Pool Maintenance Dos and Don’ts

You have a beautiful backyard oasis that is fun to share with family and friends: a swimming pool. But, while this private getaway brings a lot of joy to your home, there is also a responsibility to make sure that you are keeping up with pool maintenance. Staying ahead of these year-round tasks means that you can always enjoy the swimming pool for spontaneous parties or a serene moment to relax in the sun.

Why Pool Maintenance Matters

Any time you make a big investment in your life, it makes sense to focus on maintenance to protect the quality and lifespan of that item. This goes for cars, a backyard swimming pool, ATVs, vacation rentals, and more.

With pool maintenance, the key is to ensure balanced water chemistry to avoid common issues. If the water doesn’t have the right pH, it can damage the pool walls, equipment, handrails, and more. The longer the water is unbalanced, the higher the risk that it reduces the life of your pool liner.

Additionally, poor water chemistry is bad because of the potential health impacts. For example, when you are swimming, you might have more irritation to your eyes and skin, making it unpleasant to spend time in the pool.

Procrastinating pool maintenance takes a toll over time, eventually leading to major repairs in the future. Instead, spend a little time and money right now to keep the swimming pool in good condition so you can avoid the need to spend a lot more money on replacement parts and services.

Tips for Pool Maintenance

Follow these pool maintenance do’s and don’ts to ensure you are protecting your backyard oasis and maintaining a healthy place your family can enjoy:

Do Balance the Water Levels

Be proactive about checking the water levels to see if adjustments need to be made to the pool chemicals. Always follow the instructions when treating the water. This process isn’t something that you can estimate. Instead, you should be diligent about measuring and testing to find the perfect balance.

When you have a good balance for alkalinity, pH, and calcium, the pool water is more pleasant for swimming. Plus, this pool maintenance is essential to prevent damage to the pool structure. For example, water balance reduces the risk of corrosion on metals and plaster degradation. Pool maintenance is also essential to prevent other physical issues, such as stained surfaces and cloudy water.

Don’t Jump Right In

When you uncover the pool after it’s been sitting for a while, remember that you shouldn’t jump right into the water. Instead, you’ll need to set some time aside to get ready to swim.

Uncover the swimming pool and assess the situation. Clear away any debris that might have been collected. Use a pool net to gather up any leaves, bugs, or branches that might be inside. Then, start running the water filter and leave it running long enough to complete a minimum of one full cycle.

Do Use Chlorine

Prevent infection and keep your family safe by using chlorine in the water to kill bacteria. While there are alternative products, chlorine is always the most effective solution to minimize the risk of disease in the swimming pool.

You can buy chlorine in a liquid or tablet format. These chemicals are effective because they destroy the processes, structures, and enzymes in microorganisms. One option is to use a combination product that includes both chlorine and algaecide for optimal results.

Don’t Overlook Safety

It’s understandable that many pool owners are concerned about potential liability when inviting friends and family to spend time in the pool. However, don’t overlook basic pool safety steps that might reduce the risk of an accident.

Add these safety steps to your pool maintenance list, so you don’t overlook them. Common pool safety measures include keeping the pool covered when it’s not in use, providing life jackets and flotation devices, and not letting kids run near the swimming pool.

Also, think about the features around the swimming pool that can affect safety. Add handrails and choose non-slip surfaces. For example, you might invest in a few mats or outdoor rugs that make the patio safer to walk on when it’s wet.

Do Shock the Water

Twice a month, it’s a good idea to “shock” the water by using a higher-than-normal amount of chlorine. Swimming pools with a lot of users might need weekly shocking.

This process is fast and easy. Just follow the instructions on the label. The best time of day to shock the water is in the evening because the UV rays can interfere with the shocking process when you do it during the day. Additionally, an evening schedule lets the water sit before you are ready to swim the next day again.

Don’t Forget the Skimmer and Filter

Help your pool filter maintain the optimal function by backwashing regularly. Be careful about the pool maintenance schedule because backwashing too often or not often enough can have a negative effect. You’re wasting water if you backwash too often. A standard recommendation is to backwash every six weeks or when the pressure gauge rises 10 PSI over normal.

Also, make sure you are emptying the skimmer basket regularly. This might need to happen daily if you use the swimming pool frequently. The skimmer basket collects pet hair, leaves, twigs, and other debris that fall into the pool water. Eventually, it reaches a point where the water can’t flow through anymore if the basket is too full.

Need Help with Pool Installation?

Have you always dreamed about having a backyard pool to share with your family? If you want to invest in a fun activity in the privacy of your backyard, then talk to our team to learn more about design and installation options. We offer full-service solutions to create the ideal swimming pool for your home.

For more information about available services, we invite you to contact us at Mid City Custom Pools to schedule a consultation. We are here to help with anything that you need!

6 Tips for Extending the Pool Season Through the Holidays

Even though “Christmas” and “pool party” aren’t often thought of in the same context, Texas weather can accommodate a more extended pool season compared to other parts of the country. So whether you are hosting family for the holidays or you want to invite friends over for a pool party, there are a few things you can do to keep your pool open a little longer this year.

When Does Swimming Season End?

