Pool Opening - Vacuuming Pool

[reduca]

Thinking ahead to spring...

For various reasons, we just closed and winterized our 16x32 gunite pool on January 25. We'll probably open it the middle of April or first of May. Even with the short closing timeframe, I know our mesh safety cover will let dirt and sediment through that will settle on the pool bottom. When we open the pool, I'd like to vacuum to waste all or most of the crud sitting on the bottom. I also know that when we start circulating the water, much of the settled dirt will get stirred up. Shy of purchasing or renting a portable pool vacuum, what is the best way to remove the dirt and sediment without stirring it up and running it through the filter?

[MKuz14]

You can avoid renting a portable vacuum to waste pump. When you open your pool shock it hard with at least 4 gallons liquid chlorine and granular chlorine. (granular is optional but desired, cover the entire surface of the water) When applying granular chlorine you are going to want to shut the pump off and let the granular chlorine make it to the bottom of the pool. (normally takes about 15 minutes) Start your filtration system and let it run overnight. Than set your multi port in the waste position and vacuum your pool. Than use your wall brush and brush the entire pool and if there is more sediment the following day, go ahead and vacuum to waste once more. Allow your filtration system to operate 24 hours a day until the pool is up to your standards than you may switch to whatever time setting you may have. Your filter is your best friend at this point. Again backwash once a day until the pool is up to your personal standards. Vacuuming to waste takes a lot of patients and a lot of trips back and forth to empty the pump basket. I wish there was an easier way to do it but patients is the key to your success. Best of luck to you!