Good pool maintenance will keep your pool and spa tub clean and healthy. There are some simple mistakes you can easily avoid to make your maintenance job even easier. Errors that involve the use of pool chemicals and cleaning practices top the list of maintenance mistakes pool owners should avoid.
Many pool owners add the chlorine and other chemicals to shock the pool early in the day. The chloramine that allows chlorine to attach itself to harmful bacteria works better at night when the sun can’t absorb it. When added early, the chlorine will evaporate even with stabilizing additives.
For the best results, shock the pool with chlorine and other chemicals after dark when no one is using the pool. The compounds will be absorbed into the water when the air is a little cooler. The pool will be fresh and clean in the morning.
Dilute the shock treatment chlorine and other chemicals in water. Slowly, add this solution to the pool water in the early evening. Keep the pump on for awhile to let the chemicals circulate through the system. Cover the pool or spa tub if possible to limit evaporation.
Additionally, take note not to shock the pool at the skimmer assembly. This can result in a gas explosion when the shocking chemicals meet the chemicals from the regular chlorinator attached to the skimmer.
Many people forget to check the pH balance if the pool or spa tub looks clean. Check the pH balance of the pool or hot tub water twice a week for proper pool maintenance when you use the pool and spa frequently. Test the water once a week if not used much. You can let the test go for two weeks or so in the winter because there is less sun and less use. A covered pool will not need the chemicals added very often either.
Maintain a 7.5 acid-alkaline balance for clean water. Check the total dissolved calcium solids in the water every month. The solids must dissolve to maintain a balanced alkalinity level and avoid corrosion to tiles and metal surfaces. Calcification is a corrosive plaque that is difficult to remove.
Check chlorine generators if you have a saltwater pool. Many pool owners forget to do this since the pool requires fewer chemicals than freshwater pools. The cells and cylinders must be clean with no calcification to work efficiently.
Pool owners can also make the mistake of forgetting to brush the pool's sides daily. Modern automatic vacuum systems clean the bottom and sides, so you do not need to vacuum every day. The vacuum does not always pick up algae and bacteria from the pool's sides.
Skim off floating debris before it reaches the skimmer assembly. This is especially necessary in windy weather. Remove hair and leaves from the skimmer basket assembly.
Pool owners often feel they can save energy by not running the pump every day when the pool is not in use. The pump should run at least eight hours a day to circulate water through the filter system.
You do not need to backwash the sand or DE filters frequently. This will avoid wasting water and keep the water bill lower.
The final top pool maintenance mistake to avoid is forgetting to check fittings or the sides of the pool for cracks until the water level drops. Tightening a loose ladder connection and checking for surface cracks is a quick task you should add to your regular pool maintenance routine.
If you do find a leak, or any other broken pool part while maintaining your swimming pool in Brevard County and throughout Central and South Florida, contact Aquaman Leak Detection. With over 15 years of experience, we’re pool leak detection experts. We will quickly find and repair the leak so you can get back to enjoying your pool.
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