There’s no question that you enjoy the swimming pool when the sun is out, and the summer weather is hot. It feels great to cool down in the comfort of your own swimming pool. In addition, having a private pool enables last-minute parties and relaxing weekends with the family.

As the weather starts to cool down, you can feel that the pool season is coming to an end. Most families close the swimming pool down during the cooler months, leaving it untouched until the weather starts to warm up again.

The truth is that it usually isn’t the cooler weather that keeps you out of the swimming pool. Most pool owners are concerned about the increased costs of maintaining a swimming pool when the weather gets colder. It can be expensive to heat a pool year-round.

But there are a few industry tricks you can use to maintain a comfortable water temperature – giving you the option to extend the pool season a little longer. Here are a few tips to help:

Invest in a Solar Cover

You always cover the swimming pool between uses to minimize the debris in the water and keep unsupervised children and pets out of the water. One option is to use a dual-purpose pool cover. A solar cover not only protects the swimming pool but also adds an extra layer of insulation to prevent heat loss during the day and night.

This concept is similar to bringing a pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. If you add a lid to the pot, it holds the heat inside so you can bring up the temperature faster. Even though you aren’t trying to bring your swimming pool water hot enough for boiling, a solar cover can help keep the heat in and minimize evaporation.

When you are running the pool heater, you need to be sure that you are keeping the warm water inside. A solar cover can reduce heat loss by as much as 75%. So not only does your swimming pool heat up more efficiently, but it also helps you keep the water warmer longer.

Leverage Solar Power

Even though the phrase “solar cover” seems like it is using the sun’s power for heating, the truth is that the cover is just working as insulation over the top of the water. You can add another level of solar benefit by using the free rays of the sun to generate heat for your swimming pool.

When you are extending the pool season, solar power gives you the option to crank up the water temperature without considering the amount you will be paying in utility costs. For example, some systems use solar panels to collect energy from the sun and generate the energy needed to heat the water.

A cheaper option is to use a black hose system to warm the water. Darker colors absorb the light from the sun, helping to heat the water inside. There are many DIY systems that you can set up to use black hosing that uses the sun’s energy to heat the water.

Pool Enclosure

Some families want to enjoy the swimming pool throughout the year, regardless of outside weather conditions. One option to improve comfort is to build an enclosure around the swimming pool. This extends the pool season because you can minimize heat loss and block the cool wind blowing through the neighborhood.

This enclosure doesn’t change the outside weather. But it gives you the feeling of having an indoor pool, without the expense of constructing a big building around the swimming pool. An enclosure is beneficial to keep your swimming pool clean while also blocking cold winds and adding an insulating layer to the pool area.

Install a Pool Heat Pump

When you are warming the water in your swimming pool, make sure you are using an efficient solution for heating the water. For example, a pool heat pump is more efficient than other types of heating systems.

In fact, many pool experts agree that pool heat pumps are the most cost-effective way to install an on-demand heat source for the water. These pumps warm the water using natural heat instead of relying on electricity or gas to increase the temperature of the water.

Because pool heat pumps are more efficient, you can keep the water warmer without worrying about the utility bills. This option allows you to lengthen the pool season and manage your budget at the same time. It costs about 1/3 the cost to run a pool heat pump compared to other heating solutions.

Use an Automatic Timer

If you often forget to adjust the pool’s water temperature after swimming, an automatic timer is one solution that can help with energy preservation. This system connects with the pool heater, giving you the option to set a time limit instead of leaving the pool heater running indefinitely.

As a result, you don’t have to walk between the house and the swimming pool to turn the pool heater on and off. Modern automatic systems enable you to control the temperature and heating elements using a smart device, as long as you have a good Wi-Fi connection in the pool area.

Protecting Your Swimming Pool Throughout the Year

Not only can you enjoy more months of swimming, but these tips are also essential to protect against freezing damage. If the water freezes, you will have expensive repairs for the water pump, heating system, broken pipes, and even cracked materials around the swimming pool.

Freeze prevention is a high priority to keep your swimming pool in optimal condition and help you avoid costly renovations and repair services in the spring.

If you want to enjoy a private swimming pool in your backyard, then our team is here to help. Contact Mid City Custom Pools to learn more about available services.

Winter Pool Maintenance: Is It Necessary?

You probably aren’t spending much time in the pool as the weather starts to cool down. But just because the summer season is over, doesn’t mean that you don’t need to worry about the pool. Good winter pool maintenance is essential to ensure your pool is ready for next year.

As you are using your pool less in the winter months, there’s a higher risk of chemical imbalances in the water. Staying ahead of the maintenance helps to minimize potential issues in the future. Small pool care tasks right now are critical so you can avoid expensive and pricey pool repairs in the future.

Here are a few important tips to follow for winter pool maintenance. Stay consistent so that your pool is ready to open again next summer:

  1. Protect the Cover

    Just because the cover is in place, doesn’t mean that your pool is free of unwanted debris. Keep an eye on the pool area to remove debris that might build up on the cover. Also, consider uncovering the pool occasionally to check on the water.

