TIP SHEET: Basic Pool Maintenance

With pool care, as with most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you do a little maintenance regularly, you can avoid bigger fixes down the road. Your pool-supply dealer can help you determine the best maintenance plan for your situation.

Proper pool care covers five main areas:

• CIRCULATION - The more the water moves, the harder it is for problems to take hold. Additionally, properly circulated  water insures that chemicals are properly mixed throughout the pool.
  
  
• FILTRATION - A filter removes insoluble particles that can cloud the water and compete with bacteria and algae for the sanitizers attention.
  
  
• CLEANING - Vacuuming and brushing debris and biofilm in the pool and on the surfaces prevent the growth of bigger problems, making it easier to keep the water clean. Routine use of a skimmer net is helping in removing floating debris to prevent it from settling to the bottom of the pool.
  
  
• CHEMISTRY - Adding the proper amount of the right products at the right time insures that the water stays clear, clean and at its best.
  
  
• TESTING - By measuring critical water factors, you can make sure the water is balanced and an adequate sanitizer level is being maintained.

Your summer will be that much more enjoyable—and predictable—if you establish a routine for each of those steps. That way, you won’t have any interruptions in your swim time because you forgot an essential task such as shocking the pool.

Try assigning a set pool-care chore to each family member for the whole season. That way they will be even less likely to forget. Even the little ones can take part, with supervision, by gathering any pool toys and putting them away when swim time is over. Older children can take on skimming leaves and vacuuming. Mom and Dad should handle any chores involving pool chemicals, and kids should stay safely away when any such containers are open for use.

Opening for the Season

There are things pool owners need to do to start off each summer the right way and keep problems from developing. Here are a few tips to make opening day go more smoothly.

The Cover: If you use a pool cover, clear it of standing water and leaves, twigs, and other debris before removing it so that nothing enters the pool. Clean the cover well and let it dry completely before storing it.

Pump and Filter: Check your pool’s systems to be sure they are functioning properly. If any piece is in need of cleaning, take care of that right away. Replace your filter cartridge if needed.

Water Testing

After the water has been circulating for at least 24 hours, take a sample to your pool shop for a complete computerized analysis. Your dealer can verify that you’re maintaining all of the proper levels for safe swimming. You should repeat this test each month during the season, and again right before closing the pool, if it is not the type that you drain completely.

While you’re at the pool shop, stock up on the supplies you’ll need, including test kits for checking pH, calcium level, alkalinity, sanitizer residual, and chlorine or bromine balance.

Closing the Pool

The end of summer means more essential tasks for the pool owner. When you take the proper steps at this time, you assure yourself the smoothest opening when warm weather comes around again. Your pool dealer carries winterizing kits to make this task as easy and complete as possible so that equipment doesn’t freeze and the water is as clear as possible when you remove the cover in spring or summer.