|
|
|
Published On: February 18, 2014
By: Paul Miller, Virginia
|
GENERAL CATEGORY
|
AVOIDING COMMON SWIMMING POOLS MAINTENANCE MISTAKES
|
|
|
avoiding common swimming pools maintenance mistakes
|
Swimming pool maintenance does not have to be difficult, but knowing how to properly maintain your pool by avoiding common mistakes will make it a much more rewarding experience as well as a safer place for family fun. Follow these tips for easy pool maintenance:
Check pool chemistry often - You should check the pool`s chemistry at least twice a week in the summer and once a week in the winter. By doing this you can make minor adjustments to your water chemistry.
Don`t allow the pH level to get above 8.0 - At 8.5, chlorine is only about 10% active. At 7.0,
chlorine is about 73% active. If you maintain pH around 7.5, the chlorine will be 50-60% active. Keeping the pH in check will allow you to use the full potential of the chlorine that is already in the pool.
Keep the alkalinity between 80-140 PPM - Low or high alkalinity can affect water balance and ultimately a sanitizer`s ability to perform.
Check TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) on a regular basis - Check the TDS every 6 months and calcium hardness once a month.
Clean the cells in salt water systems - If you don`t clean the cells in chlorine generators, those calcified and corroded cells will produce little chlorine.
Don`t backwash sand or DE filters too often - If you backwash sand or DE filters too often, the filter cannot reach its cleaning potential and you are wasting water. Most filters require backwashing when the pressure gauge rises 8-10 psi from clean.
Clean the skimmer basket in the pool pump often - If these are full of debris, you will get little flow resulting in poor circulation.
Don`t add chemicals during the day - You will get more out of chemicals if you add them after the sun has set.
Brush the walls and tile often - If your circulation system is suspect, brushing down the walls will help eliminate algae problems. Keeping your tile clean will save you money. If the tile gets calcified, it will require a specialist to clean it off.
Run your pumps adequately - A good rule of thumb is to run your pump about 1 hour for every 10º of temperature. Circulation is the key to a low maintenance swimming pool (swimming pools).
Replace broken or missing drains and suction sources - This can be very a very dangerous hazard. Also remember to replace any fencing, rails or decking in disrepair
|
|
|
|
|
