Pool Maintenance Tips on How to Keep Your Pool Clean and Sparkling All Year

Having your very own pool is a big deal. For many it’s a lifelong dream. A pool can create so many memories and fun times with you and your family. Imagine this: The excitement builds as your pool is being installed. The hole is dug, the gunite is poured and before you know it; your backyard paradise has arrived.

But now what? What do you do to keep your dream pool looking as good as the day it was finished? Read on as we give you some tips and tricks for pool maintenance and why it’s so important to your pool.

Water Tests: Stay Clean, Stay Healthy

Keeping the water in your swimming pool clean is one of the most important parts of pool maintenance. Keeping the water chemistry correct and balanced will keep you, your family and anyone who swims in your pool safe and healthy. Proper water chemistry prevents the growth of bad bacteria and algae. Here are some things to watch:

pH Levels

A balanced pH level in your pool water is very important and will make your chlorine or other sanitizers more effective. A balanced pH level will prevent skin and eye irritation for those who use the pool and will extend the life of your pool equipment by reducing the chance of corrosion.

Sanitizers

Depending on the type of pool you have, you may need to use certain levels of chemical sanitizers like chlorine. These keep the pool water free of bacteria and other contaminants. Test regularly to make sure the levels of these sanitizers are correct for a safe swimming environment. Always consult a professional for guidance on your pool equipment and what these levels should be.

Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness

These two help with the overall water balance in your pool. A proper level of alkalinity will keep the water less acidic, extend the life of your pool equipment and provide a comfortable swimming experience. Proper calcium hardness will prevent the water from becoming cloudy and creating scale.

Pool Equipment and Surface Maintenance: Better Now Than Later

To make sure your pool surfaces and equipment last longer, you need to do routine maintenance on both. If left neglected, this can cost you big time down the road. Some of this maintenance should be left to the professionals. Always consult with your pool builder for best practices.

• Filter Maintenance: Filters can build up dirt and debris (and other things) over time. Regular cleaning or replacing filters ensures efficient operation, clear water and less stress on the pump. Check with your professional pool builder to see if your filter needs to be replaced or cleaned and if it should be done by a trained technician.
• Pump and Heater/Cooler Checks: Scheduling regular inspections will help you catch and fix minor issues before they become major problems and your equipment will run smoothly and efficiently. Broken pumps and water heaters/coolers can be very expensive to fix or replace so make sure you stay informed on your warranty with all pool equipment you have installed.
• Surface Cleaning: Regularly scrubbing the sides of your pool and vacuuming debris from the top will prevent algae growth and staining and keep your pool surfaces looking great. Fortunately there are many tools available to pool owners these days, like automated skimmers, when it comes to cleaning equipment.

Water Level Management: Keep It Full

Many new pool owners don’t consider that the water level in your pool changes dynamically. It can change for many reasons. Maybe it’s been super hot for the past few weeks or months? Your pool water will evaporate. Maybe where you live has had a lot of rain? Your pool will overflow. Either one of these situations will cause their own set of problems. Here are some things to watch out for:

Low Water

Having too little water in your pool will cause many problems. If the water level drops below the skimmer box on your pool filter, it will start to bring in air instead of water. Because of the lack of water in the filter, you can burn out the entire pump motor. As we covered earlier, these repairs can be costly. Make sure to fill your pool if you notice the water level getting too low. Consult with a professional on how to fill your pool.

High Water

If your pool is overflowing because it has too much water, you may have to backwash or drain some water from your pool through the pump. If your pool has a drain, you will need to find it and drain some water out that way; probably with a hose. Always consult with your professional pool builder on how to do this. It all depends on how your pool is set up and the equipment.\

Call Tampa Bay Pools Today

Now that you’ve read all this, owning a pool seems daunting. But with the right maintenance plan and equipment, it’s worth it. Keeping your backyard paradise for life requires knowledge and care. The more you know about pool maintenance, the longer your family’s pool will be safe, beautiful and fun.

Ready to take the next step in maintaining your pool or building your dream pool? Call Tampa Bay Pools today at (813) 684-3639 or visit tampabaypools.com to learn more about how their experts can help you have a worry free pool season.