is it OK to leave swimming pool empty?

edd62


Joined: 27/08/2011
Posts: 1

Message Posted:
27/08/2011 22:34

I haven't been able to get over to my holiday home for 2 years. The electricity has been cut off and i have been told by a neighbour that my swimming pool is half empty and the water has turned green and mucky. Is it advisable to empty the pool and cover it? would that do any damage?



I would appreciate any advice you have to offer.

Tango1


Joined: 19/02/2011
Posts: 1151

Message Posted:
27/08/2011 23:26

For your neighbours sake you should get it emptied and thoroughly cleaned (if nothing else). You have a potential mozzie hazard there - they love to breed in stagnant water.

Marion


Joined: 06/03/2011
Posts: 1816

Message Posted:
27/08/2011 23:51

do consult an expert, but I was told a long time ago that to leave a swimming pool empty is inviting cracks in it. But i could have been misinformed. However, cracks in a pool are probably better than the mozzies which will be attracted to your green murky water.



I thought that on this forum there were those who tend to pools - where are you now, guys. Please give edd62 some knowledgeable advice.

mozgor



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 256

Message Posted:
28/08/2011 01:21

I was told that the pool needs the pressure of the water to prevent the tiling from damage. If you get it emptied and cleaned, then cover it up, it does reduce the water evaporation a bit, but you would need to get someone to maintain it to keep the same thing from happening again.



We only manage over once a year and have our pool maintained, it is expensive, but so was the pool.

JohhnyLee


Joined: 25/04/2009
Posts: 2495

Message Posted:
28/08/2011 09:20

In a word NO, Lots of damage to tiling and grouting. The Sun will bake it.



The dirty water will stain the grout, and also be a health hazard to the neihgbours.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
28/08/2011 09:29

It should be law that if you have a pool, it must be maintained whether you use it or not...an abandoned pool is a definite health hazard...Mozzie breeding ground.........Pools should also be covered...

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
28/08/2011 09:29

If the pool was strongly built, no harm should come to it if emptied - but, and this is a BIG BUT - too many pools have been built by 'Dump It And Run Merchants'!



You can get the local Beledisi [Council] to dose it with 'anti-mossie' chemicals - usually, just a matter of asking them, or getting someone else to.

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
28/08/2011 13:37

Some good advice already here. If you leave your pool to collect rain water over the winter season then the belediye may well fine you for providing a mossy breeding ground.

One cannot just leave one's house and pool. You have a duty to others to maintain it to prevent health hazards. Get an expert in to look after your property in your absence, like Stringers or other managers.