The first rule in Pool Care is to have the proper equipment!
Here are the basic tools that you’ll need:
- Pool pole (telescoping type)
- Pool net (not flat, but a deep net type)
- Pool brush
- Taylor chemical testing kit (or equivalent)
- Rubber mallet
- Screw driver set (multi-head set)
Set Up Your Routine
(1) Set up a schedule for regular pool maintenance. One day a week, set up a time that will be convenient to you. Once you have this down make a log or journal and make sure you record the chemical reading each time you take one.
NOW STICK TO THIS PLAN! Keep this log in your kitchen where it is easy to find and will keep dry.
(2) Check to see if the pump and motor is priming and working. A pump that is not priming can cause the motor to seize up and quit. A new motor and pump can be very expensive!
(3) Clean out the pump basket. The pump basket will get debris in it and has to be emptied weekly. Not emptying this basket can cause the pump to over-heat, melting the basket and causing motor failure.
(4) Check to make sure the timer is set to the correct time for on and off. This is one sure way of saving energy. If the timer is incorrect, you may be running the pump and motor too long which costs you extra money.
(5) Clean out the Skimmer basket. The skimmer basket is the easiest to clean. By keeping this basket clean it helps with the pool water circulation.
(6) Check to make sure the water in the pool is at the right level. The best way to notice if you have a pool leak is by observing the water level every day. There will be a certain amount of water evaporation, so it is important that the water stays at the correct level. If the water goes down below the skimmer basket this can cause the pool pump to suck dry air and heat up which will cause motor failure.
(7) Check the chemical balance in the pool using the Taylor chemical testing kit or equivalent. Maintaining a balance will prevent the pool from turning green and keep the pool ready for swimming.
(8) If vacuuming is needed, now is the time to vacuum the pool.
(9) Start brushing the pool walls. Starting at the shallow end of the pool, brush the walls down to the floor and then the floor towards the deep end drain. Then keep going around the pool doing the walls to the floor towards the drain. Even if the pool has automatic pool cleaners, you still have to brush the pool. The only thing the pool cleaners do is pick up debris; it cannot dislodge the algae spores and dirt on the walls and floor.
(10) If you added chemicals to the pool water, then you must run the pool for four hours. If you are adding liquid chlorine to the pool, pour it near the skimmer so it gets circulated. If you are adding acid, you will want to add the acid as far from the skimmer as possible, preferably on the opposite side of the pool. Never combine acid and chlorine because this will form a poisonous gas, so, make sure you store acid in the garage and chlorine in the shed, always store away from each other and away from children and pets. Remember when adding chemicals, add a little at a time until you get the desired results. Once you add the chemicals it’s too late to take them back. Chemicals should be kept out of the sun light and in a safe covered place away from children and pets.
Remember you add chemical to water; never water to chemicals.
(11) Make sure you write down how much of the chemicals you use in your log book.
(12) See Chlorine & Salt Values for the optimal values in maintaining a clean and safe pool.
