How to Maintain Your Pool

Circulation

For maximum sanitizer effectiveness throughout the entire pool the water must be circulated. The more your pool water is in motion, the harder iti s for bacteria and algae to take hold and grow. Another advantage is the more water that is passed throughthe filter, the more debris is captured. the best time to circulate the water is during the day, for 10 hours or more.

Filtration

The filter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your pool’s system. It removes both visible debris and most microscopic matter. A filter usually should be backwashed, which is the removal of material trapped on or in the filter media, when the water pressure in the filter reaches eight to ten pounds above normal. (Make sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Because backwashing does not remove oils and deeply imbedded debris, every filter needs to be chemically cleaned regularly. Town and Country Pools can help you establish a filter maintenance program.

Cleaning

The walls and floor of your pool needs to be brushed regularly. All swimming pools have certain areas that have little or no circulation. This is where algae and bacteria can begin to grow. At least once a week, the walls and floors should be brushed and vacuumed to remove debris that the filter misses. Even if you use an automatic pool cleaner or retain a weekly service, brushing is a must!

Testing

Every pool has certain chemical characteristics which must be regularly measured. Most important are the pH and the level of active sanitizer. By testing these two factors at regular intervals, you’ll e able to understand how bather load, weather and product application affect the water. Test your pool water two or three times per week. Plan to bring a sample of pool water to Town and Country Pools, your BioGuard® Authorized Pool & Spa Care Center, at pool opening and closing, and every four to six weeks thereafter. This will ensure that proper balance is maintained and greatly reduce the potential risk for problems.

Proper Water Maintenance

The last step in a total pool maintenance program is the right application of products to your pool water in a timely manner. Your three objectives are:

  1. Provide a sanitary swimming environment.
  2. Chemically balance the water to protect the equipment and the pool. Unbalanced pool water can permanently damage both.
  3. Provide clear, sparkling water free of algae growth for all bathers.
Rick SilvagniHow to Maintain Your Pool