Get ready for opening day

Spring seems to be here to stay and that means opening day is now in sight. It’s time to take inventory and make your spring cleaning list. You want to have adequate time to get everything you need. More people are staying close to home this year, and many are starting to see the benefits of having a backyard swimming pool.  If this is your first summer operating a pool there is still a lot to do before you dive in.  If you are a seasoned pool operator let’s review some important steps that can save you time and money in the long run. 

Order your pool chemicals

This year it’s extremely important to place your orders early.  With the increase in pool and spa owners and the global shipping delays, it’s time to consider placing those orders a few weeks earlier than you normally do.  Check your inventory, if you have expired or improperly stored chemicals then make a plan to dispose of them safely.  Not sure what you need to get your water ready? There’s more than just chlorine needed to balance your pool, you’ll need to treat your waters ph, alkalinity and calcium hardness as well.  If you’d prefer to have a professional get your pool ready, check out this list of options in your area.

Clean up outdoors

Spring cleaning isn’t just for inside the house. Cleaning up the yard and dusting off the deck will help keep a lot of unnecessary debris out of your swimming pool.  Its best to do yard and deck work while the cover is still on.  Safety is paramount, this is a great time to inspect. To keep your family safe, check on the condition of your ladders, handrails, diving board and waterslide anchors. 

Remove your pool cover

Don’t get ahead of yourself with this task, there are few steps to take before you roll back the cover.  Clean all of the debris and excess water off of the top and let it thoroughly dry out.  The more debris you can keep out of your pool the less work your filters will need to do once they are up and running. Ensuring your cover is dry before you store it away will increase the lifespan of your cover. 

Clean your basin and fill your pool

These two tasks can be done simultaneously.  Using a garden hose, start to fill your pool to operating level. At the same time, use a leaf skimmer and get any surface debris you can. Once leaves and twigs get into the water there will be some breakdown that will contaminate your water before the large pieces get to the bottom. Give the sides a good brushing and vacuum the debris that has settled on the bottom. Your filters will take care of the rest but it’s best to remove anything you can to increase the lifespan of your filter media and the units themselves.

Start filtration

Let the filters run for a day or so to mix all of the new water in with the old and then you’ll want to perform a test to see what needs adjusting.  Before you add chlorine it’s important to balance your waters alkalinity and ph and calcium hardness.  Once these levels are within range its time to shock your pool and wait for the chlorine level to fall.  Once within range, you are good to take the plunge.  

 

Enjoy your backyard pool this summer, but keep a close on your water quality every couple of days.  If you are able to catch things before they get out of the safe range, then you can likely maintain your water without having to close your pool for long. 

New Homebuyer’s Guide to Pool Maintenance

If you’ve purchased a home with a swimming pool, congratulations! A swimming pool can add so much to your home each summer – encouraging your family to socialize, exercise, and spend more time together. But before you dive in and enjoy your new pool, you’ll need to be sure you understand each of its components and how to operate the pool correctly. We’ve put together a homebuyer’s guide to pool maintenance so you can learn tips and tricks on how to properly and cost-effectively maintain your pool and familiarize yourself with your pool equipment.

With a little work when you first take over the pool, you can ensure your swimming pool operation is easier and more cost-effective for many summers to come. Continue reading New Homebuyer’s Guide to Pool Maintenance

How to Remove Pollen from your Swimming Pool

Each summer, the “pollen count” or “pollen load” in each neighbourhood is different. If you have a lot of trees near your pool and an active spring, pollen can be produced so intensely that it can create a huge mess in your swimming pool. It is easy to identify and resolve a problem with pollen in your swimming pool, once you know what to look for. With a little research and work, you can make your swimming pool crystal clear again. Continue reading How to Remove Pollen from your Swimming Pool

How to Clean your Swimming Pool from Leaves

Having a leafy backyard can create unique challenges for swimming pool owners. Leaves and berries can easily drop into your pool, causing problems with debris, dirt and clarity. This can be especially difficult as autumn approaches and you get ready to close your swimming pool. This problem can be so frustrating that many people will avoid planting trees at all so it doesn’t add to their pool care needs.

