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No Summer experience is complete without swimming, and a pool in your backyard makes the experience all the better because there are no crowds to fight for domination. But pools can be a lot of work. They can be punctured, grow slimy mold, collect dirt and dead bugs, and get all manner of disgusting afflictions. Most of these can be extracted via chemicals, monthly service, and vacuuming your pool floor, but algae and phosphates require a much tougher breed of cleaning. They need to be washed with acid to regain that crystal-clear water and the fresh, clean pool surface every pool owner wishes to obtain.
Pool Winterization/Summerization
When someone thinks about Summer, they usually think about hot weather, frozen treats, barbecues, and swimming. Thinking about swimming undoubtedly leads one to think about pools, and with great swimming pools comes great responsibility. Swimming pools are care and maintenance intensive, more so if they have been neglected. Let’s say summer is around the corner and you need to get your pool ready for summer. That’s a lot of work depending on the type of pool you have. The examples used in this article will be a collapsible pool and an in-ground pool.
Collapsible pools are wonderful for those who do not have enough money or room for an in-ground pool. There are two main types of large collapsible pools: inflatable (which has an inflatable lip to prevent the sides from being submerged) and framed (made fitting the pool membrane around a structure of metal pipes. Inflatable pools are convenient for people who have a small yard or young children or prefer the quick set up it provides. Regardless of the reason, inflatable pools take up less storage space than framed pools. But they still require some attention before they see any action. Both varieties, inflatable and framed, must be thoroughly checked for any kind of growth, such as mold or slime. If there is any growth, it must be cleaned to prevent any illnesses from appearing. They also need to be checked for holes and patched before filling the pool or all the water will eventually drain out. Inflatable pools, especially, require a keen eye for punctures because if the inflatable ring is punctured, then the pool will slowly collapse in on itself. The pump and hoses need to be checked for cracks, the filter replaced, and cleaned before they can be assembled and attached to the pool. Once everything passes the test, all that is left is to fill up the pool, dispense the proper chemicals into it, and have fun.
When preparing an in-ground pool for the summer, the walls and floor of the pool need to be acid washed to eliminate any growth and chemical build-up. The pump, pipes, and pool need to be checked for cracks before filling the pool. After that, fill it up, put in the chemicals, and have fun.
Winterizing a pool is a time intensive process. If the pool is indoors, then there is not much to do to winterize it because it is filled most of the year. However, outdoor pools have more work cut out for them. All collapsible outdoor pools must be drained and dried. An in-ground pool does not need to be drained completely, but it still needs to have the water level dropped and any residual water blown from its pump and pipes to prevent ice from forming. The pump and pool need to be cleaned to prevent anything from growing and/or rotting inside them.
The same can be said for collapsible pools. Their pumps and hoses need to be drained and cleaned for the same reason. These pools differ from in-ground pools because they need to be completely, drained instead of partially. After they are dried, they must be deflated, folded, and stored in a place away from the elements or covered to prevent water from getting inside. After that, they can be left alone without the worry of it growing mold.
But, winterizing and summer-izing your pool is a lot of work and there are so many ways things can go wrong if the proper steps are not taken. Instead, call a professional to do the work for you. They have the skills and experience needed to properly care for your pool, regardless of the type you prefer.
Collapsible pools are wonderful for those who do not have enough money or room for an in-ground pool. There are two main types of large collapsible pools: inflatable (which has an inflatable lip to prevent the sides from being submerged) and framed (made fitting the pool membrane around a structure of metal pipes. Inflatable pools are convenient for people who have a small yard or young children or prefer the quick set up it provides. Regardless of the reason, inflatable pools take up less storage space than framed pools. But they still require some attention before they see any action. Both varieties, inflatable and framed, must be thoroughly checked for any kind of growth, such as mold or slime. If there is any growth, it must be cleaned to prevent any illnesses from appearing. They also need to be checked for holes and patched before filling the pool or all the water will eventually drain out. Inflatable pools, especially, require a keen eye for punctures because if the inflatable ring is punctured, then the pool will slowly collapse in on itself. The pump and hoses need to be checked for cracks, the filter replaced, and cleaned before they can be assembled and attached to the pool. Once everything passes the test, all that is left is to fill up the pool, dispense the proper chemicals into it, and have fun.
