We’re just past the halfway mark of the season – which means it’s time to do a quick check-in on how your pool is holding up.
It’s easy to keep your pool in good shape right after it’s been opened for the year, but after that, it’s not so simple. Between being used multiple times a week to outside factors like storms and debris, many factors could prevent your pool from staying clean all summer long.
Now that we’re at the mid-season, here’s what to ask yourself to see if your pool is holding up:
How does your pool look?
First things first: how does your pool look?
An easy way to tell if your pool is handling the summer well is to see if there are any abnormalities in your pool. For example:
- Is there green, yellow or black algae in your pool?
- Has rainwater been introduced to your pool water?
- Is there debris from recent storms in your pool?
- Does your pool have cracks, blisters or discolorations?
Signs like algae, debris or surface stains point to problems. Moisture-loving algae can mean there’s an imbalance in the chemicals of your pool. Rainwater can also be a contributing factor to a changing pH level in your pool, and storms can add leaves, branches and bacteria to your water if you’re not covering during storms.
If you’re seeing stains, cracks or leaks in your pool, it’s a sign that it’s no longer handling the wear and tear of the summer season.
These abnormalities mean that it’s time to have your pool assessed by a professional for professional cleaning or possibly renovation.
Have you been keeping up with maintenance?
Weekly pool maintenance is a must for anyone planning on using their pool frequently. While not all pools require the same level of maintenance, a partial list of some of the most common tasks your pool may need include:
- Balancing your pool water
- Skimming the surface
- Brushing the walls and tile
- Cleaning the pump strainer
- Cleaning the skimmer baskets
- Cleaning the handrails and pool deck area
- Checking and running your filter (July and August are the time when you need the most filtering of the season. Set that pool filter timer a few extra hours longer each day.)
- Checking your chlorine levels with a testing kit
- Shocking your pool when necessary
- Covering the pool when not in use or during a storm
Unfortunately, there are two big problems that DIY pool owners often run into: they find it too time-consuming, or they don’t have the right tools or know-how to finish the job properly.
One great way to handle this responsibility is to hire a maintenance company to care for your pool. This way, you can be sure that your pool will be properly and thoroughly cleaned all summer long.
What happens to your pool during a storm?
While we tend to think about how the weather will impact pools during the winter, you should keep tabs on the weather during spring, summer and fall, as well.
For example, if you know a summer storm is approaching, there are a few things you can do to secure your pool:
- Turn off the circuit breaker that powers electric pool equipment, such as your motor, pool pump, chlorinators and lights.
- Move your equipment inside to protect from any damage that could come with potential outdoor flooding.
- Remove furniture and toys that are on your pool deck that could be picked up by high winds.
While the weather can be unpredictable – especially here in Chicago – it’s important to monitor when the temperature is expected to change dramatically so that you can prepare your pool when it happens.
What cleaning accessories are you using?
Pool cleaning accessories are a small and easy way to help keep your pool running all summer long. Some, like skimmers, brushes and pool vacuums, are more of a necessity for any pool owner. But some accessories can go above surface-level cleaning.
Chemical feeders, pumps and chlorinators are accessories that will help regulate the chemicals in your water in-between cleanings, which limits your maintenance and assures you that your water is safe to swim in. Adding return jets also help increase the circulation in your pool and keep it warmer and the water less stagnant.
Here are two examples of additional water accessories that we love:
- Infusion Pool’s V-Fittings: The V-Fitting enhances circulation, helping to warm your pool and evenly disperse chemicals. The V-Fitting should be used as a replacement for standard eyeball swimming pool return line fittings. Since the product helps with circulation, you can save time, money and energy since you’ll be reducing your energy consumption.
- Frog Product’s Instant Frog: The Instant Frog, a small accessory that sits in your skimmer basket, fights bacteria while using up to 50% less chlorine. There are many benefits to using less chlorine in your pool, including less skin irritation, less bathing suit fading and a pool that feels cleaner.
Think Ahead
Keeping an inground pool clean and swim-ready all summer long requires more time for cleaning and a vigilant eye. By keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule, watching the appearance of your pool for signs of abnormalities, preparing for summer storms and using additional accessories, you can rest assured that you’ll have a pool that will be ready for the summer season for years to come.
If you need a hand with your pool upkeep this summer, AAA Pool Service can help! Contact us today to discuss your weekly maintenance needs.
