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Hello

I am in year 11 of dealing with the nightmare in my back yard. It is a solid cement 20'x40'x10' from top to main drain in deep end with a small 3.5' shallow end rapidly slopping to the deep end. All of the plumbing runs under my driveway. The Pump and filter are at least 30 yards from pool. I know I have a few underground leaks. I have replaced everything I can see (not underground) with PVC. The rest is the old 40+ year old Iron and copper plumbing. My filter is a large Hayward sand bed that holds 300 Lbs of media. I have cleaned filter components and replaced media a few times, again last week. I replaced my pump a few years ago with (If I remember correctly) a Hayward 220 VAC 2HP pump. It is slightly bigger than what I replaced.

I have never replaced the water completely. I have read that water should be replaced every 3-5 years. I have a small cosmetic crack on one side in the middle of the pool running all the way down from top to bottom. I have read that draining the pool could be a bad idea. I am again fighting TDS this year as well as having a problem achieving balanced PH and Alk. I have slowly (over weeks) added about 15 Lbs each this year and am still reading low levels. All other Chems are good. I know I have some metal issues. I have shocked and maintained a Free chlorine level to the point that I am somewhat confident there is nothing left alive (algae). Yet I still have a greenish tint. I think it may be copper. I try to use mostly Cal Hypo

Hopefully the details above describe a few of my problems. My biggest question is in regards to a cost effective alternative to replacing the water. I am going to go spend more money on metal out tonight after work. I am hoping that removing some metals via vacuum to waste and filter and backwashing will help me acquire a balance in my PH and Alk.

I hope that is enough info. Please let me know if anyone needs more. All suggestions will be heard. I hope to find some good advice to listen to. I have a feeling that eventually a back hoe, Bob Cat and many $1000’s will be necessary but I do not have that in this economy.

Thank You