    When the storms blow in, be careful to avoid unnecessary stress on the pool cover and surrounding objects. For example, make sure that the cover is secured to avoid wind damage. Also, anchor down patio furniture to prevent large items from falling onto the pool cover.

  2. Keep an Eye on Water Levels

    Keep the pool primed and protect your pump by ensuring that the water level is right. The specific water level depends on your location, type of pool, and the equipment you are using. A pool maintenance team can offer personalized advice for your unique pool structure.

  3. Protect Against the Freeze

    If the weather gets cold enough to freeze, then your pipes might burst due to water inside freezing and expanding. Frozen pipes can be an expensive and frustrating problem because it ruins your plumbing and equipment.

    Watch the forecast and ensure that your freeze guard is in place to maintain circulation when the temperatures drop. This small step can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs.

  4. Check the Filters and Equipment

    Even though you aren’t using the pool very much during the winter months, it’s still possible for the filters to get clogged with contaminants and dirt. Check the filters and other pool equipment. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and backwashing as needed.

    Empty the pump baskets, skimmer baskets, cleaner bags, and floor cleaner containers. In addition to the filters, also keep an eye on the plumbing pipes, heater, pool pump, and more.

  5. Algae Prevention

    Be proactive about cleaning the pool surfaces, floors, and walls to prevent algae from growing. One tip for winter pool maintenance is to brush, skim, and vacuum the pool weekly.

    Not only do you need to clean the obvious surfaces. But also be proactive about getting to the areas that are harder to reach, such as the corners, steps, and ladders.

    These small cleaning tasks are worth the time right now so you don’t have dirty, green water when the weather warms up again in the spring.

  6. Water Balances

    Water chemistry might seem insignificant, but the pH levels of the water can damage the pool surfacing and equipment. Check various water chemistry readings, including pH, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid. Keeping these measurements in range helps you protect the lifespan of your pool

    Consider using an algaecide to prevent water blooms when the pool is not in use. During this time, you can reduce the use of water sanitizer, but continue to check the water chemistry balance.

Why Winter Pool Maintenance Matters

Why does it matter that you are staying consistent with winter pool maintenance? Not only do these steps help you avoid expensive repairs. But they are also helpful to keep your pool looking good. The appearance of your pool is affected by water chemical balance. All pool materials, including tile, rubber, plastic, and metal can experience damage from neglect.

The two most common aesthetic issues that can happen are:

  1. Surface Stains: When the chlorine levels are too high, then it can cause staining on the interior surfaces of the pool. Look for signs of chlorine issues by watching for bleached areas on the pool walls. These damaged areas can be unsightly, and also indicate a problem with structural integrity issues. Eventually, the surfaces can become cracked and warped.
  2. Scale Deposits: The most common place for scale deposits to happen is around the waterline of the pool. pH and calcium imbalances cause these deposits. As the deposits build up, they can damage the surface because calcium is pulled from the pool shell. Eventually, it cracks and causes visible eyesores.

Stains and structural integrity repairs are expensive. The good news is that they are easily avoidable by keeping up with winter pool maintenance and other tasks throughout the year.

Tips for Closing Your Pool

The simplest way to close your pool for the season is to call a pro team for assistance. If you want a DIY approach, then follow these tips:

  1. Balance water pool chemistry for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid.
  2. Clean and backwash the filter.
  3. Brush and vacuum all pool surfaces.
  4. Kill visible algae with a chlorine shock.
  5. Check the water levels.
  6. Secure the cover.
  7. Store all equipment, including robotic cleaners, ladders, and toys.

Before you encounter freezing temperatures, make sure to:

  • Drain pool pipes and add antifreeze.
  • Blow out the filter and plumbing.
  • Remove hoses and unused equipment.
  • Cover the pool and equipment to protect from ice and snow.
  • Turn off unused equipment.
  • Turn off power breakers.

Pool Maintenance and More

At Mid City Custom Pools, we offer year-round pool maintenance support. Whether you need a routine checkup or have a bigger project in mind, we are just a phone call away. Our team can assist with repairs, winter pool maintenance, installation, and more. Contact us to learn about available services.

Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips after a Big Storm

When a big storm rolls through the area, do you have a plan to keep up with swimming pool maintenance? It’s nice to have the convenience of a private pool, but this feature in the yard requires a bit more care and attention, especially when dealing with different weather conditions.

Texas residents know how to deal with the gulf coast storms that happen. If you know that a mid-size or large storm is on the way, then be ready to care for your pool with the proper maintenance techniques.

How Gulf Storms Affect Residential Swimming Pools

There is a risk of tropical storms and hurricanes coming from the Gulf of Mexico in the Gulf Coast region. Other common weather issues can come from the north in the form of freezing winter temperatures or tornadoes in the summer.

If you don’t know much about swimming pool maintenance, it might seem like a little extra water won’t hurt your pool. But it’s essential to understand the optimal pH balance and how significant small changes can have on the quality of your pool.

In fact, these minor weather conditions can affect the current quality of your swimming pool water. Over time, if you don’t keep up with maintenance, it eventually leads to serious damage and expensive repairs.

