Pool maint questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

davidmash · #1 07-12-2010, 02:20 PM

OK, on the the house that we are looking at I have another question. It has a pool.

I am not overly keen on the idea of a pool but the wife is giddy beyond description so therefore so am I....

Any way. It's not in operating condition at the moment (see pics)

There does not seem to be any indication that there was ever paint in the pool. Is this possible? If you look at the bottom two pics, there seems to be some very light spider web cracks in the finish. Seems normal to me as they are small and very fine.

I have no experience with pools what so ever (but it looks like that will change) so I have no idea what too look for (yes the house and pool will be inspected prior to purchase) so I want to have some smart questions to ask.

The pool is nearly empty and I do not see how all the water could have evaporated since Oct or so. I assume it was drained and did not leak out. I know for inspection I will have to pump out the remaining water abd possible fill it with cleaner water for the equipment to be tested. Is there a way to do a pressure test on the plumbing?

Just remembered I did ot take a picture of the pump filter ...etc. There was this big handle thing on the pump which you can turn to do various functions marked on the dial around the handle. Filter is huge and the steel is very clean/shiny. Looks kind of new to me but what do I know.

kerry · #2 07-12-2010, 02:41 PM

Yes, you will have to get water in the pool to check out the pumps and associated systems. Is that snow on the ground in the pictures? How cold does it get there? Was the pool winterized? Pools can be redone with epoxy coatings if the existing material is failing. I used to maintain a pool about that size. Not that big of a deal once everything is up and running but probably not something I'd want to do at my own house unless it happened to attract visibly pleasing specimens to the vicinity.

#3 07-12-2010, 02:45 PM

If I was serious about the house, I would get a pool guy to inspect it an get an estimate to make it right; then you can adjust your offer accordingly.

Pavka007 · #4 07-12-2010, 02:48 PM

Oh Boy.....

So instead of working on your Merc you will be fixing the pool?

On a serious note, make sure that the damn thing doesn't leak, from the picture I can see that the house is close, so you don't want water in your basement.

kerry · #5 07-12-2010, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pavka007

Oh Boy.....

So instead of working on your Merc you will be fixing the pool?

On a serious note, make sure that the damn thing doesn't leak, from the picture I can see that the house is close, so you don't want water in your basement.

No basement in the house.

jcyuhn · #6 07-12-2010, 03:37 PM

Yeah, that's snow -we had a couple of good snowstorms in Dallas this past winter. I assume the pictures are from that timeframe. We don't winterize pools down here, just have a freeze guard that runs the pump when the air temp reaches 32F.

The pool is made of gunite, basically concrete sprayed over metal forms. The finish is plaster - a mixture of cement and ground marble, and god knows what else.

The pool will have to be drained, cleaned, and acid washed to get out the stains. Then filled, to see if it leaks. Plumbing can be pressure tested for leaks. No way to determine if the pool equipment works when it's in that state.

It may just need a good cleaning and startup, or it may need major repairs - no way to tell given the condition it's in. Given the unknowns, I'd budget 10 grand for repairs. There's no way you're getting it running well for less than 2 grand. Worst case, at the high end you can fill it in and landscape the backyard.

Once up and running, the expense and workload depends on how much stuff gets into it - tree leaves and such. My pool stays relatively free of yard debris most of the year, so I usually spend 15 minutes per week cleaning it, checking chemicals, etc. Backwash the filter a few times each year, and make occasional repairs as necessary - it's not too bad. They do need replastering once every 10 years, figure $5K for an average size pool, give or take.

Skid Row Joe · #7 07-12-2010, 03:50 PM

Pools are like RVs - you have no idea of their endless expense until you're in too deep.....pun intended. Ask me how I know.

Save your money - fill-in and grade over the pool with dirt, then buy a $10,000.00 membership at the most exclusive country club you want in your area.

You will spend as much on the CC membership with dues and enjoy it more, than you will that pool.

Been there, done that....just saving you some $$$s.

Skid Row Joe · #8 07-12-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

Is that snow on the ground in the pictures? How cold does it get there?

-10' was as cold as I've seen it 20 years ago. 9" snow is not out of the question, and a hard-packed ice/snow event that stays for a week is about a 25 year event.

That said, the teens are routine, and below 32' is quite normal during the winter here.

G-Benz · #9 07-12-2010, 04:06 PM

Pics indicate staining on the concrete deck...it will have to be recoated.

Looks to be an older pool (circa late 1980's perhaps) , or a VERY basic starter model (i.e. no pool lights, ornamental rock, etc.).

Is that a hot tub in the center background?

As others said, pool neglect might be an indication of pump or other expensive component failure, forcing the current or previous owners to abandon the pool entirely.

Expect to spend some $$$ getting up to standards (especially refilling it!!!)...then add the typical costs of pool maintenance...Texas heat evaporates pool chemicals rapidly, so keeping algae in check is a full-time job!

TnBob · #10 07-12-2010, 04:42 PM

IF your gonna keep it .. hit the bypass to the filter before you fire up the pump to drain whats left there. You sure dont need that junk running thru your filter too.

JollyRoger · #11 07-12-2010, 05:19 PM

Remind me to look into chlorine futures.....

The Clk Man · #12 07-12-2010, 07:21 PM

The finish of the area around the pool is gunite, it is very durable although it's hard on the fingers and toes. The pool looks sound to me. Other than the pump, the poll should be sound.

mgburg · #13 07-12-2010, 07:32 PM

What I remember from a FEW years back was vaccuming the pool free of debris (in this case, bucket brigade the crud over the edge), then filling the pool with clear water, applying "pool shock" to jump start the chemical cycle (pure chlorine, sold in 1 gallon jugs), and lots of TLC during the season. The routine was: Vaccum in the morning; Add makeup water while the vaccuming was going on; Add appropriate chemicals as called for; SWIM your brains out for the day; Check chemical mix about 1700, add as needed; at 2100-2200, add makeup water: Repeat next day...

In the morning was "Skimmer Surprise!" I was the lucky one to do that 'cause everyone else got grossed out by the drowned whatevers caught in the strainer basket. (Besides...in order to use the vaccum, you needed the strainer basket out of the way in order to plug the vaccum hose in the hole...)

Just pray to God that the POs didn't leave water in the return line to the pump during the "freeze" or you may have more than a headache on your hands. I know from personal experience what that's all about. ( DAMN! That's the only advantage you have when you're too short, or small, for basketball!!!! )

Emmerich · #14 07-12-2010, 08:37 PM

Any tree within 100 feet will dump into the pool and make your life hell. I did pool maintenance. Its like your teeth, once you get going on periodic care, its smooth sailing, but when it stops, be prepared for some expensive fixes. And this is if the pool is not cracked or has broken pipes underground.

davidmash · #15 07-12-2010, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

Yes, you will have to get water in the pool to check out the pumps and associated systems. Is that snow on the ground in the pictures? How cold does it get there? Was the pool winterized? Pools can be redone with epoxy coatings if the existing material is failing. I used to maintain a pool about that size. Not that big of a deal once everything is up and running but probably not something I'd want to do at my own house unless it happened to attract visibly pleasing specimens to the vicinity.

Snow? Lol I wish. I took the picture at 11am this morning. It is 88 now at 10p It's white rocks. No idea if it was winterized or not. I suspect not. I think it was drained before winter hit.