Considering filling in that old swimming pool? You're not alone. Many homeowners eventually decide their pool has become more trouble than it's worth, a constant drain on resources both financial and temporal. Whether it's due to costly repairs, changing family needs, safety concerns, or simply a desire for more yard space, filling in a pool can be a sensible decision. However, it's a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution to ensure it's done safely, legally, and doesn't cause problems down the road.
Properly filling in a swimming pool is crucial for a multitude of reasons. Improperly filled pools can create sinkholes, drainage issues, and even structural problems for your property. Furthermore, local regulations often dictate specific procedures for pool removal, making compliance essential to avoid fines or legal complications. Failing to address these factors can lead to significant expenses and headaches in the future, far outweighing the initial effort required to do the job right.
What do I need to know before filling in my pool?
What's the best way to prevent air pockets when filling a pool?
The best way to prevent air pockets when filling a swimming pool is to slowly displace the air with water. This is primarily achieved by introducing water at the deepest point of the pool and ensuring the fill rate isn't so fast that air becomes trapped in plumbing lines or underneath the liner (if applicable).
Introducing water at the deepest end allows air to naturally rise and escape as the pool fills. This is most easily accomplished using a hose. You can weigh the hose down to keep it submerged, preventing it from thrashing around and potentially damaging the pool's surfaces. If you have multiple returns, consider plugging all but the one at the deepest point to force water to enter there. A gradual fill rate allows air to escape without creating turbulent currents that can trap pockets against walls or corners. Avoid using high-pressure filling methods.
For vinyl liner pools, pay extra attention to avoid air pockets behind the liner. Start filling slowly and carefully monitor the liner as the water level rises. Small wrinkles are generally normal, but large air pockets can indicate a problem. If you notice large air pockets forming, stop filling immediately and try to gently massage the liner to release the trapped air. If the problem persists, consult a pool professional. Filling the pool during cooler temperatures can also reduce the likelihood of liner stretching and air pocket formation.
How much will filling my pool increase my water bill?
The increase in your water bill from filling your pool depends primarily on the pool's size, your local water rates, and whether you need to refill more than once per season. To estimate, calculate the pool's volume in gallons, then multiply that by the cost per gallon of water charged by your water company. You can find your water rates on a recent bill or by contacting your provider.
While the basic calculation is straightforward, several factors can influence the actual bill impact. First, consider that water rates often vary based on usage tiers; filling a large pool might push you into a higher tier, increasing the cost per gallon for all water used during that billing cycle, not just the water to fill the pool. Second, evaporation, leaks, and splashing will necessitate topping off the pool periodically. The cumulative effect of these top-offs throughout the season can significantly add to the overall water usage and, consequently, your bill. Finally, remember that sewer charges are often tied to water usage. In many municipalities, the water that goes into your pool is assumed to eventually enter the sewer system, leading to a sewer charge for the water used to fill it. Contact your water company to confirm their policies on pool fills, as some may offer a one-time adjustment or a sewer charge exemption for filling a pool. You can also explore options for minimizing water loss through pool covers and leak detection to mitigate the overall impact on your water bill.Is it better to use a well or city water to fill a pool?
Generally, city water is preferable to well water for filling a swimming pool due to its consistent quality and treatment, reducing the initial effort and cost of balancing the pool's chemistry. Well water often contains minerals, metals, and organic matter that can stain surfaces, cloud the water, and create an environment for algae growth, requiring more extensive treatment.
While city water comes at a cost per gallon, its pre-treatment significantly reduces the time and expense of initial pool balancing. Well water, being free at the point of use, can seem attractive initially. However, the hidden costs of treating well water often outweigh the price of city water. These costs can include specialized chemicals to remove iron, manganese, or other minerals, the time spent testing and adjusting the water chemistry, and potentially the cost of replacing stained pool surfaces or filters clogged by excessive minerals. Consider having your well water tested before filling your pool. Knowing the mineral content and pH level will help you determine the extent of treatment needed and whether the potential issues outweigh the benefits of using "free" water. It's possible to treat well water effectively, but it typically requires more effort and potentially professional assistance compared to the relatively simple balancing process associated with city water.How long does it typically take to fill an average-sized pool?
The time it takes to fill an average-sized residential swimming pool typically ranges from a few hours to over a day, generally between 12 to 72 hours. The exact duration depends primarily on the pool's volume (measured in gallons) and the water flow rate from your water source (measured in gallons per minute or GPM).
