Once your new backyard pool is involved, a little bit of maintenance is essential to ensure that you have a safe and clean place to host your friends and family. Even though pool maintenance might seem like a hassle, it makes a big difference in the long-term durability and safety of your swimming pool. These maintenance tasks help to prevent expensive repairs in the future and reduce the risk of equipment failure. Plus, it’s critical to ensure that your water is safe for swimming.
You want to extend the lifespan of your swimming pool and protect the components in the pool, and this starts with the maintenance tasks that you are prioritizing on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis. In this article, we are breaking down a few of the most common pool maintenance mistakes, and simple steps that you can follow to avoid these issues.
Mistake #1: Forgetting to Clean and Skim the Water
One of the first pool care mistakes that needs to be addressed is the way you are taking care of the water on a daily basis. Cleaning and skimming the water helps to keep debris and leaves out of the filters, which reduces the likelihood of blockages
Also, make sure that you are cleaning the walls and floor of the pool with a proper cleaning brush. This step can be fast and easy, and it makes a big difference in reducing the risk of algae growth in the swimming pool.
Finally, be sure that you are vacuuming the bottom of the pool regularly to clean up any dirt or sediment that has collected in the water. The goal is to prevent buildup that could damage the pool structure and clog the filtration system.
Mistake #2: Pool Chemical Imbalance
Not only do pool chemical mistakes put your family at risk because of unsafe water conditions. But improper water levels can cause serious damage to your swimming pool. If you have the wrong pH balance, then it can cause eye irritation and even rashes for people with sensitive skin. You might notice that the water is cloudy, and this chemical imbalance can eventually corrode the swimming pool… resulting in the need for expensive repairs and renovations.
The safety of your pool can be at risk if you are overusing or underusing chlorine and other water chemicals. The key is to get the perfect balance to protect your loved ones and the swimming pool. Pay attention to alkalinity and calcium hardness. Also, be extremely cautious about never mixing incompatible chemicals, because it could cause serious health issues.
Be careful when you are doing shock treatments on your pool. Make sure you are using the right shock type for the type of pool surfaces that you have. Don’t shock during the day (because the chlorine burns off too fast in the heat). And always brush after the shocking treatment to reduce the risk of algae surviving.
Mistake #3: Poor Pump and Pool Filter Care
The pump and filter are key components that help to clean the water and protect your pool. It’s important to make sure that these systems are working correctly to reduce the risk of water stagnation. During peak season, your pump should be running between 8 – 12 hours daily, depending on weather conditions and how much you are using the pool.
There are several things that you can do to take care of the pool filter. For example, the filtration cartridges should be rinsed and replaced regularly. If you have sand filters, then they need to be backwashed.
Other details that you should pay attention to are the cleaning cycles and pressure gauges, which can affect the life of the filter. If you are proactive about maintenance, then it reduces the likelihood that you will need to pay for a new pool filtration system in the future.
Also, check and maintain the motors, which need to be repaired if there are any leaks or cracks. Inspect all other parts of your pool system, including the heaters, chlorinators, and timers.
Mistake #4: Seasonal Openings and Closings
When the weather is starting to change, there are seasonal pool equipment maintenance tasks that need to be handled. These steps are important to avoid damage to your swimming pool when the temperatures are changing.
One of the worst mistakes you can make is skipping the winterizing steps. If there is still water in the plumbing and pumps, then the freezing temperatures can cause serious damage and require expensive repairs in the spring.
When you are ready to swim again as the weather warms up, don’t make these pool opening mistakes: rushing the process or skipping chemical balancing. You need to be sure that the water is clean and safe for swimmers. Skipping these steps can cause strain on your filters and lead to algae blooms in the water.
FAQs
How often should I clean my pool?
Regular cleaning is the best way to protect your pool and maintain safe swimming conditions. The water should be skimmed daily. The walls and floor need to be brushed and vacuumed weekly. Also, check the chemicals and filters regularly.
What is the ideal pH level for pool water?
It’s best to maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8. This pH keeps your swimmers comfortable and also protects your equipment at the same time.
How do I know if my pool filter needs cleaning?
The pressure gauge will indicate if the filter needs cleaning. If you notice that the pressure is 8 – 10 PSI higher than normal, then make sure to clean or backwash the filter right away.
Call the Pros for Pool Installation and More
While most homeowners take care of pool maintenance on their own, it makes sense to hire a professional team if you need major renovations or help with pool installation. For more information, you are invited to reach out to our experienced team at Mid City Custom Pools.