How can I dive to an 8 foot depth to perform one time maintenance without scuba gear?

Question

I need to install a special main-drain cover on my swimming pool (8 feet deep). I tried the "red-neck" garden-hose taped to a snorkel method without any luck. It was too hard to breath at depth. I just need to line up 2 holes and screw the cover on with a screwdriver, but I cant hold my breath that long. I need an idea on how to breath without scuba gear for about 2 minutes. I hate to think I might have to drain the pool, but this new cover is mandatory.

Answer 1

The garden hose didn't work because of water pressure. Your lungs aren't strong enough to overcome that amount of pressure.



Try this. Do all the prep you can on the surface. If you have some wooden dowels just a bit smaller than the screws, put them through the holes in the cover plate, and use them to line up the plate on the first dive. Come up, catch your breath, and use the 2nd dive to install one screw. Keep going if you have to, until that screw is in place, BUT NOT TIGHT. Then rest, and do the other side, and tighten it. Then tighten the first one. The reason you don't tighten the first one is that if you alignment isn't perfect, you may not get the 2nd screw in.



Of if you have a dive shop in your area, call them up and ask if they know someone who can come out and do the job for you for $10 or $20. If you're in the northern hemisphere, the season is probably just beginning, and we're all itching for a chance to get back into the water - even if it's just a pool. It will cost you a few dollars, but that's a lot cheaper and easier than draining the pool.

Answer 2

It can be done breath hold ( I've done it when working as a pool pro and my scuba gear wasn't in the truck) but if you can't manage it, call either a pool shop to see if they have a diver on staff or hit a local dive shop for someone to do it. I saw someone post that it costs a few dollars. Nope..try again. To get either a pool shop diver or a dive shop diver you're looking at over 100 bucks. That's the going rate even if it only takes a minute. Most around here (Ontario) charge in the neighborhood of 125 which is what I charge as well. Going the route of hiring a diver will still be cheaper than draining then refilling a pool.

Answer 3

Without proper training, you can injure yourself at a shallow depth on scuba gear.



I would assume you could complete this work doing multiple breath hold dives. I can stay underwater for nearly a minute doing breath holds. Take two or three quick deep breaths (mini-hyperventilation) before going underwater.

Answer 4

If you use a thicker hose, it should be easier to breath.

Have you tried using balloons?



You also might be able to rent some scuba gear, but if not, I can't think of anything affordable.

Answer 5

good question... to help you last longer down there, throw in some bricks with line attacted, to help you get there without using your air,pull your self down, and hang on,,do one screw at a time,,take many deep breathes before you dive, if not get help from some one who can do it

Answer 6

That's great!!! You girls and Jim jr m are having a good little game-keep it up!