When preparing an in-ground pool for the summer, the walls and floor of the pool need to be acid washed to eliminate any growth and chemical build-up. The pump, pipes, and pool need to be checked for cracks before filling the pool. After that, fill it up, put in the chemicals, and have fun.
Winterizing a pool is a time intensive process. If the pool is indoors, then there is not much to do to winterize it because it is filled most of the year. However, outdoor pools have more work cut out for them. All collapsible outdoor pools must be drained and dried. An in-ground pool does not need to be drained completely, but it still needs to have the water level dropped and any residual water blown from its pump and pipes to prevent ice from forming. The pump and pool need to be cleaned to prevent anything from growing and/or rotting inside them.
The same can be said for collapsible pools. Their pumps and hoses need to be drained and cleaned for the same reason. These pools differ from in-ground pools because they need to be completely, drained instead of partially. After they are dried, they must be deflated, folded, and stored in a place away from the elements or covered to prevent water from getting inside. After that, they can be left alone without the worry of it growing mold.
But, winterizing and summer-izing your pool is a lot of work and there are so many ways things can go wrong if the proper steps are not taken. Instead, call a professional to do the work for you. They have the skills and experience needed to properly care for your pool, regardless of the type you prefer.
Monthly Pool & Spa Maintenance
Pools are a lot of fun. They keep kids entertained, cool down hot days, and all kinds of games and sports could be played inside the pool. However, everything has a price. The pool needs to be cleaned regularly. Imagine a hot July day. Your family has been working hard in the yard, the little ones are sluggish, the teenagers are complaining about the heat, and all everyone wants is to swim in the cold pool water. You tell the kids to get prepped for the pool and they flee toward the house. You pass the hoard on your way to the house and have one foot in the door when they call your name. Lo and behold, they discovered the pool water has turned a light brown-green with dirt covering the bottom of the pool, insect corpses floating on the surface. Probably not the best water to swim in, nor the safest.
Monthly pool maintenance is a must for all pool owners. A long-handled skimmer will skim out all debris floating on your pool’s surface. A pool vacuum will suck up all the heavier debris and sediment that has settled to the bottom of your pool and deposit it somewhere else in your yard, like a flower or vegetable garden, a dry patch of lawn, or near a tree. Now, you have eliminated the grotesque flotsam and sediment, all that is left is the murky water which has cleared up somewhat thanks to cleaning the pool bottom. Checking the pool filter should give you an idea about why the pool’s water is murky. If the filter is dirty, then take it out and rinse it using a garden hose. If the filter could not contain everything, it would be best to clean out the pump, too. Return the filter to the pump and let the pump run for at least twelve hours or until the water is clear again. Keeping your pool chemicals in balance is another way to clear up your pool water.
Maintaining a healthy pool environment is critical to ensuring the health and safety of all those who swim in the pool. Clean the pool bottom at least every week or whenever there is visible sediment. Check the pool chemical levels before anyone gets into the pool and apply any chemicals that are lacking in the sample. Skim any debris floating on the surface of the water before checking the chemical levels, it makes the chemicals easier to disperse in the water. Check the pump and filter every two weeks and clean it if it is soiled. The filter’s cleanliness is varied based on how often the pool is used and how clean the occupants were before they got in the pool, clean it whenever you feel it needs cleaning, at least once a month.
If you have tried all that and it still is not as clean as it should be, call for professional help. There is no shame in telling someone you do not know how to do something, it provides you an opportunity to learn. Professionals will guide you as they clean your pool and answer any questions you have regarding your pool, including troubleshooting questions, accessories they recommend for your pool, and other advice. They will be there to help with any of your pool maintenance.
Pools are not the only water containers that need maintenance, hot tubs need maintenance, too. Hot tubs have the same issues as pools, except they do not have a membrane that can be easily punctured. There are three things you need to know when maintaining your hot tub: circulation, cleaning, and chemistry. Keeping on top of those three things will keep you on top of any challenges that do crop up. Establish a routine and it will make hot tub maintenance that much easier to handle.
