Once all the leaves and water on the pool's winter cover were removed, and the cover itself taken away, this is what we were left with (below). YUK!
It's the same every year. The water level was low, the water itself a nasty green colour, and the flagstones in desperate need of the Karcher.
We need the water level to rise before we can turn on the pump, and start treating and cleaning the water. With just a garden hose (by Billy's feet) it takes a long time to reach the desired level.
Once the water is circulating, and the chemicals added, we can think about cleaning the flags. It'll be at least another couple of days until we can actually swim.
As it happens, we're having a short spell of cooler weather with some rain, then on Monday the heat returns, and we are to have 30-35 C for a couple of weeks; so it has worked out quite well.
I can hardly wait to get those flagstones clean. It always looks so grubby when we open up. The Karcher does a great job. I will clean the Lutyens chair at the same time, it's covered in lichens.
By Tuesday or Wednesday, it should all look like this (below).
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In fact, by late afternoon yesterday it was already a nice blue colour. All the muck has now gathered on the bottom; ready for me to vacuum tomorrow (today).
Happy times ahead!
How long does it take for the poll to warm up?? It will be refreshing with those higher temperatures. Hopefully not too refreshing. We had those high temperatures last week. Now it's down to 28o. Perfect
ReplyDeleteI haven't put the thermometer in the water yet, but I suspect it's sub-20 C. With our hot weather on the way, it'll soon warm-up.
DeleteI'm a bit late off the mark Cro, but welcome back to France, glad you had an uneventful trip and are now waiting for the pool to be ready. Sounds like you're well into the swing of things anyway, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSlowly but surely. There's a lot to do after 9 months away, but it's mostly pleasant work.
DeleteLet me know as soon as it's ready and I'll pop down with my swimming togs.
ReplyDeleteGive me a couple of days!
DeleteI remember the days when you put vitamin C in the water to clean all that green.
ReplyDeleteWe use Vitamin C to treat discoloration of the pool liner. It's like a miracle, the pool comes back to a beautiful blue colour in minutes.
DeleteWe had a pool with our last house I remember if thundery weather was about it would turn green overnight some times. My husband worked hard and kept it looking wonderful most times, winter was always horrible once the cover went on. Hope you are soon relaxing and swimming in the wonderful sunny weather. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteWe've had ours turn green overnight too. It's not easy trying to keep everything perfect.
DeleteI know nothing about pool maintenance so please forgive me if what follows sounds ignorant.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be better if you drained the pool at the end of your stays rather than covering what is, essentially, stale water for nine months?
Still, I am sure it'll all be ship shape once you have put in the labour. Just make sure you aren't swimming in chemicals. Yes, I know, I am squeamish that way.
U
One would only drain a pool if there was a leak, or if repairs were needed. It would cost a fortune to re-fill. The chemicals we put in are essential and are of no harm to swimmers.
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DeleteSigh
DeleteAlways knowing better
Saturday was the first water aerobics class in the outdoor pool here in the Washington DC burbs, a little cool, but so nice to have all of the space.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like fun. We'll be doing the same in a few days time; but less well organised!
DeleteThe last picture of the pool is perfection.
ReplyDeleteIn three days and you'll be back in business.
We can hardly wait! It's going to be HOT too.
DeleteAnd every year it changes like magic
ReplyDeleteAnd how!!!
DeleteYou have at last found your proper niche in life - pool cleaner!
ReplyDeleteSummer by the pool in France sounds great to me!
ReplyDelete