The best solution is to maintain a proactive schedule for keeping up with swimming pool maintenance. Keep up with these ongoing tasks. Then you can have the confidence in knowing that your swimming pool is always in excellent condition – regardless of the storms that are rolling through.

Swimming Pool Problems from Inclement Weather

Even though the swimming pool water looks clear after a rain or flood, it doesn’t mean that you have the proper pH balance in the water. It’s essential that you are proactive about testing the water levels and bringing everything back to balance as soon as possible. If the water alkalinity changes, then it can damage pool equipment and the surface of your swimming pool.

Rainwater is acidic, which means that adding rainwater to the pool lowers the pH balance of the pool water. Typically, this makes the water look clear. But it also starts to deteriorate the materials. Low pH can also cause expensive repair work. For example, sometimes, the alkalinity issues cause the copper heat exchanger to go out, which could land you a bill for several thousand dollars to fix the heater.

After a storm, not only are you dealing with the alkalinity changes from the rainwater, but the water also brings in debris due to the runoff that comes from the roof, patio, and landscaping nearby. These contaminants can introduce bacteria and other unwanted compounds into your swimming pool.

Swimming Pool Maintenance After a Big Storm

Here are a few tips to follow after a big storm:

  1. Test Your Pool Water: Heavy rains typically affect the chemistry levels of the water. You can expect that the alkalinity levels will drop. So, make sure to have water testing supplies on hand. It’s a good idea to have chlorine, alkalinity, muriatic acid, and shock on hand to test and rebalance the water. You can test the water immediately after the rain stops.
  2. Clear the Debris: Can you see debris floating in the water because of runoff? Remove the debris using a pool vacuum or skimmer. These unwanted items can break down in the water and cause issues. So, it’s wise to remove the debris as soon as possible.
  3. Clean the Baskets: You can expect a lot of buildup in the filters and baskets. Clean these parts of the pool system as soon as possible. The longer debris sits in the baskets or the pool water, the higher the risk of having water chemistry issues or stains.
  4. Watch the Water Levels: Be careful to avoid letting the water levels get too high or too low. You don’t want the pool to overflow. Watch the “backwash” or “waste” line to see if you need to drain off water. At the same time, don’t drain so much water that the water levels drop below the skimmer openings. If these openings are exposed to air, then it could burn up the motor.

Preparing a Swimming Pool Before the Storm

You need to consider two steps to protect your swimming pool during storm season: pre-storm preparations and post-storm cleanup. If you want to reduce the work after the storm, you need to be proactive about preparing before the storm.

Here are a few preparation tips to consider before various types of storms:

  1. Before a Hard Freeze: If there is a hard freeze warning in the area, you need to protect the pipes from bursting. Usually, freezing isn’t a bit of concern in Texas. But homeowners have dealt with these issues in recent years. The best solution is to leave the pump running when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the main circulation pump running, as well as secondary water feature pumps. It’s unnecessary to run the water heater, but it never hurts to increase the temperature a bit. You also might consider wrapping smaller pipes in foam or blankets.
  2. Before a Tropical Storm: Give your swimming pool a shock treatment 24 – 48 hours before the storm hits. Increase the chlorine levels and run the pool for about a day, so the shock treatment works its way through the pool. Right before the storm hits, you’ll want to turn off the pool breaker to prevent damage to electronics and motors. Also, remove your pool cleaner and store it in a shed or the garage.
  3. Always Use a Pool Cover: Regardless of the type of storm that is in the forecast, it’s smart to invest in a good cover for your swimming pool. This cover minimizes the amount of rainwater that collects in the pool. Additionally, it keeps out debris. Covering the pool is essential to minimize the work you’ll have to do after the storm is over.

Do You Need Help with Your Swimming Pool Maintenance?

It can be a lot to keep up with swimming pool maintenance throughout the year. Instead of worrying about the ongoing details to protect your swimming pool, hire our team to help. We offer full-service solutions for swimming pools, including installation, repairs, and maintenance. For more information, call our pro team at Mid City Custom Pools.

The Importance of Investing in a Good Pool Cover

All Pool Owners Should Invest in a Pool Cover

When you own a swimming pool, you also own an investment. You don’t buy your pool for one-time use, especially for the money you spent to build it. You should regularly take care of it, regardless of the season. Whether that means maintaining pool chemistry, skimming your pool for floating debris, scrubbing the pool wall and floor to prevent algae buildup, or shocking it, your swimming pool requires time and effort to maintain. One of the best ways to protect and maintain your pool is with a swimming pool cover.

Far too often, pool owners don’t invest in quality pool covers, which is an issue as it puts your pool in danger of debris and contaminants. Investing in a good pool cover helps you care for your pool, especially during an offseason. They can also provide quality support during the summer months. As a pool owner, it is your responsibility to maintain and care for your pool to ensure that it is safe to swim in and functions correctly.

Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we know how exciting it is to own a pool. It’s like having your own personal oasis in your backyard. However, that also requires you to take care of your pool. As a premier pool builder, we understand the importance of investing in a good pool cover, and we encourage all pool owners to do so.

