‘Tis the season
There’s no getting around it — pool ownership entails a certain amount of cleaning, maintenance and general upkeep. Requirements will vary according to the time of year and the prevalent climate will also influence your to-do list.
Location and climate aside, there are some key steps that every pool owner should take to ensure tip top conditions year-round. It’s advisable to follow a regular maintenance program in order to protect your investment, and that means either engaging a licensed pool maintenance technician or committing to a solid DIY program. Whichever you choose, by regularly monitoring and maintaining your pool environment, you’ll save both time and money in the long run.
Testing the water
Regularly testing pool water is the only way to ensure it’s safe to swim in, so it’s a vital part of pool management. Monitoring pH balance and chlorine levels not only confirms that the water is safe, but also keeps it looking good. Leaving the pool untreated causes bacteria, viruses, algae and other organisms to develop and flourish, leading to cloudy water and increasing the likelihood of skin and eye irritations for swimmers.
Chemical Balance
The correct use of chemicals is essential for two things: the health of pool users and to effectively increase the length of the swimming season.
An exercise in balance, too much chlorine can cause health problems and too little provides an excellent environment for algae growth, which will turn the water green.
Incorrect chemical levels can also cause serious damage to pool equipment like pumps and filters, compromising capability and shortening the useful life, adding un-necessary expense.
An ounce of Prevention
When it comes to pool equipment, a good rule of thumb is “if it moves, it needs servicing”, so you’ll need to factor in regular checks and schedule service work when required. An adequately maintained pool shouldn’t throw up any nasty surprises — you’re more likely to enjoy a hassle-free swim season if you’ve followed a solid preventive maintenance program.
Seasonal maintenance
More pool owners are recognising how simple it is to extend the swimming season through the use of pool covers and more economical heating options like solar and gas. For the majority, though, the swimming season is tied to late spring, summer and early autumn, with winter traditionally a time of pool hibernation — cover on and unused.
Just as no two seasons are the same, required maintenance activities differ during the course of the year. Read on for tips on keeping your pool in tip-top condition all year-round.
Summer
The peak swimming time of the year calls for consistent monitoring and regular cleaning.
Every day... or two:
Operate the filtration system six to eight hours a day
Regularly check sanitiser levels, ideally on a daily basis.
Check the pH every two days.
Every week... or two
Check the total alkalinity (TA) weekly.
Check, empty and clean the skimmer basket (and the hair and lint pot basket) weekly.
Take a sample of the pool water and have it checked at your local pool shop every two weeks.
As needed
Depending on pool use, either a) thoroughly backwash the sand or DE filter, or b) remove and clean the cartridge from the cartridge filter.
Keep an eye on the water level and ensure it’s at least halfway up to the skimmer box opening.
Clean the pool and vacuum the walls and floor regularly.
Autumn
Autumn means leaf drop, so you’ll need to step up your cleaning game.
More regular cleaning is required to remove leaves and other debris.
Less frequent use should also equate to using the pool cover more often, preventing leaves and debris causing skimmer damage.
You can reduce filtration hours down to between two and three hours a day.
In salt pools, reduce the chlorine output as the days get cooler.
‘Winterise’ your pool using a winter treatment kit.
Winter
The jobs don’t stop when the cover goes on. Keeping an eye on things over winter will make life easier once the days warm up again.
Cover the pool completely
Check the chlorine and pH levels every two weeks.
Check, empty and clean the skimmer basket when full.
Occasionally check the water level and ensure it’s at least halfway up to the skimmer box opening.
Occasionally check the filter pressure gauge to ensure it is not indicating ‘backwash’.
Turn the pool lights on for at least 30 minutes a week to prevent build-up of moisture within the light fitting and wiring.
Spring
Spring is the time to ensure everything is in order for a busy swimming season ahead.
Thoroughly clean the pool and vacuum the walls and floor.
Check the pump is working properly and organise a full pool equipment service by a licensed pool and spa technician.
Check or replace fittings and check for leaks.
Check the chlorine and pH levels every two weeks.
Check, empty and clean the skimmer basket when full.
Occasionally check the water level and ensure it’s at least halfway up to the skimmer box opening.
Occasionally check the filter pressure gauge to ensure it is not indicating ‘backwash’.
Turn the pool lights on for at least 30 minutes a week to prevent build-up of moisture within the light fitting and wiring.
Maintaining a pool needn’t be an onerous task. By ensuring a few simple steps are carried out throughout the year, you can avoid unexpected issues and costly repairs, protecting your investment. Whether you choose to go it alone or opt to use an expert technician, consistency is the key to ensuring everything is in tip top condition year-round.