The most significant factor determining fill time is the pool's capacity. Average-sized pools often hold between 10,000 and 20,000 gallons of water, but some can be larger. Your water source, typically a standard garden hose connected to your home's water supply, will have a flow rate. A typical garden hose might provide a flow rate of 5 to 12 GPM. To estimate the fill time, divide the pool's volume by the flow rate. For example, filling a 15,000-gallon pool with a 10 GPM flow rate would theoretically take 1500 minutes, or 25 hours. However, it's important to consider that water pressure and flow rates can fluctuate. If multiple water fixtures in your home are used simultaneously (e.g., showers, laundry), the flow rate to the pool hose may decrease, extending the fill time. Weather conditions, local water pressure regulations, and the diameter and length of the hose can also influence the actual flow rate. Periodically checking the pool's water level and adjusting the hose if necessary can help manage the filling process efficiently.What chemicals should I add as the pool is filling?
As your pool fills, add a sequestering agent (metal sequestrant) designed to prevent staining and scaling caused by metals and minerals in the fill water. This is the most crucial initial addition. After the pool is full and the pump is running, balance the pH and alkalinity before adding chlorine.
The reason for adding a sequestering agent early is that metals like iron, copper, and manganese, which are often present in well water or municipal water, can react with chlorine or other sanitizers to create stains on your pool surface. Adding a sequestrant while the pool is filling helps bind these metals, preventing them from precipitating out and causing problems later. Follow the product's instructions carefully regarding dosage based on your pool's volume.
Once the pool is full and the filtration system is running, you can then proceed with balancing the water chemistry. Start by testing the pH and total alkalinity. Adjust the alkalinity first, as it has a greater impact on pH stability. Typically, you'll need to add alkalinity increaser (sodium bicarbonate) or pH decreaser (sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid) depending on the test results. Only after achieving proper alkalinity (generally between 80-120 ppm) should you adjust the pH to the ideal range of 7.2-7.8. Finally, add chlorine to sanitize the water, bringing it to the recommended level (usually 1-3 ppm). Remember to always add chemicals separately and allow adequate circulation time between additions.
How do I protect my pool liner while filling?
To protect your pool liner while filling, place a soft, heavy cloth, such as an old towel or piece of carpet, under the water inlet (hose) in the deepest part of the pool. This will prevent the direct force of the water stream from damaging or stretching the liner as the pool fills.
Filling a swimming pool can be surprisingly stressful on the liner. The constant pressure from a concentrated water stream can cause stretching, discoloration, or even tears, especially if the liner is older or the water pressure is high. Positioning a buffer between the hose and the liner diffuses this pressure, distributing the force more evenly. Make sure the cloth or carpet piece is large enough to cover the immediate impact area. Consider periodically checking its position as the water level rises, adjusting it as needed to ensure continued protection. Another crucial aspect is controlling the filling rate. While a high-pressure fill might seem faster, it increases the risk of liner damage. Using a standard garden hose at a moderate flow rate is generally preferable. It's also wise to monitor the pool while it's filling. Look for any signs of liner stress, such as excessive stretching or wrinkles forming in unexpected places. If you notice anything unusual, reduce the water flow immediately and assess the situation. This proactive approach can save you from costly repairs down the line.What happens if it rains while I'm filling my pool?
If it rains while you're filling your swimming pool, don't panic! Rainwater is generally fine and won't cause any immediate harm to your pool or its liner. It will simply add to the overall water volume. The main concern is the potential for the rainwater to dilute your pool chemicals, potentially throwing off the water balance, so you'll need to test and adjust accordingly after the rain stops.
The extent to which rain affects your pool water depends on a few factors, including the amount of rainfall and the size of your pool. A light shower probably won't make a significant difference. However, a heavy downpour could dilute the existing chemicals, especially chlorine and cyanuric acid (stabilizer). Diluted chlorine levels leave your pool vulnerable to algae growth and bacteria. Low stabilizer levels mean your chlorine will burn off more quickly in the sun, requiring you to add chlorine more frequently. Furthermore, rainwater can carry contaminants like pollen, dirt, and other debris into your pool, making it appear cloudy or discolored.
After the rain stops, it's crucial to test your pool water's pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels using a reliable test kit or test strips. Compare the results to the ideal ranges recommended for your pool type. Based on the test results, add the necessary chemicals to rebalance your pool water. Shocking your pool after a significant rainfall is also a good practice to eliminate any contaminants that may have entered. Additionally, check your pool filter and clean it if necessary, as it may have captured extra debris washed in by the rain. Run your pump and filter for an extended period (at least 24 hours) to ensure proper circulation and filtration after rebalancing the chemicals.
And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, this guide has made the process of filling in your swimming pool a little less daunting. Thanks for reading, and don't hesitate to come back if you need help with any other home projects!