It’s the pool owner’s version of a horror movie – a week before July 4th and your big backyard pool party, the pool pump dies (after you just got the chemicals perfectly balanced of course). You call the local pool company and they’re booked for the next two weeks. They can get to you. . . after the holiday. You decide to do it yourself and order a new motor or pump online. That’s faster but it will still take two or three days to receive. Meanwhile, the hottest temperatures recorded since 1843 just happen to roll into your area and settle like a wool blanket over your pool. Now cue the terrifying green monster, also known as an algae bloom. As the hero or heroine in any scary movie, the question is can you figure out a way to survive until help arrives? The answer is yes, but it will take some doing to be victorious.
Test Your Water
Ideally, you want to have solid readings on your chemical levels so you know where you’re starting from. If you don’t already have one, get a reliable test kit such as a Taylor K2005.
Add Chlorine
You can increase chlorine levels using shock or liquid chlorine but you’ll need to stand in for that broken-down pump and manually circulate the water. Stir things up with a pole or paddle to disperse the chlorine throughout the pool. This will also prevent a concentrated amount from settling in one spot and causing damage. A floating chlorinator is another option which will disperse chlorine by itself as it floats about.
Brush, and Brush Again
Give the whole pool a good brushing 1 – 2 times per day. This will help keep the water moving and also take care of your daily workout.
Attack Debris
If any leaves or other debris fall in the pool, scoop them up. Keeping organics out of the pool will reduce the food source for bacteria and algae. Check your skimmer basket too and make sure it’s clean.
Floc and Vac It
After shocking, some flocculant (a/k/a floc) and a manual vacuum (one independent of the pump) can help clear away some dead algae. The floc will drop suspended particles to the pool floor for easy vacuuming.
Run Your Robot
If you have a robotic cleaner, you can keep it running to help circulate and filter the water. Be sure to clean the cleaner’s filter bag or cartridge regularly.
Don’t Wait
Once you get your new pump or motor, don’t procrastinate! Install it right away so you can get your pool back in order.
Follow these steps and hopefully, you can avoid or at least mitigate the worst effects of a dead pool pump and your pool water turning green. We understand that pool season is far too short to lose precious sunny days, so be sure to keep us in mind for fast shipping of pumps, replacement motors, and parts – plus the tech support to back them up at 877-372-6038.
Leave a Reply