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HomeGroundHow To Take Care Of An Inground Pool

How To Take Care Of An Inground Pool

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Think Of The Filter As Your Pools Kidneys

POOL MAINTENANCE For Beginners [Step-By-Step ACTION PLAN] | Swim University

Just as your kidneys are constantly working to remove impurities from your body, your pools filter is responsible for removing impurities from the water think dirt, leaves, and even small toys.Most of the time, the pool can be cleaned by turning off the filter, removing the filter cap located on the pool deck, lifting out the filter basket, and removing any debris before replacing everything. Its best to clean out your filter basket at least once a week.Once a month youll also want to clean out the pipes utilized by your filter system, which you can do by backwashing. To do so, simply set your filter to backwash, remove the leaf basket and clean it out. Then turn on your pump and let it run until the waste pipe ejects clear water.A final note on turning the filter on and off: Doing so too often can cause the filters mechanics to crack. Set your filter on a timer and allow it to run for at least six hours a day.

Building A Backyard Oasis With The Right Pool Design

As you can see, how to maintain a saltwater pool is quite easy when following these tips and tricks. A saltwater pool is a top choice for homeowners looking to add to their outdoor living areas.

Note that it is also important to seal your deck when adding a saltwater pool. This helps to prevent the salt water from causing any damage. It will also increase the longevity of your deck material.

Custom swimming pools are a beautiful way to transform your backyard space. They combine stunning designs that compliment your decking and home exterior.

Learn more about how a custom pool design can enhance your backyard.

Skim Debris And Clean Out Baskets

Skimming the pool’s surface by hand every few days is one of the fastest and easiest ways to keep your pool clean. Floating debris will eventually sink, becoming harder to remove. Use a long-handled net called a hand skimmer or leaf skimmer to remove leaves, bugs and other unwanted items. Skimming significantly increases the efficiency of the pool’s circulation system and lowers the amount of chlorine you’ll need to add to your pool. Cleaning out strainer baskets at least once a week also helps circulation and lowers chlorine demands. Locate strainer baskets attached to the side of aboveground pools and in the pool deck of inground pools. Simply remove the plastic basket and shake it out spraying the inside with a hose can help dislodge stubborn objects.

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Maintaining Your Pools Water Level

During pool season, monitor your pool’s water level by seeing where it is on the opening of your skimmer. Keep it between the mid-point and within one inch of the top of the skimmer opening.

< And commit this rule to memory: dont drain your pool.

The only real reason to drain a fiberglass pool is for a major repair, which basically never happens. But if you feel you do need to drain your pool, never do that by yourself! Always talk to a professional firstA) to get their opinion on whether draining the pool is truly necessary, and B) if so, to have them brace, drain, and repair it.

Good news, though: we go to great lengths on our end to ensure you don’t have issues with your fiberglass pool.

First, we manufacture our pool shells using our unique methodology called Cross-Lynx Composite Technology to ensure your pool will stand the test of time.

Second, we install your pool using our revolutionary series of construction best practiceshich, by the way, is used by all authorized River Pools dealers across the country.

Check On Your Equipment

Above ground pool built into deck. Easier to take care of ...

Even when your pool is covered and not in use, dirt, pollen and other contaminants can still enter the water. So, remember to keep an eye on the filter gauge, perform backwashing and clean your filter per the manufacturers recommendations.

Additionally, dont forget to check your pool pump, heater and exposed plumbing to make sure everything is functioning properly and there are no leaks.

Also Check: Covering Pool Equipment

Remove Water Or Snow From Pool Cover

Now, its not really possible to prevent the build up of rainwater or snow on a cover unless you have a mesh coverand even then, only some of the precipitation will sink into the pool. So, youll need to remove it yourself.

This can be done through the use of an automatic pool pump, which siphons water away from the pool cover towards other areas of your property.

As far as snow is concerned, youll need to take a different approach. This must be done carefully because you cant just shovel snow off the cover like you would if you were shoveling a drivewaythat would just put the cover at risk of being torn.

You see, its much safer to use a long broom that will allow you to stand on the surrounding patio and brush the snow off the cover. Doing this doesnt put the cover at risk of being torn and in turn, with extend its lifespan.

How To Open An Inground Pool

Springtime heralds the dawn of greenery, sunshine and the promise of warmer temperatures. Its also the perfect time to open your pool for the season. From the chemicals needed for pool startup to the best time to prep your pool for the season, learn everything you need to know about the pool-opening process.

While fiberglass and vinyl pools require significantly less maintenance than other pool types, its still important to make sure you are following the correct process to open your pool. We recommend working with a Latham professional to open your pool and to maintain your pool on an ongoing basis.

