Hey everyone, I’m getting ready to close up my pool for the season, but it’s starting to get algae. I mostly use the spa now. Is it ok to leave the pool as is with the algae, or do I need to clean it before I close it? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Even if you aren’t using the pool, it is always advisable to treat the algae before shutting. Ignoring it now might lead to worse issues on the road, such as discolouration or difficulty cleaning in the spring.
You can focus on the spa, but don’t ignore the pool! Algae can spread and make things worse. Do a quick treatment now to avoid more hassle next season.
It depends on the equipment you have.
If you have a Pentair control board, you should set it to service mode - spa mode so that it does not revert to pool mode on auto. It is entirely up to you if you choose to reconfigure your schedule automation.
If you have manual controls for switching to the spa, simply make sure you are pulling from and returning to it.
@CurrentCraze Yes, everything is manual, so I was concerned that the pool pump sounds more strained while I am in spa mode since there are more bubbles in the pump, but perhaps that is simply how spa mode works?
@DiveDeepDreamer I’m assuming your pump has a single speed? What is its age? Alternatively, the noise could merely be coming from the pump’s air.
Bubbles appear after the pump or filter, not before. Although I dislike using the L word, there could be a leak if the pump only produces air when in spa mode rather than pool mode. Most likely, it’ll be right before the pump at the suction side spa control valve. Is water accumulating or seeping out of the valve?
@CurrentCraze Yes, it’s a jandy with one speed. Regarding the home, we don’t know how old it is, but it was here five years ago.
When the pool is in spa mode, there are a lot more bubbles than when it’s in pool mode. The valve is neither leaking or generating water.
@DiveDeepDreamer I’m not sure how I overlooked this at first. Before anyone uses the spa, the drain cover needs to be repaired. If things continues the way it is, there is a very real risk of a terrible death.
In reference to the air: it originates from some source. It usually originates at the valves, but it can sometimes occasionally come from the pipes, which is not ideal. To identify the problem, a leak detection firm would need to be called out.
