As you’ve probably figured out by now, one of the real keys with protecting your swimming pool revolves around being proactive with proper swimming pool maintenance and care. Reacting to problems as they pop up only leads to frustration and spending a bunch of money…many times unnecessarily.
There are 3 things one should be well informed on as a swimming pool owner when it comes to proper maintenance.
1. Water Flow – adequate circulation is key. When the water’s not running or circulating (other than winter months if you reside in an area where the pool is traditionally closed), you’re creating the “perfect storm” for algae, bacteria, pathogens, critters, etc.
Ensure that your pump is fully primed, suction and return side pressure are adequate. Water movement and circulation is pivital to reducing your swimming pool maintenance efforts.
2. Filtration - No secret here. Proper swimming pool filtration is paramount. Think about your air filter in your automobile. What happens when you leave it in for 3 or 4 years? It gets grungy and caked with debris/dirt. This ultimately causes your vehicle to “work harder” to breathe, resulting in reduced miles per gallon (among other things).
Whether you own a cartridge filter, DE or sand, make sure that you’re taking adequate care of your filter. Backwashing regularly and if you own a cartridge or DE filter, tare it down a few times a year and clean the elements. If it’s really bad you can even use a slight muriatic acid/water solution.
If you own a sand filter, change the sand every 2-3 years. It’s relatively innexpensive (only the cost of sand is required) and you’ll notice an immediate difference in the quality of your water.
Bottom Line: When your filtering medium is clean, your water sparkles. Sounds elementary, but I can’t tell you how many issues arise when people neglect a few basic components such as proper swimming pool filter maintenance.
Remember, you cannot over backwash a filter or clean your cartridge(s) too frequently. That would be like changing your auto’s air filter excessively – can’t happen. There’s no downside for being too responsible.
3. Adequate Chemical Levels – You know what happens when your Ph is too low or too high for extended periods of time. If you need a refresher, visit the “swimming pool chemicals” category to the right. Too low free chlorine and you can’t defend against bacteria and pathogens. Too high and skin/eye/hair irritation can be the result.
Don’t forget to drain your water every couple of seasons as well. Over time, mother nature and the chemicals you’re adding can contribute to higher calcium hardness and total dissolved solids (TDS). When these items get above “healthy ranges”, your water becomes agressive or nonreactive. Thus requiring more chemicals (and more of your money) to treat the imbalance that you’re looking to return to “ideal levels”.
Imagine this….you have a glass of tea. Pour some sugar or Spenda (or your favorite sugar substitute) in the glass. What happens initially? The tea absorbs and “gobbles up” what you’ve added, right? Well…keep adding sugar, packet after packet after packet. What happens then? You start seeing sugar sitting at the bottom of the glass right? Your swimming pool is no different (only it carries thousands of gallons of water). Regardless, the same reaction takes place.
Over years, you’re adding a lot of chemicals to your pool (acid, balancing agents, sodium bicarbinate, pH+, pH-, clarifiers, etc). Your “bucket of water” can only handle so much “stuff”. Drain it every few years – this is worth its weight in gold. Over the long haul, you’ll save on chemicals and give yourself piece of mind too.
In recap, make sure you’re tending the 3 essential needs to provide adequate swimming pool maintenance. These “preventative” items are kinda like taking a good daily multivitamin. Although you may not see immediate differences or changes…over time, your wallet will feel it. Proper swimming pool maintenance revolves around being ahead of the curve and ahead of the game. Don’t play catch up…this is one area where you’ll find yourself “donating” a heap of cash over the years.
Hoping all is well with you and yours…
Terry
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
dear Terry, thanks for the advice. I have one important question about draining and refilling my fiberglass pool—-It was originally a steel sided/vinyl liner pool 5 years ago–then it was relined with fiberglass and painted…….there were alot of problems when fiberglassing it—the company had delays which caused the fiberglass walls to pop–then finally they finished and we hastily filled the pool–no problems since. but now after five years, it is time to drain the pool and repaint it—do I have to be concerned about the fiberglass walls popping????
Hi Madeleine,
Not something I would recommend doing – draining a fiberglass pool can lead to a lot of pretty nasty scenarios.
Terry