Pool Care for Beginners

Here in the Houston area a large number of homes have backyard pools. Just like a home, pools need regular maintenance as well. While many people will hire a pool service company to come out weekly, it is not a bad idea, nor is it hard to maintain your own pool.  In your Swimming Pool Inspection report, I provide a recommended maintenance schedule but I wanted to expand on the details.

 

WATER CIRCULATION IS CRITICAL

While everyone gets hung up on the chlorine and pH balance, perfect numbers will do nothing if that water isn’t circulated.  Running the pool pump daily is absolutely required. While every pool is different, the general recommendation is to run the pump between 8 and 10 hours a day during the warmer months which is pretty much year round in the gulf coast. If you’re concerned about the electric bill, invest in a variable-speed pump. By reducing the speed of the motor when you don’t need it, you can save on your electric bill.
If the water level is too low, the pump won’t work so you should check the water level on a regular basis. The more you use the pool, the more likely you will need to add water as it tends to be splashed out. Also, during the cool night and hot days of spring and fall, you can expect to see more water loss due to evaporation.

KEEP YOUR POOL CHEMICALS BALANCED

Balancing and maintaining your pool’s chemicals can seem overwhelming at first but it’s really not that difficult. The key is to read the instructions and stay on top of the balance. It can be difficult to get water back into balance if it becomes too far off.  Here are some ideal levels to keep your pool water safe and sparkling:

  • pH: 7.4–7.6
  • Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
  • Alkalinity: 100–150 ppm (parts per million)

You should test the water at least once a week but visually check the clarity of the water daily. When it’s not sparkling clear, test it. You need to stay ahead of any imbalances. Small chemical adjustments are preferred so you can keep the balance.  You should never put chemical directly into the skimmer, including salt.  They have a tendency to corrode your pool equipment in higher concentrations. Get a floating feeder or distribute it evenly around the pool and then brush.

MAINTAIN A REGULAR SCHEDULE

While pool maintenance schedules will vary depending on the type of installation and the installed components, below is a general list of recommended maintenance items.

1.  The system should run 8-10 hours per day minimum.

2.  Check the water level and clarity once per day.

3.  Check for leaks at the pool system once per week at a minimum.

4.  Brush the pool tile, walls and bottom once a week.

5.  Vacuum weekly if not equipped with an automatic cleaner

6.  Check water chemistry at least once a week and adjust as needed.

7.  Empty the skimmer basket & pump strainer basket once a week.

8.  Empty & clean filter as per manufacturer instructions.

9.  Operate the heater (if equipped) on a regular basis.

Remember, if you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out.  We here at Solidium Inspections are not only licensed home and commercial inspectors, but we are also certified Pool Operator and Inspectors.

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