You could however, begin to use a Stain & Scale chemical, like our Stain Away, or Scale Free to keep minerals like Calcium locked into solution. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. If it doesn't, purchase the necessary chemicals and follow the instructions on the label to apply them to your pool water. Bang it out or hose it out and then re-insert the basket fully. Diatomaceous earth filters: these filters contain porous bone material, which easily filters debris. Snap together an Intex pool, stock up on a few supplies, and be swimming before you know it! Move slowly across the water in overlapping parallel lines, like mowing a lawn. }, Here are some of the techniques he uses to speed up the process and create a safe, refreshing oasis. There will be water in the pump reservoir that will freeze and potentially crack the cylinder and water lines. After connecting the vacuum to the hose, prop up the pole with the vacuum head suspended over the water. Having a swimming pool on your property can be a pretty sweet deal during those hot summer months. Chemical treatments also involve adding consistent and continuous chlorine to regulate algae and bacteria growth. These include: It might seem like a no-brainer but the water in your pool is key to lasting pool happiness. With the included booklet, youll know exactly how to test, analyze and calculate proper adjustment dosages. The pH scale has a range between 0 and 14, with a neutral pH at 7. If I am not going to use the pool should I empty it or cover it and treat the water periodically? Add an algicide to the water. The valves can control many different functions of your pool's plumping system. "height": "219", "publisher": { But since thats not feasible for everyones budget or equipment, we recommend running your filter at least 10 to 12 hours a day. Then, test your pool water with the strips and make sure that it has 1-2 ppm chlorine, 80-120 ppm alkalinity, 40-80 ppm cyanuric acid, and a pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Direct the nozzles of the return jets on the pool sides downward to quiet surface ripples so you can see the bottom clearly. And like your veins and arteries, they work best when theyre clean and clear of obstructions. To learn how to maintain your pool's filters, scroll down! Removing it isn't much fun either. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" Water powered or robotic vacuums can roam the pool, eating up dirt, bacteria, algae and sand. It will suck in air instead, potentially burning your pool's motor pump. Wading in the water in a backyard meant having a massive swimming pool or settling for a scant hot tub. Calcium hardness: 180 - 220 ppm, though some say 200 - 400. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", Brett has some tips to help you figure it out." If the water level is too high, the water moves too slowly into the skimmer. Plus, it doesnt hurt to know an expert than can come out when you need additional help! Regular pool brushing is not only good exercise, but also water quality and clarity. If not, I would invest in one. Basic products take care of killing bacteria, from breaking down cosmetic residue, suntan lotions, and any kind of swimmer waste. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Dispose of this waste away from the pool so it can't blow back into the water or be tracked back into the area. "url": "https://blog.intheswim.com/" What chemical should I add if the pH is too high? Multifunctional Shock Products. Creating a pool maintenance schedule makes it easy to stay organized and make sure important tasks dont slip through the cracks. Then use one of the jet nozzles to fill the free hose end until the water pours out the vacuum. "name": "Brett Rotelli", "datePublished": "10/30/2015", But like most good things, a swimming pool requires quite a bit of maintenance and attention to detail. Toss a few tennis balls into your skimmer basket, or even right into the pool, and theyll absorb surface oils left behind by suntan lotion, cosmetics, etc. Both protect you and your pool from harm. Pool vacuums, however, make this job a lot easier for the DIY pool owner. The pictures really help a lot! Extend the inner pole about 4 ft and lock it in place, for a comfortable counter-balance. % of people told us that this article helped them. Matt Giovanisci is the founder of Swim University and has been in the pool and spa industry since 1995. No two pools are alike, and youll no doubt encounter pool maintenance challenges specific to your pool as time goes on. Some baskets have a twist lock, but most just lift straight out. Depending on your setup, you might have a cartridge filter, a sand filter, a diatomaceous earth (D.E.) The walls of your pool liner are in constant contact with pool water, and everything that enters it. Approved. References If you notice the top layer of plaster peeling, you're still fineyou won't have to resurface your pool for another 2-3 years. My pool has a built-in automatic water leveler. The hardness, alkalinity and cyanuric acid levels should also be checked weekly. They should already know what to do. Though pool professionals have the experience and tools for greater efficiency than the average owner, many pool maintenance tasks can be accomplished on your own for less money. We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. Being that most of our readers take summer vacations and own swimming pools, I figured I would share a few tips for vacation pool maintenance. Hi Dwight, perhaps drop in a chlorine tablet or two, depends on size. Take a sample of your pool water to your local pool store and get it professionally checked. Whats the best way to keep this water clean? Is it safe to run the filter motor during freezing weather? now my job. If I just bought a house with a pool, would a local pool store be the best place to get lessons on what I need to do? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Tip: If your pool has a sand filter, add a cup of D.E. Cartridge filters: these filters allow water to seep through a fine filtrating surface. Is pool chemistry at least somewhat interesting? Change the sand in the filter every five years. If it has proper circulation, youve already made cleaning your pool much easier. The filter pressure gauge; check it every few days. By submitting your email, you agree to our. Add some pH minus to your pool, following the manufacturer's instructions. Adjust pH firstwith muriatic acid if it's above 7.6 or with soda ash product if it's under 7.4. But before you can dive into its cool blue water, you have to perform all the maintenance drudgery that prolongs its crystal-clear perfection. Its not as hard as you might imagine. Supply and Demand, I suppose. To empty the pump basket, shut off the pump, remove the lid and pull out the basket. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. This should help to adjust your pH. The basic tools youll need are: Both Mother Nature and the folks using your pool bring all sorts of wild and wacky things into your pool, from leaves, mold, and the odd duck or frog to residues from shampoos, perfumes, and hair products. Liquid Chlorine. Yes, that would be a good place to go (unless you already have pool maintenance experience and understand chemicals and pool procedures). Pools require frequent chemical testing and adjustments. Thanks! Most pump baskets have a see thru lid to tell when it needs cleaning. The water in the well gets really scummy. This is the key to success when it comes to keeping your swimming pool clean while youre away. Finally, check the pool's water level, refilling if it's less than half way up the skimmer well mouth. Total dissolved solids should be tested once a week, and at least once a month. Only replaster your pool when you can visibly see cement underneath. Above ground pools dont have these drains, but you can get the same water-clearing boost with a manual pool vacuum. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care! Running your pump and filter is very important to keep your pool clear and its better to leave a timer in charge rather than a human. These granules come in multifunctional varieties that can help you resolve several issues at once; chlorinating, shocking and killing algae with a single, daily application. If you can split up the times, great! I used to get asked this question a lot when I worked at the pool store. Sanitizer levels are checked and other water treatment chemicals applied. An automatic pool cleaner can significantly cut your pool cleaning time. If not, it wont be a problem for it to run 24 hours a day. As you learn more about your pool and how to care for it, your to-do list might start to seem a little intimidating. Altering the pH levels consists of adding acid to lower pH or adding a base to raise it. Thatll turn the water over a few times and help keep your pool safe and clean. Skim, brush, and vacuum your pool weekly, at a minimum. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Maintain-Your-Swimming-Pool-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Maintain-Your-Swimming-Pool-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Maintain-Your-Swimming-Pool-Step-14.jpg\/aid92678-v4-728px-Maintain-Your-Swimming-Pool-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"