How To Properly Maintain Your Pool

Regular maintenance pays dividends when it comes to creating a crystal clear backyard pool. Simple maintenance is important for several reasons:

• Health and Safety: If your pool is not properly maintained, harmful bacteria, algae, and other contaminants can build up in the water. This can cause skin and eye irritation, infections, and other health problems for swimmers. But, if you regularly maintain it, these are non-starters.
• Equipment Lasts Longer: Regular maintenance helps to ensure that the pool's equipment, such as the pump, filter, and heater, is working properly. This can prevent damage and prolong the life of the equipment, which can save money on costly repairs or replacements. For example, a clean and properly functioning filter requires less energy to operate than a clogged or damaged filter, reducing strain on the pump while also prolonging its lifespan. 
• Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained pool operates more efficiently, which can save energy and money. For example, a clean and properly functioning filter will require less energy to operate than a clogged or damaged filter.
• Appearance: A clean and well-maintained pool looks more inviting and attractive than a dirty or neglected pool. Regular maintenance tasks such as vacuuming, skimming, and brushing can help to keep the pool looking its best.
• Property Value: A well-maintained pool can add value to a property. A pool that is in good condition and functioning properly can be a selling point for potential buyers.

Properly maintaining your pool involves several regular tasks to keep the pool clean, safe, and functioning properly.  For example, the following are required to keep your pool clean and in good working order:

• Clean:  Cleaning your pool's surface to remove leaves, insects, and other debris.  You can easily “net” most of these things off the surface of your pool.  This helps minimize the amount of organic material that gets into your pool and that in return makes algae growth less likely and you’ll use less chlorine which helps keep costs down. 
• Vacuum:  Vacuuming the pool's floor and walls to remove dirt and algae buildup is another way to minimize the possibility of algae growth.
• Brush: Brushing the pool's walls and floor to remove algae and prevent buildup.
• Backwash:  Backwashing or cleaning your pool’s filter to ensure it is functioning properly.  Over time debris builds up on your filter.  This in turn causes issues such as your pool pump having to pump harder to filter your water.  Eventually, the amount of water that actually gets filtered throughout the day decreases and that can cause your water to potentially start to look cloudy.  
• Test:  Testing your pool’s water chemistry and subsequently balancing the chemical levels, including adding chlorine, adjusting pH levels, and adding materials that affect the alkalinity levels.
• Inspect:  Inspecting your pool's equipment on a regular basis is also very important. This step usually includes the pump, filter, and heater, to ensure they are all working properly.
• Water Level:  Checking your pool’s water level.  It has to be just right.  Too much water results in spillover and skimmers that don’t function properly.  While low water levels can cause damage to your pool pump and cause the system to shut down.

Overall, maintaining your pool requires regular attention and effort, but with proper care, your pool can provide years of enjoyment for you and your family.

If you feel like you need help in this area feel free to check out our residential pool services page or our commercial pool services page.  We have several affordable plans to choose from.