In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the five best solar generators on Amazon to help you find the product thats right for you and your home. Follow the dosage instructions carefully and store chemicals according to the manufacturer's directions. A simple but effective liquid test kit for chlorine pools and hot tubs. This can result in debris bypassing the skimmer and accumulating in the pool. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" But if youve got a firm grasp on these four pool components, youll be well equipped to face down most upkeep challenges. Luckily, all pool maintenance mistakes are fixable. If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. My pool has a built-in automatic water leveler. Remove It in 5 Steps, Check the filter pressure (backwash if needed), Add any necessary chemicals (only if they know what theyre doing). Take your time, follow all the directions, and be sure you know what each chemical does and how itll affect the water, and the folks who swim in it, before you add it. "name": "In The Swim", Add the shock to your water, then run the pump for at least eight hours to make sure its fully circulated. Wading in the water in a backyard meant having a massive swimming pool or settling for a scant hot tub. When full, submerge the vacuum head and clamp a hand over the hose until you connect it at the skimmer. They are a crucial part of proper pool care. When it comes time to decide between DIY pool care and using a professional pool cleaning service, consider such tasks as maintaining the filter, surface skimming and chemical testing. You may have a high level of calcium hardness in the water, which is likely the cause of the scale, not chlorine tablets. Some baskets have a twist lock, but most just lift straight out. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care! This often makes a backyard pool more of a burden than a blessing. 10 Steps to Winterize Your Above Ground Pool, Raising Pool Equipment for Flood Protection, Flooded Inground Pool: 10-Steps to Recovery. Copyright 2022 This Old House Ventures, LLC. First clean off the deck, with a leaf blower, broom or water so you dont slip, and so more leaves or debris wont blow into the pool. Simply replace both the tennis balls and the pantyhose when they start to show signs of wear. Not only will you be able to stay on top of basic upkeep, but youll be able to plan ahead for more advanced pool maintenance tasks like closing your pool, caring for it during the off season, or getting your swimming pool ready to roll when pool season returns. Cartridge filters: these filters allow water to seep through a fine filtrating surface. If you can split up the times, great! If it doesn't, purchase the necessary chemicals and follow the instructions on the label to apply them to your pool water. If your pools filter is its liver, then your skimmers and returns are its veins and arteries. A pool is an impressive feature of a home, but it can also be the most difficult and expensive to maintain. The sand does the job of trapping debris. Always add the chemical to the water, and not the other way around. You want to make sure that your pH and alkalinity are properly balanced and your sanitizers levels are correct. Before you buy, do the research on the best pool cleaner for you and your pool. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. He holds General Building Contractor (Class B) and Registered Pool/Spa Contractor Licenses. Take a sample of your pool water to your local pool store and get it professionally checked. "height": "219", Plaster is very clear when it fades. ", Looking for a full in-depth video course on swimming pool maintenance? Or, if you are talking about the canister of the automatic water leveler, same advice, drop in a tablet (put it in a zip lock bag with an open top, so it wont sit directly on surfaces, and tie a string to the bag, so you can lift it out to add a new tablet every month. To get rid of the algae, shock your pool, then backflush your filter. You can buy a new pump and see if that fixes the issue. It will suck in air instead, potentially burning your pool's motor pump. On a searing summer day, a swimming pool is a welcome respite from the heat. Add more in hot weather, when the heater is on, or when the pool is in more frequent use. Shocking your pool gets rid of all sorts of contaminants. Escape from pool store water testing with the pool test kit that the pool stores use! Wash hands immediately after being exposed to chemicals. "Thank you! Running your pump and filter is very important to keep your pool clear and its better to leave a timer in charge rather than a human. