If you’re considering purchasing a home with a pool, it’s important to be aware of the maintenance required to keep it in good condition. It’s not as simple as just throwing some chlorine in the water and calling it a day.
There are actually quite a few steps involved in keeping a pool clean and safe to swim in. However, with a little know-how, pool maintenance can be easy and even enjoyable. Here are a few things you need to know about pool maintenance.
Keeping Your Pool Clean
First, it is important to know that keeping your pool clean is a must! This means regularly sweeping the floors and skimming the surface to remove debris. It is also important to vacuum the pool on a weekly basis to remove dirt and other build-ups.
Going hand in hand with vacuuming and skimming the surface, your pool skimmer baskets and filters will also need to be cleaned regularly to prevent clogging which can lead to damage.
Depending on the size of the pool, you may need to backwash the filter weekly or even daily.
In addition, you should shock the pool on a monthly basis to kill bacteria and algae.
Pools require Chemicals
It is vital for safe swimming to maintain the pH balance of your pool water. The ideal pH range for pool water is 7.2-7.6. You can test the pH level of your pool water using a simple test kit available at most hardware stores. If the pH level is too high or too low, you can adjust it using chemicals specifically designed for this purpose.
The basic required chemicals for routine pool maintenance include chlorine, pH balancers, and algaecides. You’ll need to test the water regularly and add chemicals as needed.
There may be times or under certain conditions that it may be necessary to have a professional pool company test a water sample. This could result in additional chemicals being necessary to restore balance/health to the pool. These chemicals would be added under the supervision or as advised by the professional pending the water sample test results.
Pump, Filter, and Other Mechanical Components
As briefly mentioned above in the section on keeping your pool clean, pools require regular maintenance to the pump, filter, and other mechanical components. This includes regularly backwashing the filter, cleaning the pump basket, and lubing O-rings and seals.
You can hire a pool company to do regular maintenance to ensure your pool is always ready for a safe and refreshing dip all summer long. This however will add to your monthly expenses of owning and operating a pool.
Although it is more cost-effective to learn to do the required pool upkeep yourself, it does take time and effort to stay on top of it all.
Pools Need to Be Inspected Regularly
On top of all the routine upkeep that comes along with owning a home with a pool, pools need to be inspected regularly for leaks. If you suspect a leak, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid costly damage to your pool and surrounding deck or patio.
Even a small leak is a big concern. Not only does it waste water, but any leak regardless of size can cause your energy bills to skyrocket as your pump has to work overtime to keep the water level where it should be.
Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to check for leaks. First, if it seems like the water level is dropping more quickly than usual, that could be an indication that there’s a leak
Pay attention to the skimmer baskets during regular maintenance. If they’re constantly full of water, that’s a good indication that you have a leak.
Check the pool deck or tiles for any cracks or gaps. If you see any, that’s another sign that water is escaping from your pool.
Finally, take a look at your pool’s pump and filter. If they’re running continuously or if the pressure gauge is reading higher than usual, it’s likely that you have a leak.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to fix a leaky pool, so don’t despair if you find one. With a little help from a professional, you’ll be back swimming in no time.
Safety Checks
Pools require regular safety checks. This includes making sure the ladder is secure, the gate is locked, and there are no loose tiles that could pose a tripping hazard.
It is always important to replace any worn or broken parts of pool accessories or pool area equipment.
Checking that the pump and filter are in good working order is another key safety check.
In addition, you should inspect the pool area for any potential hazards on a regular basis. This includes things like sharp objects, broken glass, and other debris that could pose a danger to swimmers.
Winterizing Your Pool
When pool season comes to an end it is very important to winterize your pool if you live in an area with cold winters. This involves adding chemicals to the water to prevent freezing and damage to the pool, as well as draining the water from certain parts of the pool.
You can hire a professional pool company to winterize your pool, or you can do it yourself if you have the right supplies and knowledge.
If you choose to winterize your pool yourself, be sure to research what is required and follow all the steps carefully to avoid damaging your pool or putting yourself in danger.
Pools can be a great addition to any home, but they require regular upkeep and maintenance to keep them safe and functioning properly. Not only does this involve your time but you must also have pool maintenance added to your household budget.
By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your pool is safe and enjoyable for years to come. Happy swimming!
