You are all set to enjoy your beautiful backyard pool. The water is sparkling blue, you have blown up the inflatable raft, and you’ve got your sunglasses on. Life is good, and you want it to stay that way. To make sure your gorgeous swimming pool remains in excellent condition for a good long time, let us share some regular maintenance tips with you. A well-maintained pool is a lifetime pool!

Make a Schedule 

Where should you begin? First of all, you need to understand your pool’s components and set up a routine to look after them.There isn’t a lot of work involved in keeping your pool maintained, but it does start with a schedule. Some tasks need to be performed daily and others weekly (or even less often). Make a list of what needs to be done, post it somewhere handy, and stick to it.

Regular Cleaning

On a daily basis, your pool needs to be skimmed of any leaves, bugs, or other debris that has fallen into it. This is especially true if you don’t have an automated cover, or your pool is in an  outdoor area that is not screened in. While you are at it, check the skimmer baskets and filter returns to ensure they are free of obstruction. Next, on a weekly basis, you will brush the sides and floor of the pool to remove any stuck-on debris, algae, or sediment. After brushing, it is time to vacuum the pool to keep it super clean and algae free. We highly recommend an automatic robotic pool vacuum for effective and convenient cleaning.

Chemicals 101

Don’t worry; there won’t be a final exam or a grade. But you should be familiar with the proper chemical balance your pool needs. Achieve balance according to the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI). Learn the basics of pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, chlorine, and their normal ranges. Check your chemicals two to three times a week with a test kit or test strips. Add chemicals as appropriate to avoid range chemistry. If you find your chemical balance way off after heavy pool use or inclement weather, you may have to “shock” your pool or add a super dose of chlorine to set things right. Also, you may occasionally need to add an algaecide to keep growth at bay.

The Pump

The pump is the heart of your pool. It keeps the water circulating, and water that is moving is cleaner than water that is standing still. The pump pulls the water out of your pool and passes it through the filter, and then back into the main body of water. Clean the pump basket of any debris accumulation. Check your pump occasionally for leaks, discoloration, or rust. Your pump should run at least 8-12 hours per day. If you have a 2-speed or variable speed pump, call us for expert advice on how long your pump should run each day for excellent filtration.

The Filter

Your pool filter traps small particles of debris. How often your filter needs cleaning will vary depending on which type of filter you have. Familiarize yourself with your filter type and proceed accordingly. Your filter will have a standard range of pressure, and any variance can indicate a problem. A higher than normal range could mean an obstruction and could cause damage.

Pool Surfaces

Get in the habit of checking out your pool’s surfaces. Do you notice any cracking in the concrete, broken tiles, or staining in your pool? If so, call the pros at Molinari Pools. One of our exceptional technicians will be out to assess the damage in no time and to advise you on the best repair to get your pool back in tip-top shape. Changes in your pool’s surface could be a sign of a leak or underlying issue and needs to be addressed promptly. Trust Molinari Pools — your premier choice for any of your pool repair or renovation needs.

Once you accomplish cleaning, chemical balance (LSI), circulation and filtration, you’ll be well on your way to a happy, healthy, problem-free pool. Do you need some help with ongoing maintenance? We’ve got you covered. Give your pool years of extra life and yourself the peace of mind knowing that you are on top of it. A maintained pool is a lifetime pool!