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Pools Need Consistent Chemical Levels

Chemical levels are arguably one of the most important facets of pool maintenance. Improperly balanced water looks murky, irritates skin and eyes, and can cause your pool to become a breeding ground for bacteria.Ideally, you should test the water at least once a week. According to the Center for Disease Control , there are six chemical levels that need to be considered:

  • Cyanuric Acid Protects chlorine from sunlight and determines the required Free Chlorine level. An ideal reading for outdoor pools is 30- 50.
  • Free Chlorine A sanitizer which keeps your pool water safe and free of germs.
  • Acidity/Alkalinity Also known as the PH level, acidity needs to be kept between 7.5 and 7.8 to prevent irritation and protect the pool equipment from eroding.
  • Total Alkalinity Helps keep the PH in balance. Levels should be within range of 60-120.
  • Calcium Hardness Appropriate levels help prevent plaster damage. Aim for 220-350, but lower for pools with vinyl siding.

Maintain The Ph Level

Pool Care for Beginners- How to clean and maintain your pool- Filmed in 4k

Pool water should be tested regularly to make sure it’s clean and healthy. The pH scale is a measurement of acidity or alkalinity that runs from 0 to 14. A reading between 7.2 and 7.8 is ideal this range is safe for swimmers and helps sanitizers work at top efficiency.

You can monitor your pool’s pH level with a testing kit. There are many kinds of testing kits available however, most homeowner versions are either reagent kits or test-strips. Reagent kits aren’t too difficult to use. You take a sample of pool water, then add liquids or tablets to it. The water changes color, indicating its chemical balance. Test-strips work differently. When you submerge them in the pool for a few seconds, dyes they contain cause them to change color. Next, match up the strip to a color chart to determine the pool’s pH level. Use this information to gauge what kind and how much of the chemicals your pool needs.

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Other Things To Keep In Mind When Cleaning A Salt Water Pool

Every 3 months, make sure you open and inspect your salt water cell. Youll want to check for scale build up, as well as deposits.

If its clear of any debris, you can reinstall it, but if there are deposits, you can use a high-pressure hose to flush them off. Now, if doing this doesnt get rid of the deposits, you can use a mild acid wash.

Another thing to do is to winterize your pool and equipment. If you have a removable unit, this is a simple step. Otherwise, refer again to your owners manual for instructions on how to winterize your salt chlorinator.

Inground Pool Liner Installation And Measurement Faq

Expect to spend 2 to 4 hours removing faceplates, gaskets, and the old vinyl pool liner, positioning and installing the new replacement liner prior to refilling the pool with water. For replacement inground pool liner installation tips and to view a pool liner installation video, click on the Swimming Pool Liners tab on our website or call us at 800-515-1747 for clarification.

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Winter Pool Care Tips

by David Manning

Swimming season may be over, but this doesnt mean pool cleaning responsibilities end with it. Of course, you want to keep your pool looking beautiful, clean and healthy all year round.

With proper pool maintenance, even in colder temperatures, you can avoid future issues with algae, corrosion, and buildup before the summer approaches.

For all you know, theres nothing better than a staycation right in your backyard.

Learn How To Properly Winterize To Prevent Damage

In

As important as pool care is during the summer, its even more important to make sure that you properly secure it for winter. After all, no one wants to remove a pool cover at the start of summer only to find out that their pool has a leak or that their water is full of dangerous bacteria. Taking the right steps to properly winterize your pool can save you lots of time and money on repairs for next season.Before closing up shop in the fall, buy a water testing kit to ensure your chemicals are correctly balanced. Then, blow any excess water out of your plumbing lines, and invest in a cover to keep the pool free of debris.Keeping a pool in good shape does entail a certain amount of work, but it doesnt need to be a burden. By incorporating these pool maintenance tips into a regular cleaning routine, you can ensure that youll spend more time sunbathing than doing chores. Which is exactly how it should be. Do you have a great pool maintenance tip to share? Let usow in the comments below.

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Its All About Chemistry

Fiberglass pool water constantly changes. Dirt and oil can affect the pool water balance. Water in a fiberglass pool doesnt need to be changed for years, as continuous filtration and disinfection remove contaminants. However, this filtration system alone doesnt keep the water balanced. A pool that is balanced has the right levels of pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Water will dissolve minerals until it becomes saturated and cannot hold any more minerals. When water is less saturated, it can become corrosive. Thats why maintaining a balance is imperative. How can you tell if your water is over or under saturated? A proper test kit is required to measure the chemical parameters of pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Regular testing, along with other maintenance, will keep your pool in top condition in the future.

Keep An Eye On Your Pool

If your pool is covered, remember to periodically remove any debris above the cover and check underneath it to ensure you have no unwanted surprises down there.

In addition, the winter-induced wind or snow can put stress on your cover, so make sure that your cover, attachments, water bags and lawn anchors are securely attached so they dont come loose.