With some planning and a regular cleaning schedule, you can overcome the challenge of having a leafy backyard area, and enjoy a sparkling clean pool this summer. Keep these tips in mind if you’re hoping to cultivate a garden oasis in your backyard.

Continue reading How to Clean your Swimming Pool from Leaves

Swimming Pool Pumps 101

For many people who enjoy swimming, the function of the swimming pool system remains a mystery. But, a swimming pool system is very simple, and your pump provides most of the power. Your swimming pool pump powers circulates the water through your filter and allows all of your equipment and chemicals to function effectively. Understanding how your swimming pool pump works and the way it impacts your swimming pool is an excellent way to avoid issues and extend the life of your pool equipment. Whether you’re in the market for a new swimming pool pump or hoping to better understand how to manage your pool, this pool pump information can make your maintenance less intimidating.

Why do I need a swimming pool pump?

A swimming pool pump is essential for maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool. Stagnant water is very dangerous to swim in. Your swimming pool pump ensures that your swimming pool behaves more like a river than a stagnant pond. Circulating water from your pool pump keeps water flowing, allows your heat and chemicals to circulate, and prevents harmful pathogens from building up in the water.

A swimming pool pump is not just a bonus for your swimming pool. Without a quality swimming pool pump installed, you won’t be able to enjoy a safe and clean swimming pool.

Are there different types of swimming pool pumps?

There are a variety of ways that you can set up your swimming pool equipment. As a result, there is a huge variety of swimming pool pumps available, so you can always be sure that you make the right choice for your pool.

Swimming pool pumps vary based on the size of your pool, the horsepower required, what type of pool you have at home, and the function that you’re looking for in your swimming pool pump. When you select a new swimming pool pump, you’ll need to be sure that your pool pump is sized and powered correctly for your pool.

The horsepower of a swimming pool pump indicates how much water it can circulate over time. It is important that you find a pump that is powerful enough to handle your swimming pool size, or you won’t be able to circulate your water correctly.

You’ll need to choose a pump that matches the needs of your pool. Inground swimming pool pumps work with gravity, as they are usually situated above the waterline of your inground pool. On the other hand, above ground swimming pool pumps work against gravity, pushing water up and back into your swimming pool system.

How long do I need to run my swimming pool pump?

It is essential that you run your swimming pool pump for a minimum of 8 hours a day. If you have a larger swimming pool, you may find that a slightly longer run-time is best for your pool. Some people may run their swimming pool pump up to 12 hours a day to ensure their water is fresh, clean and circulated. But, if you have the right swimming pool pump installed, running your pump for 8 hours a day should be adequate for cleaning your water.

Can I turn off my pump when I go on vacation?

You should never turn off your swimming pool pump for more than a day during summer. A swimming pool that is left to sit stagnantly will quickly attract pests, bacteria, and algae. When closing up the pool for a vacation, many people wonder if they can turn off their pump as a way to save money during their trip. But, turning off your pool pump during a vacation can cause some serious problems for your swimming pool system and water.

If you turn off your pool pump while on vacation, you’ll return to a pool that is dirty, cloudy, and not safe to swim in. If you’re planning to go on vacation, be sure to keep your pump on a timer and have someone maintain your regular treatment schedule.

Maintaining a swimming pool pump

A swimming pool pump will last much longer and provide you with more effective and efficient circulation if you care for it properly. You’ll need to maintain your pump throughout each year for optimal performance.

Winterizing: When you close your pool for winter, you’ll need to ensure that you correctly winterize your pool pump and all of your swimming pool plumbing. Ideally, you should store your swimming pool pump should indoors to avoid any freezing damage.

Seals, gaskets and connections: Maintaining the seals, gaskets, and connections that lead to and from your pool pump is essential. These components ensure your system is water-tight and allows you to maintain the right pressure for your pool pump to function.

Water balance: Water that is out of balance, filled with calcium, or high in chlorine can cause damage to your pump over time. Ensuring the right water balance will ensure that your swimming pool pump lasts much longer.

Energy efficient swimming pool pumps

It is very expensive to operate a swimming pool pump. There are many new energy-efficient swimming pool pumps that can save you a lot of money on your pool operating costs each season. These modern swimming pool pumps give you all of the power and performance of traditional swimming pool pumps at a fraction of the energy usage.