Keeps Out Unwanted Debris

One of the most important aspects of a swimming pool cover is that it protects your pool. No matter the season, your pool is always in danger of being filled with unwanted debris. Water runoff from your deck and the surrounding area can carry dirt, grime, and other substances into your pool, creating an unhygienic environment. When you cover your pool, you limit the amount of water runoff and debris that makes it into your pool.

Additionally, strong winds on stormy days can blow leaves and other large debris into it from nearby yards. In time, these leaves will waterlog and sink to the bottom of your pool. They will then breakdown and could clog your filter. In severe weather, branches and sticks can fall into your pool and cause even more damage. Whether you are shutting your pool down for the winter or want to protect your pool when it’s not in use in the summer, a pool cover can prevent unwanted debris, both big and small, from entering and endangering your pool.

Prevents Water Loss

Regardless of the season, your swimming pool is bound to lose water due to evaporation. During the summer months, the heat speeds up water evaporation quicker than usual. You can even lose water during the winter months when your pool isn’t in use. Evaporation is natural. However, you can reduce the level of water loss and slow evaporation by investing in a good pool cover. You can conserve water and save time with a quality pool cover.

Reduce Algae Growth

Algae is one of the greatest threats to your pool. Algae not only makes your swimming pool look gross, but it can also clog your filters, which leads to poor water circulation. It can also drastically impact your water chemistry. When your pool is in use and water is being circulated, algae doesn’t grow as well. However, since your pool is not in use over the fall in and winter months, algae blooms can quickly develop. It can be expensive and time-consuming to clean when you reopen your pool. When you have a pool cover, you can prevent or at least slow algae growth during the winter.

While pools experience more swimming in the summer, bacteria and algae tend to thrive in the heat. Without a pool cover, bacteria can enter your pool at a much faster rate when more people swim in it. Pair that with the heat, and algae can bloom much quicker. Regardless of the season, a pool cover can help you reduce the level of algae growth in your swimming pool.

Reduce Chemical Consumption

The chemicals in your pool protect the pool system and keep swimmers safe from harmful substances like algae. However, the more contaminants and debris that enter your pool, the harder these chemicals have to work. The summer is particularly difficult for your pool chemistry, as the heat causes chlorine to evaporate much faster, increasing the demand for your chemicals. Additionally, UV rays break down the chlorine in your pool through a process called oxidation. A pool cover will reduce the amount of UV light that hits your pool, thus reducing chlorine evaporation. When you have a quality pool cover, you help prevent algae growth and debris from entering your pool, which, in turn, means the chemicals in your pool are not used up as often.

Retains Warmth

Another benefit of owning a pool cover is that it retains warmth. This works for both warm and cool months. In the cool months, it retains heat longer, which can extend the time you can go swimming while saving you energy from heating your pool. Additionally, you avoid water loss due to evaporation, and it helps keep your pool water from freezing.

In the summer, it helps you save time and energy by limiting the need for heating your pool since it will retain heat. You won’t have to wait nearly as long to go swimming.

Prevents Accidents

Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. If people are not careful, they can accidentally walk into a pool and drown. This is especially a problem for young children who do not know how to swim. If no fences or gates are surrounding your pool, pets and other small animals can approach your pool for a drink of water, stumble in, and drown. By installing a swimming pool cover, you can prevent small animals, young children, and anyone else from accidentally falling in your pool and drowning.

Types of Pool Covers

There is more than one pool cover to choose from, and each has its own purposes. Some of the most common pool covers are:

  • Thermal Cover: Acts as a blanket with an insulating material that traps heat in the water. They also shield your pool from UV rays.
  • Solar Pool Cover: These are the most cost-effective option. They work similarly to thermal covers by reducing evaporation and keeping your pool warm. However, they absorb the sun rays to heat your pool.
  • Safety Pool Cover: Like all covers, these keep debris from entering your pool while blocking the sun’s rays. However, a safety cover also prevents accidents from occurring by preventing children and animals from falling in. These covers are more tightly secured to your deck than others.
  • Automatic Cover: While you have to manually place most pool covers, you can open and close an automatic pool cover with the push of a button. They are much more secure than most options and protect against more. They do cost more and need to be installed by a professional.
  • Winter Pool Cover: These are seasonal and help protect against extreme weather and debris. They are normally secured by water bags or weights, so a winter cover cannot support the weight of small animals, children, or heavy debris.

As you can see, investing in a quality pool cover can save you time, money, and energy. Regardless of the season, a pool cover can help with your pool maintenance and protect your pool. We encourage all pool owners to invest in one. If you are not a pool owner and would like to become one, contact Mid City Custom Pools and let us change that.

Shutting Your Pool Down for Fall

Shutting Your Pool Before the Winter Should Be a Must

We all know how great that feeling is when summer is beginning, and we are ready to take advantage of our pools. Unfortunately, we also know how deflating it feels to know that winter is quickly approaching, and the time to shut your pool down for fall is here. The process of shutting your pool down is no fun either. You may just want to throw a winter cover over it and call it a day. However, this would be a huge mistake.

