spring. Best if you can get a winter debris cover though!

[squashmad]

Could you please explain a little when you say you shut if off for the winter?

Do you run the pump at all, if so how much?

Do you put any chlorine in at all, if so how much?

When you shock it, how long does it take for the water to come up to a safe swimming level of cleanliness?

Lastly, how do you shock a pool?

[sophie]

I know one family who filled it mostly with cement, then on top of the about 4ft of soil and made a garden. There are times when I agree totally with squashmad. Ours would make a very attractive rose garden to sit round, but I'm not sure it would survive the high winds. I'm sure there are many people like you squashmad, but it's one of those things that nobody likes to admit. If there are only two of you, then they are a bloody expensive luxury. There I've said it!!!

[deputydawg]

If the pool is a 10m x 5m with a surround, or bigger, it could convert to a Squash Court !

[squashmad]

Thank you for your suggestions and if it was our pool and property then I would consider filling it in or making a squash court however I do not think that our landlord would appreciate it!

It would be good if anyone can help with the questions in msg 6.

Thank you

[TRNCVaughan]

There is a risk if you live "on the flat" and the water table is quite near the surface. An empty pool is very heavy but given enough water it will float. In winter during heavy rains the water table could rise enough to float your pool out of the ground. Oh dear. Ask neighbours with wells where the water table is in winter.