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If I Have Pool Chemicals Left Over From Last Season Can I Still Use Them

Pool chemicals typically last if kept in the proper conditions. Dry chemicals have a 7 year shelf life before expiring. Liquid pool chemicals will last just as long, but if the chemicals freeze we recommend replacing them. Pool chemicals can separate if they freeze and thaw too many times, so make sure you keep your pool chemicals stored in a warmer place during the winter to ensure a safe and clean pool.

Weekly Pool Service Cost

How To: Maintain a Salt Water Pool

The average cost of weekly pool maintenance is $20 to $50, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done each week. The $300 to $650 cost to open and close the pool each year should be included in more expensive weekly service contracts. Weekly maintenance is recommended so you can keep a close eye on your waters pH levels at all times and catch any malfunctioning equipment quickly.

Recommended weekly pool maintenance chemicals are sanitizers, oxidizers, water pH balancers, and specialty chemicals that help avoid stains and algae buildup. You can also add a Sun Sorb sponge to the pool after every pool event to soak up lotions and oils in the water.

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How Much Does It Cost To Have A New Pool Liner Installed

Installing a new inground pool liner ranges from $1,400 to $4,800, or $350 to $1,600 for an above-ground pool liner with most spending $835 to $2,890 on average. Replacement liner costs depend on the size of the pool, labor, and the thickness of the liner. Get free estimates from pool liner installers near you.

How To Further Care For Your Pool In The Winter

As always, we hope that this information goes a long way in helping you care for your pool as we get into the winter months. Theres no doubt that the cold weather is coming very soon if its not here already, so youll want to have all the preparation done as soon as possible!

If you have any further questions, you can reach us at -322-2797 or take a look at some of our other articles down below!

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Get A Pool Pump Timer

Hopefully, your pump already has a timer. If not, I would invest in one. They are a crucial part of proper pool care.

Set the timer to run the pool at least 8 to 12 hours a day. If you can split up the times, great! If not, it wont be a problem for it to run 24 hours a day. 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.

Vacuum The Pool And Brush Walls And Tile

How to Take Care of Your Inground Swimming Pool

A pool should be vacuumed every week to keep water clear and reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add to it. There are many types of pool vacuums. If you have a manual design, work it back and forth all over the surface of the pool like you would if vacuuming carpet. It’s good form to slightly overlap each stroke. Check the filter each time you vacuum, and clean it if necessary.

But vacuuming isn’t the only maintenance that should be done once a week. Brushing the walls and tile helps minimize algae buildup and calcium deposits so they don’t fester and become larger problems. The material your pool walls are made of dictates what kind of cleaning tools you should use. Select a stiff brush for plaster-lined concrete pools and a softer brush for vinyl or fiberglass walls. For tiles, use a soft brush to prevent scratching or degradation of grout. A pumice stone, putty knife or a half-and-half mixture of water and muriatic acid can also work well.

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How Long Should I Wait To Use My Pool After A Chemical Shock Treatment

To stay on the safe side with chemical water treatments, we recommend using your pool eight to 12 hours after administering a treatment. The best time to shock a pool is during the evening, to let the system run over night. If you use a non-chlorine shock you can swim within 30 minutes of the pool treatment.

Removing Debris And Taking Care Of Pool Water

The easiest part of above ground pool care is removing debris from the pool water. The right landscaping and the best trees around pools keep leaves and branches from getting into the water.

Do you know what causes green algae in the pool? If you do not stay on top of getting rid of debris, the contaminants lead to an algae problem. It is faster to clean debris regularly than to treat a severe algae problem.

Tools to Clean Pool Debris

  • Pool skimmer
  • Vacuum

Your pools skimmer baskets suck in the top water level and run it through the pool filter. Once every three days, clean out your skimmer basket to prevent blockages.

Another way to prevent debris build-up is to brush pool walls with a brush to break off stuck-on algae and then vacuum it up. How does a pool vacuum work? Much like your house vacuum, a pool vac sucks up algae and debris. Ensure you are regularly vacuuming your pool to remove any debris that collects at the bottom of your pool, as well as to clean stains on bottom of pool.

Learning how to take care of a swimming pool is simpler when managing the filter system and keeping up with debris in the water.

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How Much Does Green Pool Upkeep Cost

To bring a green pool back to life, expect to spend $300 to $500 on the initial cleaning and $100 to $150 per month for upkeep costs. Prices depend on the size and type of the pool, and if it’s saltwater.

A “natural green pool” costs $15 to $80 per month to upkeep depending on whether your eco-friendly pool is a saltwater pool or a natural pool. Plants in the water act as water cleansers and the pump is not pressurized. You can pay a local kid $15 to empty your leaf skimmer each time and pay a gardener $40/hour to prune your plants.

No testing, chemical adding, or adjustment is required. The leaf skimmer should be emptied as needed, depending on how much natural debris drops into your pool each week, and plants should be pruned and cut back in season.

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