When summer approaches, you want to use your pool right away. However, if you only threw a pool cover over it to close it for the winter, you won’t be happy with what you see. Your pool will probably have turned into a swampy mess. Now you’re forced to clean up your pool and spend more time getting it ready to use. If you had just taken the time to shut it down properly, you wouldn’t have to wait.

While shutting your pool down for the fall and winter months may seem like a hassle, it will save you a lot of time and money in the future. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, we want to teach you how to best shut down your pool this fall.

1.) Clean Your Pool

Just like you normally would over the summer, you should take a pool brush attached to a telescoping pole to scrub the walls and floor of your pool. Try your best to get every corner to scrub away at any dirt or algae spores.

After any debris and sediment have been knocked loose, manually use your vacuum to collect everything broken up. Cleaning your pool is an easy and necessary part of shutting your pool down. It makes sure that you’ve removed most large pieces, ensuring none will be left over the winter.

2.) Balance the Pool Chemistry

Once you cleared away any dirt and sediment from your pool walls and floor, it’s time to test your pool chemistry. After a pool is shut down for the fall and winter, it often sits untouched for months. Some might think there is no reason to worry, but they would be wrong.

Unbalanced water chemistry prompts germ and bacteria growth and puts your pool walls in danger of damage. Chances are you won’t bother with your pool until it is almost summer, so you should do what you can to protect it.

Before you balance it, test the water first. You can do this with either a test kit or by bringing a sample to your local pool store. Your chemical levels should read as:

  • pH: Between 7.4 and 7.6
  • Alkalinity: Between 100 and 150 ppm (parts per million)
  • Calcium hardness: Between 100 and 275 ppm

By ensuring that these levels are balanced, you protect your pool from corrosion and scale build-up.

3.) Shock Your Pool

As you continue to close your pool, you must also shock your pool one last time for the season. If you have been a long-time pool owner, then you will have shocked your pool before. Shocking your pool removes any contaminants from your water and also increases the level of chlorine left. Give your pool an extra powerful chlorine shock before the season ends.

The chlorine in your shock will be able to kill off any unwanted bacteria or developing algae blooms. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions. The water’s calcium hardness or pH will not be increased after it’s shocked. After some time, the chlorine level will return to its 1 to 3 ppm-level.

NOTE: You can also use a helpful algaecide to help prevent algae spore growth throughout the cold months.

4.) Lower Your Water Level

For those that live in a warm, dry area that hardly gets below 65 degrees F, this next step won’t be important. However, if you do live somewhere with harsh, cold winters that frequently stay under 65 degrees F and even freezing, this is a critical part of shutting your pool down.

Whenever water freezes, it expands. While this may not come off as an obvious threat to your pool, it is. Because the water expands when it freezes, it can cause real damage to the plumbing in your pool.

Using a filter pump or submersible pump, lower the water level to about six inches below the lowest plumbing line. It also needs to stay below the skimmer. Depending on the type of cover you use, you may want to lower the level even further.

5.) Clear Out All Pool Equipment

Before winter begins, you’re going to want to clean out your filter, pump, chlorinator, and any other equipment in your pool. Your pool has various pieces of equipment that need to be thoroughly cleaned and stored to ensure they remain functional the next season they are needed. Some of these include:

  • Cartridge filter: These filters need to be thoroughly cleaned with a pool filter cleaner, rinsed, and need to be completely dried before they are stored.
  • Sand filter: These filters need to be thoroughly backwashed, remembering to switch the valve to filter before you begin. If need be, drain all the water from the pump, filter, or pool heater (if you have one). Store them in a safe, dry area.
  • Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filter: You can either use a specific D.E. filter cleaner or backwash it the way you did the sand filter.

6.) Blow Out the Lines

Your lines must also be blown out. If you live in a warmer area, you can use a pool antifreeze instead of clearing them out. For those that live in areas that frequently get below freezing, blowing all water from lines, pumps, and filters is a must. By doing this, you won’t need to use antifreeze either.

The plumbing in your pool can’t handle intense pressure, which explains why leaving water that expands when frozen is a bad idea. If you aren’t confident in your ability to safely and correctly clear your line, contact a pool expert to help.

You must remove all return fittings, skimmers, and drain plugs from your filter system and pool beforehand. Using an air compressor or ShopVac, you can remove any water left in your lines.

7.) Install a Pool Cover

Finally, you are ready to officially shut down your pool. The last step is installing a pool cover. You want to find a cover that fits tightly over your pool. You don’t want it to have holes or gaps that allow leaves or any other debris from entering your pool.

Solid covers and safety covers are the two types of pool covers that most people choose from. Solid covers help keep your pool chemistry secure while keeping out any unwanted debris. Pool safety covers are more expensive, but they not only protect your pool from the elements like solid covers, but they also help keep people and animals from falling into the water. Whichever you have chosen, once it is installed, your pool is officially closed for the fall.

While you enjoyed all the memories you had with your pool over the summer, there comes a time when you have to close it for the colder seasons. While it may seem like a tedious process, shutting your pool down is crucial to ensure that it works properly come the next summer. If you have any questions regarding shutting your pool down or need assistance, contact Mid City Custom Pools.

