Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Basics for New Pool Owners

There is so much that you will need to learn as a new pool owner.  Whether you purchase a home with an inground pool installed or are having a pool installed you will need a crash course on pools.  In this article we will cover a wide range of topics from opening the pool, maintenance and closing. 

Most homeowners in the North use Memorial Day weekend as their pools opening date.  This is at about the same time the kids are getting out of school for the summer and will need something to occupy their time.  Opening the pool starts with gathering all the supplies needed.  Most pool owners will find having a storage shed is the best way to store pool chemicals and supplies together.

When opening the pool for the first time you may find stagnate water has created a puddle on the pools cover.   You will want to remove the water before removing the pools cover.  Once this has been done you will start to replenish the water, add chemicals to the water and connect the pools plumbing and filtration.  While you are doing this you should remove any large debris with a vacuum or skimmer so that the filter remains unclogged.

When it comes to maintaining your pool the chemical balance is incredibly important.  Without proper chemical balance the compound levels in the water will be unbalances and could create damage to the pools plaster surface.  It is also important when considering looking after your pool to check out the pools surface for cracks and signs of wear as well as the plumbing fixtures used to run the pool.  If wear is seen and replacement is inevitable it is simpler and more cost effective to do this prior to opening the pool for the season.

Daily upkeep, bug removal and chemical maintenance are needed throughout the season to ensure your pools longevity.  It is important that even when you are gone on vacation that your pool is being looked after.  Daily upkeep is essential to avoid any downtime enjoying the pool from improper chemical balance, algae growth and a nightmare with the pools vacuum upon your return. 

Closing your pool for the season is as equally important as opening the pool.  If done properly opening the pool in the spring will be a piece of cake.  When closing the pool the first item to take care of is the chemical balance in the pool.  Adjust the pools ph balance, alkalinity and calcium hardness.  This should be done about five days prior to the actual shut down of the pool. 

The pool also needs to be shocked using a strong chlorine solution that will kill all the bacteria living in the pool.  From here you should add algaecide to prevent algae from forming and to kill any that is already in existence.  Thoroughly clean the pool.  Remove and drain all pool equipment and store it in a dry place that is not exposed to winter elements. Drain the water in the pool to about a foot below the skimmer and cover the pool. 

For new pool owners it is best to hire a pool crew to open, maintain and close your pool for at least the first summer that you have the pool.  They can help you come up with a detailed plan of maintenance and walk you through the process in order to prevent damage.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote visit http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

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