An Austin swimming pool requires regular maintenance. Whether you tackle this yourself or hire Austin pool builders and professionals to do it for you, there are some do’s and don’ts that come with pool maintenance.
DO Keep Water Levels Balanced
Your pool water needs to be in optimal balance in order to ensure it’s safe enough for swimmers. More specifically, it’s the pH, alkalinity, and calcium in the water that you should be checking on a regular basis to make sure they’re in balance. Not only does this make swimming more pleasant, it’s also safer for everyone.
Water in proper balance will also prevent the growth of algae, which can be a real nuisance if it grows out of hand. Proper water balance can also protect the pool structure and prevent things like corrosion of metals and degradation of plaster. Always keep plenty of test strips on hand.
DO Shock the Pool Water When Necessary
Shocks may be needed on occasion, especially after a pool party when there are several swimmers in the pool, or after a storm that may throw the water chemistry off balance or allow debris to flood into the pool.
Depending on your situation, you may want to shock your pool even more often. Just be sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions as far as how soon after you can go back in the water. While some products may allow bathers back in after a half hour, others require at least a few hours or up to 24 hours or longer before the water is safe enough to swim in again after being shocked.
DON’T Forget About Pool Safety
As important as ensuring the pool water is clean may be, nothing trumps pool safety. This is especially true if you have young children or pets at home. Take steps to protect everyone and keep your pool area safe. This can include things like ensuring proper fencing requirements, keeping life jackets and flotation devices handy, and enforcing rules regarding behavior in and around the pool.
DON’T Neglect the Skimmer
You’d be amazed at how quickly your pool’s skimmer collects debris from your pool. Whether it’s leaves, twigs, insects, or even pet hair, skimmers can fill up pretty quickly.
Ideally, you should check on your skimmer every day, especially if the pool is used frequently. If the skimmer fills up to the brim, water won’t be able to flow through anymore.
If you need assistance keeping up with pool maintenance, get in touch with your trusted Austin pool builders at Reliant Pools today!
