Save Money by Maintaining Pool

Given today's professional pool maintenance prices many pool owners are finding that diving in and handling the upkeep can save hundreds of dollars a year. If you want to stop paying big bucks for routine pool maintenance, learn more about tasks that you can do yourself.

Start with instructions from the pool seller and find pool maintenance sites on the net. Learning and upkeep requires some discipline, but it can be enjoyable, especially when you find out how much you can save or you are doing pool maintenance when weather is nice.

All the required pool maintenance products and equipment can be easily found for a good price at your local home maintenance suppliers or pool stores. Avoid misuse of chemicals and make sure you understand how pool plumbing and equipment works.

You need to purchase the right chemicals, including a sanitizer and stabilizer products, shock, pH plus and minus products, algaecide and stain preventers. Always look for chemical products that have the highest concentration of active ingredients (which may be more expensive).

Suggested Maintenance Basics:

DAILY CARE: For regular daily care you will need to add chlorine and other chemicals as needed, preferably after the sun has set for maximum potency.

Also, remove physical debris like leaves and grass clippings as soon as possible.

WEEKLY CARE: For weekly care you need to conduct weekly water testing by using a kit or bringing a sample to a pool store to analyze (usually free). The water's pH goal is 7.4 to 7.6.. Water alkalinity goal is 80 to 120 ppm. Cyanuric acid goal is 30 to 70 ppm. Chlorine level goal is 2 to 4 ppm. Make sure to adjust the chemicals you administer accordingly.

To prevent dirt/scale buildup and algae growth, brush down and vacuum the pool's floor and walls. Be sure the filter is running at the recommended pressure; backwash to flush the system and decrease pressure.

ANNUALLY (OR AS NEEDED): Have your water chemistry professionally tested (free at most pool stores).

Drain your pool, thoroughly clean it and replace with fresh water.

Inspect and diagnostically test your pump, motor, filter, pool heater, electric and plumbing systems.

Follow recommended manufacturer's maintenance schedules for replacing seals/gaskets, lubricating O rings and changing/cleaning filters.

NOTES: Consider replacing older pumps with a new variable-speed pump that can save hundreds on your electric bill every year.

Many pool owners opt to maintain their own pool, but leave the opening , closing and initial startup to a professional.

Additionally, for in-ground pools, winterizing requires purchasing an air compressor to blow water out of and /or adding antifreeze to your plumbing lines, draining about a third of the water out, adding shock and installing a winter tarp.

If you need to solve serious problems like: to repair a leak, replace any major equipment, or solve serious chemical imbalance, we recommend to find professional help.

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