Energy-efficient pumps are an excellent investment for your swimming pool and are truly the best option to invest in. The initial cost for an energy-efficient pump is higher, but what you spend in your pump, you’ll quickly save on your energy bills.

Quality swimming pool pump systems

There are many swimming pool pump models that are available that are simply not good enough to operate your swimming pool. If you’re looking to save money on your pool equipment, you’ve probably heard of low-cost pump options. But, they simply do not provide the function you need for your swimming pool and can cost more in the long run.

Most people who choose an unreliable or inadequate pool pump end up regretting it. Be sure to invest in a quality swimming pool pump that will give you years of efficient and reliable circulation for your pool. Choosing a reputable pool pump manufacturer will ensure you will be able to rely on a warranty, and get replacement parts to extend the life of your pump.

Circulation is essential for your swimming pool

Your swimming pool pump is the heart of your pool’s function. Your pump ensures that your water is circulated properly, allowing your filter, chemicals and heater to function correctly.

If you understand the function of your swimming pool pump, you can be sure to maintain it correctly, and make the perfect choice when it comes time to select a replacement. A well-maintained, quality pump will save you frustration and money every summer season.

Understanding chlorine levels in your swimming pool

When it comes to keeping your swimming pool water clean, chlorine is the most essential chemical in your maintenance routine. There are many steps you need to take to keep your pool water in balance and sparkling clean. But none of these steps will work without the right chlorine levels. 

The chlorine levels in your swimming pool should always be maintained between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million. These levels will keep your water safe and clean. There are many ways that you can choose to add chlorine to your swimming pool water.

Using testing kits can make it easier to keep your chlorine levels stable, but there are many different factors that impact your chlorine levels, usage, and demand. Understanding more about how chlorine functions in your swimming pool water can help you to keep your levels stable and constant. With the right chlorine balance, your swimming pool water will be clean, clear, and easier to maintain. 

Continue reading Understanding chlorine levels in your swimming pool

Water Testing 101

Exposure to outdoor pollutants, animals and insects can cause problems with the sanitation in your swimming pool water. But, the chemicals you use to treat your pool for these issues can cause balance issues of their own. Water that is left untreated is unsafe in the short-term and can cause damage to your pool in the long-term. Water testing allows you to make sure that your swimming pool water is safe during every point of the summer season, and needs to be conducted regularly.

Continue reading Water Testing 101

The Frugal Pool Owner: Cost Saving Dos and Don’ts for Your Pool

Operating a swimming pool each summer can be very expensive. Maintenance, chemicals, repairs, and energy costs all add up quickly. But, the cost of running a swimming pool is not fixed, and there are many ways that you can save money while enjoying the pool each summer.

It is never a good idea to compromise on what you need to keep your pool safe and clean. But, we’ve put together a list of practical tips you can use to save some money next summer (and, over the life of operating your pool).

Continue reading The Frugal Pool Owner: Cost Saving Dos and Don’ts for Your Pool

Importance of Proper Pool Maintenance

Pool Maintenance

Owning and operating a pool is difficult for a number of reasons, the foremost of them being proper maintenance. With irregular or improper maintenance, you will quickly see your pool become dirty, and you will see a significant degeneration in the performance of your equipment. Unbalanced water chemistry can lead to heater corrosion while neglecting to clean your filter will cause it to perform worse and put undue stress on other equipment. In order to enjoy clean, clear water in your pool throughout the season, you need to invest in proper maintenance, whether you do it yourself or hire a service to maintain your pool for you. Whichever the case, we have assembled a list of tips and tricks that will help you maintain your pool in perfect condition in the upcoming summer season. Enjoy! Continue reading Importance of Proper Pool Maintenance

Different Types of Pool Cleaners

If you’re looking to invest in a pool cleaner, you may also be wondering what kind of pool cleaner is worth your money. Purchasing a pool cleaner is a hefty investment, and you want to ensure that you get the most out of your money by purchasing a cleaner that will save you time on maintenance and let you get the most out of your pool. This article will hopefully make the selection process a little bit less daunting by providing the benefits and drawbacks of the different types of pool cleaners, so that you can figure out which purchase is best for your pool. Continue reading Different Types of Pool Cleaners