How to Clear Up a Pool I Filled With Irrigation Water

Pools filled with water other than regular water from a spigot will become unbalanced and develop algae and other healthy microorganisms. If a pool has filled with rainwater or irrigation water, the water cannot be treated simply with shock or balanced with a pool chemical kit. Homeowners must drain the old water and start over. This is the only way to ensure the water will be safe for leisurely swimming without causing illness or infection.

Sump pump
Garden hose
Chemical balancing kit

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the filter and the pool heater, if applicable.
- 2
  Remove all the items from the pool.
- 3
  Place a sump pump next to the shallow end of the pool and plug it into an electrical outlet. Put the siphon hose into the shallow end and drain the pool as much as possible.
- 4
  Place a garden hose in the pool as it gets near empty, turn on the spigot and begin to fill the pool. Essentially, at this point you are not actually filling the pool, you are simply trying to chase out the irrigation water, using the sump pump as a siphon.
- 5
  Turn off the sump pump once most of the irrigation water is out. Continue filling the pool with the garden hose. It may take several days to fill the pool.
- 6
  Turn on the filter and heater once the pool is filled. Take a sample of water with your pool's chemical treatment kit. Find the right amount to add to the pool to balance the water, then add chemicals as needed. Monitor the pool for at least 48 hours before using.

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