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Rob specializes in energy-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping. And each year, he continues to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting. How long should you run your pool pump? Cloudy water will clear more quickly as the D.E. Your pool may also benefit from other chemicals such as: Many pool owners are not comfortable with their chemistry skills, and actually drive a water sample to the pool store several times per season! This article was co-authored by Rob Litman. The answers to these questions should lead you to the best decision for you and your pool. "description": "When it comes to pool maintenance, what can you do yourself, and what should you leave to the pros? Total alkalinity should be tested once a week, and at least once a month. Need help with home maintenance? How much time are you willing to spend on your pool? You can buy a nice manual pool vacuum for under $100, and vacuum the pool through the skimmer. Add some pH minus to your pool, following the manufacturer's instructions. Skimming the surface of the pool for floating debris and emptying the skimmer basket takes just a minute or two. Many people choose to enlist the help of pool professionals, but if you're more of a do-it-yourself kind of person read on to find out how to keep your pool's water sparkling clean. How do you know when it's time to resurface your pool? Pumps and heaters can go for 10 years without mechanical problems or replacement. You have to be familiar with them because turning the wrong valves may lead to expensive damage to your pumps and plumbing. filter. A cartridge filer is a removable unit that you hose off and reinsert. Hi Dwight, perhaps drop in a chlorine tablet or two, depends on size. By submitting your email, you agree to our. Walk briskly around the entire edge of the pool, with the edge of the Leaf Rake touching the edge of the pool at the water line. Creating a pool maintenance schedule makes it easy to stay organized and make sure important tasks dont slip through the cracks. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Tip: If your pool has a sand filter, add a cup of D.E. Thank you Davy, is it OK to use chlorine tablets in a salt water pool with a chlorine generator? Plus, most chlorinating tablets contain a built-in stabilizer to shield your water's chlorine from the sun's rays. You can also clear cloudy pool water quickly with flocculant. Keeping these surfaces in good repair, and clear of algae, mold, and debris, will help keep your pool clean and safe. "@context": "https://schema.org/", }, Be sure to invest in a good pool brush, too. Become familiar with the testing kit containing dyes and ingredients that help you take an inventory of what your pool water needs to be clean and clear. First, shut the system off, then close the skimmer valve in front of the pump to hold the water in place so the system won't need repriming when it starts up again. "url": "https://blog.intheswim.com/" Water powered or robotic vacuums can roam the pool, eating up dirt, bacteria, algae and sand. { But like most good things, a swimming pool requires quite a bit of maintenance and attention to detail. The pH scale has a range between 0 and 14, with a neutral pH at 7. Chemical treatments also involve adding consistent and continuous chlorine to regulate algae and bacteria growth. Also, make sure your pool is clean and crystal clear before you leave. Test and correct pool chemistry weekly. "address": "", They should already know what to do. Pool skimming can be difficult after storms, but with the right process and equipment, you can do it like a pro. Plus, it doesnt hurt to know an expert than can come out when you need additional help! Discover your home's vulnerable spots before you go away on vacation, and learn how to prevent burglaries for less than $250, 5 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches from a Glass Window. "@type": "ImageObject", What chemical should I add if the pH is too high? If the calcium levels are too low your water will become corrosive, potentially ruining the body of your pool. Thatll turn the water over a few times and help keep your pool safe and clean. Watch for a floating hose, which indicates a hole in the line, or diminshed suction due to a full filter. Total dissolved solids are mainly composed of inorganic salts (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides and sulfates) and small amounts of other organic materials dissolved in the water. "primaryImageOfPage": { In your pool, moving water is cleaner, clearer, and safer. So before you reach for the chemicals, do some pool water testing. Basic Shock Products. Liquid Chlorine. Shocking the pool with granular chlorine clears the water by removing contaminants and chloramines. "width": "611", Here's how to drain an above ground pool with either a garden hose siphon or a sump pump. Bang it out or hose it out and then re-insert the basket fully. Sanitizer levels are checked and other water treatment chemicals applied. ", "Very easy to understand and crystal-clear information for anyone looking for very basic know-how. Hi Dwight, most likely calcium scale, which is attracted to the electrically charged plates. These include: It might seem like a no-brainer but the water in your pool is key to lasting pool happiness. ", "It was easy to understand, very clear on what products are needed to test and treat my pool.". If not, it wont be a problem for it to run 24 hours a day. Multifunctional products also balance the pool water's pH, boost filtration, and provide increased algae protection. To learn how to maintain your pool's filters, scroll down! Other pool filter maintenance items include annual lubrication of O-rings, or replacement of filter media [sand, grids, cartridges] every 5 years or so; which can be DIY friendly. How do I maintain the proper pH of my pool? The three most important parts of pool water chemistry are: Once you know your pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels, you can start to add chemicals to tweak your water balance. Yes, that would be a good place to go (unless you already have pool maintenance experience and understand chemicals and pool procedures). "@type": "Organization", Youll enjoy not just your