What Rain Can Do to Your Pool

Rainwater Can Have a Negative Effect on Your Pool

Rain is one of many natural forms of precipitation throughout the world. While many people love the sound it makes while hitting your roof or the cooling nature it has, many have not thought about what rain can do to your pool. Just because rain is water does not mean it should be in your pool.

Storms and rain can have quite a large effect on your pool if you don’t take the necessary precautions to either protect your pool or properly clean it afterward.

Rain’s Effect

Your pool has a delicate chemistry that should be maintained to ensure the water is safe and clean.

Because of pollution from many other industrial gases, the rain across most of the U.S. has an acidic pH level, making acid rain. However, the acidity of the precipitation does vary depending on where in the country you are. Regardless, your pool’s chemistry will always be affected by rain.

Even your chlorine levels will be affected because a lot of your pool’s chlorine will be consumed after attacking these new pollutants to protect your pool. The Total alkalinity will also be reduced as it works to try to keep the pH level even. The human body’s natural pH level sits around 7.3 to 7.5, so keeping your pool at this level will allow swimmers to feel comfortable while in the water. Once the pH level gets out of this range, swimmer’s skin and eyes may begin to feel some irritation.

Outside of rainwater, run-off water travels into your pool and contains debris like leaves, dirt, and other contaminants that also affect your water’s chemistry. The pH, calcium hardness, alkalinity, and all other chemical levels will all be changed by both rain and run-off water.

What You Can Do

The best thing you can do to preserve your pool chemistry is to protect it. Having a pool cover is the best option to ensure that rainwater does not contaminate your pool. Even if you do use a pool cover, it is still important to test your pool’s chemistry after a storm. If you don’t have a cover, and a lot of rain has gotten into your pool, follow these helpful steps to clean it:

  • Remove Debris: The first thing you should do after a storm is to use your pool skimmer and remove any floating debris from your pool. If possible, use a leaf rake to remove any debris that may have sank to the bottom of the pool as well.
  • Vacuum You Pool: Try to brush as much debris from the steps or ladders as possible. Also, brush as much from the bottom of the pool to break it free. Once you have finished brushing, you can use a pool vacuum to pick up any dirt or particles left from over.
  • Drain Excess Water: Chances are your pool collected too much water than it needs, so you should drain it to get it level once again.
  • Test Your Pool Chemistry: Once all of the dirt and debris has been removed from your pool, test its chemistry to figure out what you need to replace. If the storm was big, you may need to take a sample from your pool to a pool care professional. Once tested, add the appropriate chemicals to even the chemistry levels.

It is important to always have the proper pool cleaning tools on hand to ensure that you are ready for situations like this. While you don’t need to, you can also shock your pool to help fight off any contaminants left in the water.

While rain can be nice and helpful for a number of reasons, it does not do your pool any good. It can drastically change your pool’s chemistry and even corrode your pool equipment. If you are in need of information to protect your pool from rain or how to clean it, contact the pool experts at Mid City Custom Pools.

Important Pool Cleaning Tools

All Pool Owners Should Have the Appropriate Cleaning Tools on Hand

Owning a pool can be one of the greatest investments you can ever make. It gives you a fun and easy way to stay active, keep the kids busy, and escape the heat during summer. However, you can’t just build a pool and expect things to stay great. Like with most things, pools do have a tendency to get dirty, leading to issues and some dangers. Having the essential pool cleaning tools on hand can save you from spending more money in the future.

Before you run off to buy any equipment, you should first learn what you really need to ensure your pool stay in great shape. You want to buy the right tools. We at Mid City Custom Pools are here to help you learn what tools are necessary to keep your pool clean.

Water Test Strips

One of the most important aspects of your pool that must be consistently taken care is your pool’s chemistry. Regular testing allows you to know when your pool needs chemicals added to prevent bacteria and algae growth. Always have test strips stocked up so you can consistently test your pool’s chemistry. These will test chlorine, calcium hardness, alkalinity, and pH levels. All you need to do is dip the strip in the water for a few seconds then compare it to a color graduation scale to find out what your pool needs. Do this at least once a week but also take a sample of your pool water to your local pool store for professional testing every month.

Telescoping Pole

While the name may make you think of looking into space, its name simply refers to its ability to extend out like a telescope. This is important to have as it allows you to reach the deepest parts of your pool without putting much strain on yourself. They often come with interchangeable heads to allow you the option for different tasks. Some of the heads include:

  • Skimmers: This is simply just a large net that is used to remove any floating leaves or debris. This should be used before each swim.
  • Pool Brush: Algae and other gross films tend to build up at the bottom of your pool and along its pool walls. Attaching a brush to the end of your pole can help you reach all these areas and better clean your pool.
  • Pumice Stone: Pumice is a light and porous lava stone that can be rubbed on any localized stain on concrete pools, removing the stain.

Vacuums

There are two types of vacuums that all pool owners should own: manual and automatic. A manual pool vacuum can be attached to your telescoping pole and used after you have brushed away algae and other substance, so you can remove it. This vacuum allows you to hit every spot you see. For an automatic cleaner, you can save a lot of time and effort by using this to clean your pool, especially when you aren’t home. While it can miss some spots, it is still great at cleaning your pool. Both of these vacuums do require you to own a vacuum hose.

