While buying a pool is an amazing luxury, it’s also an investment and responsibility. As a first-time pool owner, it may feel overwhelming to get used to the functions and maintenance associated with your pool. So, we’ve compiled these 5 “must know” tips to get you started!
Know What Type of Pool you Have
The type of pool that you own will change how much and what kind of maintenance is required to keep it running smoothly and safely. For example, fiberglass pool companies never recommend fully draining your pool, and always cleaning it with gentle, non-abrasive tools to avoid damaging the fiberglass shell.
Become Familiar with your Pool Equipment
As a new pool owner, you may not be aware of all the equipment required to maintain your pool. It’s important that you understand what each piece of equipment is, what its purpose is, and how it works in order to perform regular maintenance and accurately identify problems. Typical pool equipment includes pool pumps, filters, heaters, heat pumps, and saltwater chlorine generators.
Keep the Chemicals Balanced
Keeping your pool water’s chemical levels balanced is absolutely essential for an enjoyable and safe swimming experience. Unbalanced water can cause corrosion, scale, and even skin and eye irritation. Unbalanced water also facilitates the growth of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and making your pool unsafe to swim in.
Buy a pool water test kit and be sure to test the chemical levels every week and adjust them accordingly.
Open and Clean your Filters
Another essential weekly pool maintenance task is opening and, in some cases, cleaning your pool filters. Without a properly functioning filter, the water may appear cloudy due to dust, pollen, algae, and mineral salts.
In addition to cloudy water, a filter that has not been properly cleaned may also lead to equipment malfunction, such as heaters and spa blowers. Automatic pool cleaners and vacuums also may not work properly if they are not also cleaned out weekly.
Maintain the Right Water Level
You may not think of it right away, but you should make an effort to check your pool’s water level as often as possible. Too low and it may cause the pump to run dry and overheat. Too high and you risk water spilling out of the pool, which wastes heat and chemicals which you spent your hard-earned money on. Pool water should be about halfway up the skimmer opening at all times.