swim, but the peace of mind that comes with regular and thorough pool maintenance. Adjust pH firstwith muriatic acid if it's above 7.6 or with soda ash product if it's under 7.4. I have no knowledge of how to maintain a swimming pool which is. This filter keeps the impurities it catches until you clean it. "Thank you very much, this article helps me a lot. When the pressure gauge is Lower than Normal, it could be that the pump basket or skimmer baskets are full, and are restricting the water flow. A solar generator gives you backup energy from the sun should your electricity fail. "wordCount": "873", "identifier": "" How are the control valves set on normal running? There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. "@type": "Person", If the water level is too high, the water moves too slowly into the skimmer. Attach your Leaf Rake to your Pool Pole. Thanks! Yes, it needs regular care, but that doesnt mean youll spend your life shackled to a vacuum or fiddling with your chemistry set. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", "thumbnailUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", Calcium hardness should be tested twice a season. But think about it: your pool pump draws water keeps your water circulating, like your heart does with your blood. Check out The Pool Maintenance Video Course and become a pool care master so you can effortlessly keep your water clean and clear all season. Replace the pump lid very tightly, and turn on the pump. The foundation of effective pool care is built on three simple but important concepts: circulation, cleaning, and chemistry. Or, if you have a salt water system, a salt water chlorinator. Matt Giovanisci is the founder of Swim University and has been in the pool and spa industry since 1995. Add an algicide to the water. Consider replacing sand with a DE or cartridge system; both clean better, save water, and are better for the environment. Never pour or return unused or wasted material to the original package, and do not throw it away in regular garbage. Are you comfortable taking care of the pool equipment? Is it safe to run the filter motor during freezing weather? This is the key to success when it comes to keeping your swimming pool clean while youre away. My chlorine generator gets clogged up with white crust very quickly. Ideally, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Baking soda paste works particularly well as a basic scouring cleaner that wont damage delicate tile or a vinyl liner when you brush. Generally, professional pool maintenance will run you between $100-$500 per month, depending on your location and the size of your pool, but mostly your location. Most people see creases at the bottom of the pool as a failure of the plaster, but that is not the case. Proper pool circulation is key to healthy and safe swimming. A Skim-Vac plate makes the job faster. Hi Dwight, sure that is no problem. Read our in-depth reviews on home warranty providers. Simply attach your vacuum to your filter system and place it in the middle of your above ground pool, making sure the vacuum is upside down. A pool with good circulation rarely has issues like cloudy water or pool algae infestation. Basic Chlorinating Tabs. "headline": "Pool Maintenance: DIY or Go With a Pro? But youll still need to apply some good old-fashioned elbow grease. References Here are some of the techniques he uses to speed up the process and create a safe, refreshing oasis. The water in the well gets really scummy. Pools require frequent chemical testing and adjustments. When deciding to DIY or Go Pro with pool maintenance, it is important to weigh all the factors. "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", The hardness, alkalinity and cyanuric acid levels should also be checked weekly. Understanding whats in your water, and what isnt, is the first step to balancing it. Direct the nozzles of the return jets on the pool sides downward to quiet surface ripples so you can see the bottom clearly. Finding a thick film of pollen in your pool is no fun. The filter pressure gauge; check it every few days. If the pool is too wide for one pass, vacuum half at a time. Installing a DE filter is quite simple, as you place it directly into the skimmer. When it rises 5 lbs or more, the water flow rate slows down, making filtration inefficient. The valves can control many different functions of your pool's plumping system. "datePublished": "10/30/2015", If this is a new pool, or you have moved into a home with a pool and the pool is all new to you, a pool cleaning company can come out (usually free of charge) and show you around your pool equipment, valves, gauges and more. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Click here to find out more about using pool floc. Or to assist a small or underperforming salt system. Applying liquid chlorine is relatively easy, but it has a rather short shelf life. Thats why it pays to develop a strong basic understanding of pool maintenance essentials, no matter if you have an inground, above ground, Intex, or saltwater pool. "height": "219", }, Though pool professionals have the experience and tools for greater efficiency than the average owner, many pool maintenance tasks can be accomplished on your own for less money. It's easy to forget one or two of them from time to time. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://blog.intheswim.com/pool-maintenance-diy-or-go-with-a-pro/",

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