In FL we have mostly inground pools with filters built in and use chlorine (cheaper). When they turn green, the shock them, and within 24 hours are crystal clear. Saline much better, but for above ground, I'd just drain it, start over, and return whatever chemicals you haven't used back. A good filter is also a must and perhaps a good cover so leaves and such do not get in there.
I would think living up north you must drain it for the freezing aspect of it, no? You can get a separate water meter that doesn't attach to the sewer so it's not at all expensive. You have to pay for it, about $250.00 give or take from your water company, and you use that to water the lawn and wash the car and such. When I had my "irrigation" meter, it ran me about $6.00 a month to run the sprinklers and such every day, and just ran a line next to the house for the hose bib. Sometimes they use reclaimed water, but mine wasn't. It came from the same water main, just no sewer attached to it.
Some cities will also have the fire dept open a hydrant for you for cheap and go that route. They have to flush them anyway.
When I ran my 25,000 gallon koi pond, I used a 50,000 gallon filter with bioballs and filters and a UV light filter, and stayed crystal clear all year round with huge koi and goldfish and plants. It was all natural. I never swam in there but had to get in it many times. It was it's own eco system. |
