Suns Out Buns Out Pools drained, cleaned and restored a green pool and spa in Conroe, TX, and upgraded its pump to a Pentair IntelliFlo3 variable speed and flow pump. Below: the pool before and after, why this one needed a drain instead of an in-place treatment, and what the pump upgrade does.
What We Found in Conroe
The pool was green with algae, the steps and tile were coated in it, and the spa was dirty too. The video we took on site shows the bigger problem: a thick layer of dead leaves and debris settled across the pool floor. That layer is what separated this job from a routine green pool.
Why This Pool Was Drained
Most green pools do not need to be drained. A typical algae bloom is treated in place: brush, treat, vacuum and filter until it clears, which is what our green-to-clean service does. Draining is a judgment call for cases like this one, where the floor is buried under decayed leaves and debris. Left in a full pool, that organic material keeps using up chlorine and keeps feeding new algae, and it is very hard to vacuum out from under the water. Draining lets the surfaces be cleaned directly.
It is not something to do casually, and never around heavy rain. The weight of the water helps hold a pool shell in place, and a drained pool in saturated ground can be damaged. That is why we decide case by case — see our note on why you should not drain a pool before a storm.
What a Drain-to-Clean Involves
- Check the weather and ground conditions before any water is removed.
- Drain the pool in a controlled way.
- Remove the debris and clean the floor, steps and tile by hand.
- Refill the pool.
- Balance the chemistry and run the filter until the water is clear.
Before and After
What the Customer Said
Just bought a house and the pool was absolutely horrendous. I contacted Steven and he was able to get us on the schedule pretty quick for a complete drain to clean, cleaning. He went the extra mile and provided some extra services in order to get this pool back up and running. The prices are also great compared to some of the other companies I contacted. Steven also understood the importance of trying to get the parts that were already there to work instead of telling me to buy all new equipment, after just closing on the house. He didn’t push to get all new equipment like another company told me without trying to hear my concerns. I would definitely recommend using Suns Out Buns Out Pools for all of your pool service needs.
The Pump Upgrade: Pentair IntelliFlo3
As part of the same job, the pool’s pump was replaced with a Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF pump. According to Pentair, it:
- combines variable speed with sensorless flow control that adjusts to pool conditions;
- connects over Wi-Fi to the Pentair Pool app;
- can connect up to two additional pieces of pool equipment for integrated control;
- is ENERGY STAR certified and meets the Department of Energy’s variable speed pump standards;
- comes in 1.5 and 3.0 horsepower sizes.
Pentair also says it can save up to 90% in energy consumption compared with a single-speed pump. That figure assumes a single-speed pump running 12 hours a day at $0.16 per kWh in a 20,000-gallon pool, and Pentair notes that actual savings vary with utility rates, pool size, run time and equipment.
Our view: after a recovery like this, steady, controllable circulation is the best protection against a repeat. A variable speed pump can run longer at lower speeds, keeping water moving through the filter without the cost and noise of a single-speed pump running flat out. Because it can connect to other equipment, it also fits neatly into pool automation.
Keeping a Conroe Pool Clear
A drain-to-clean is the exception. The way to avoid needing one is regular attention: weekly pool cleaning in Conroe keeps leaves out, chemistry balanced and equipment checked before small problems grow. If you already have a green pool, see our green-to-clean service in Conroe; if your pump is failing or outdated, see pool pump repair in Conroe. We also service pools across Conroe and neighboring areas.
Common Questions
Do all green pools need to be drained?
No. Most green pools are treated in place by brushing, treating, vacuuming and filtering until the water clears. Draining is only considered when something like a thick layer of debris on the floor makes an in-place recovery impractical.
What is a drain-to-clean?
A drain-to-clean means draining the pool, cleaning the shell, steps and floor directly, then refilling and rebalancing the water. It is used for pools that are too far gone for an in-place green-to-clean.
Is it safe to drain a pool in Conroe?
It can be, in the right conditions. Water weight helps hold a pool shell in place, and draining while the ground is saturated can damage the pool. That is why the decision should be made by a pool professional who checks weather and ground conditions first.
What is a Pentair IntelliFlo3 pump?
It is Pentair’s variable speed and flow pool pump. It adjusts to pool conditions using sensorless flow control, connects to the Pentair Pool app over Wi-Fi, and is ENERGY STAR certified. Pentair says it can save up to 90% in energy consumption compared with a single-speed pump under the conditions listed on its product page.
Can you upgrade my pool pump to an IntelliFlo3 in Conroe?
Yes. We replace and upgrade pool pumps in Conroe, including variable speed models like the Pentair IntelliFlo3. Whether it is the right fit depends on your equipment and plumbing, which we check first. Call or text (832) 447-4236.
Green pool or aging pump in Conroe? Call or text Steven at (832) 447-4236 or request a free quote. Owner-operated, 4.9 stars across 135+ Google reviews, no contracts.