Pool Shock

Your pool collects a great deal of human skin cells, oil, and a plethora of other nasty microbes, even with the help of your pool chemicals. Pool shock is used when your sanitizer levels are too low, so the shock helps raise them back up, killing any other germs, bacteria, and more in the process. You should also shock your pool after any major changes in water level.

Owning a pool can be an incredibly exciting prospect for many homeowners. However, some don’t always understand the work that must go into your pool to ensure that it is clean and safe to swim in. Having important pool cleaning tools can help you better enjoy your pool and prolong the time you can use your pool. The pool experts at Mid City Custom Pools have all the knowledge needed to best clean your pool.

5 Problems That Pool Owners Ignore

When you have an investment as large as a pool, it is important that you are taking proper care of it to ensure your investment is sound and holding its value. There are a few common problems that pool owners tend to brush under the rug, but ignoring these pool problems could lead to severe damages and immense expenses in the future.

In the long run, if you are regularly maintaining your pool you will avoid even higher expenses and repair bills. Don’t let pool issues sit, but rather take care of them as soon as they arise. Here are some common pool problems that you shouldn’t ignore…

  1. Leaks in the pool
    If your pool has leaks in the structure, or you notice your pool is experiencing decent to heavy amounts of water loss, this is a huge problem that needs to be addressed immediately. If you believe your pool may have leaks, you should test it to make sure and address the problem from there. Long-term leaks that are left alone lead to immensely expensive repair bills.
  2. Stains in the pool
    If you notice that your pool has stains in the bottom, this is often a sign of a more serious underlying problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Different colors, types, and sizes of stains can mean different things, and they should never be ignored. Stains often lead back to a failure in your pool system. While green, algae type stains and formations often mean chorine inefficiencies, they can also mean you need to repair or replace your pool’s interior surface. Blue, yellow, brown, and orange stains and discoloration can be a result of metals in the water. Each and every stain should be addressed as soon as it is noticed to avoid more expensive repairs down the line.
  3. Loud pump bearings
    Your pool’s pump is what gives it life. If there is an issue with the main source of life in your pool’s filtration processing, it needs to be addressed immediately as it will lead to a multitude of other expensive problems. If you hear your pool’s pump making odd noises or not functioning properly you need to have it repaired or replaced immediately.
  4. Holes in the pool liner
    Your vinyl pool liner acts as a waterproof barrier for the interior surface of your vinyl pool. If there is a hole the pool liner this is a big problem as it is a sign of a breakdown in the entire system. If you are able to address every hole and properly repair them with vinyl liner patches, then you should be fine. However, finding all the holes can sometimes be challenging. If the liner is old and developing holes for no apparent reason then it may be time to replace it.
  5. The pump is difficult to prime
    If you are noticing that your pool pump is more difficult to prime that it used to be that this is the sign of a problem. This often means that there is either a leak somewhere in the suction system of your pool, or that the pump is failing. If you notice difficulty priming your pump, you should immediately consult with a repairman. 

Taking care of your pool is extremely important not only for your investment but to save yourself vast expenses and time down the line. If you are interceded in upgrading your pool or installing one, you may be looking for a trusted swimming pool builder in Southlake. Here at Mid City Custom Pools, our experienced and caring team can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The Importance of Getting Your Pool Inspected

So many homeowners have an outdoor pool in Trophy Club. It’s no wonder considering how brutal the Texas heat can be. Many people fail to realize that after you build your pool, you aren’t quite finished. While pools require consistent maintenance, it is also highly recommended that you have regular pool inspections.

Pools are a big investment; however, they bring so many benefits to you, your family, and your home. If you have been wondering whether or not you should have your pool inspected, keep reading to learn a few of the ways that a pool inspection will benefit you.

Keep your pool in great condition

While your pool was an investment, it is important that you engage in regular upkeep. Ensure that you are keeping your pool in mint condition by having inspections once a year, or every couple of years, to identify any problems or malfunctions that need to be addressed.

Saving you money in the long run

Having your pool inspected regularly could actually save you a lot of money, time, and frustration in the long run. An inspection will ensure that a professional is there and able to catch any issues with your pool that could have potentially gone unnoticed. Pool problems that go unnoticed can often lead to much bigger, much more expensive problems quite quickly, which is why it is important to catch them early on.

Keeping your pool safe for family and friends

Another very important reason to have your pool regularly inspected is to ensure the safety of your family and friends using the pool. This is especially applicable to families with small children. A pool inspector will be able to determine the safety of your pool, and legal requirements for pool fence barriers, etc.

Avoid liability cases

No one wants someone to be injured on their property, but the reality of the matter is that if someone is injured in your pool, you could be held liable. Keep your pool safe and in the appropriate condition to ensure you cannot be held liable for any on-site injuries.

It is important to take great care of your pool to ensure that you retain your investment as well as keep your loved ones safe. If you are looking for pool updates or construction, here at Mid City Custom Pools we can help. Our highly recommended outdoor pool builder in Trophy Club will work with you to complete or update your pool with you as the priority. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.