First, circulate your hot tub water. Circulation prevents debris from settling and makes it easier to send it to your hot tub’s filters. Some hot tub models have an automatic circulation schedule that circulates the water once or twice a day for 15-20 minutes. If your hot tub does not have that feature, then turn it on for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. This will keep your water clear and debris-free.
Second, cleaning your hot tub. Weekly clean your hot tub with a sponge and white vinegar to keep it functioning at optimal levels. This will dissolve any deposits or scum that accumulate on the jets and water edge. If the hot tub is outside, watch out for fallen leaves, dirt, trash, or unwelcome “guests,” such as insects and other pests. Giving the hot tub a once-over with a 10% bleach solution will keep mildew down. Thoroughly clean your hot tub every three or four months, more if you’re using it often, or a lot of guests, or both.
On a side note, clean out your filters often, too. Rinse them as often as possible with warm water or a garden hose. Spray them every week or so to give them a deeper clean and rinse them after. And Soak them in chemical cleaner every time you drain and refill your hot tub to give them the deepest cleaning, rinse them thoroughly after. When the filters do not get completely clean after a soaking session, then it is time to replace them.
Finally, chemistry. Balancing hot tub water chemicals is similar to balancing pool chemicals, but a bit harder. The Ph of your hot tub should be between 7.4 and 7.6. Too far below and the water would be too acidic and would irritate your eyes, skin, and eat away the hardware. You also run the risk of having cloudy water. Shocking your hot tub is another method of chemistry. When your hot tub has been inactive for a long time or has been under heavy use, then it would be best to shock your hot tub to make sure it is completely sanitized. It should be a regular part of your hot tub maintenance. Test your chemicals every week to be sure they are at the appropriate levels.
If all of that is too much for you, you can always call for professional help, especially if it is your first time doing any of the cleaning and are lost about what to do. They will help you along the way, answering any pool service or hot tub questions you might have.
Monthly pool maintenance is a must for all pool owners. A long-handled skimmer will skim out all debris floating on your pool’s surface. A pool vacuum will suck up all the heavier debris and sediment that has settled to the bottom of your pool and deposit it somewhere else in your yard, like a flower or vegetable garden, a dry patch of lawn, or near a tree. Now, you have eliminated the grotesque flotsam and sediment, all that is left is the murky water which has cleared up somewhat thanks to cleaning the pool bottom. Checking the pool filter should give you an idea about why the pool’s water is murky. If the filter is dirty, then take it out and rinse it using a garden hose. If the filter could not contain everything, it would be best to clean out the pump, too. Return the filter to the pump and let the pump run for at least twelve hours or until the water is clear again. Keeping your pool chemicals in balance is another way to clear up your pool water.
Maintaining a healthy pool environment is critical to ensuring the health and safety of all those who swim in the pool. Clean the pool bottom at least every week or whenever there is visible sediment. Check the pool chemical levels before anyone gets into the pool and apply any chemicals that are lacking in the sample. Skim any debris floating on the surface of the water before checking the chemical levels, it makes the chemicals easier to disperse in the water. Check the pump and filter every two weeks and clean it if it is soiled. The filter’s cleanliness is varied based on how often the pool is used and how clean the occupants were before they got in the pool, clean it whenever you feel it needs cleaning, at least once a month.
If you have tried all that and it still is not as clean as it should be, call for professional help. There is no shame in telling someone you do not know how to do something, it provides you an opportunity to learn. Professionals will guide you as they clean your pool and answer any questions you have regarding your pool, including troubleshooting questions, accessories they recommend for your pool, and other advice. They will be there to help with any of your pool maintenance.
Pools are not the only water containers that need maintenance, hot tubs need maintenance, too. Hot tubs have the same issues as pools, except they do not have a membrane that can be easily punctured. There are three things you need to know when maintaining your hot tub: circulation, cleaning, and chemistry. Keeping on top of those three things will keep you on top of any challenges that do crop up. Establish a routine and it will make hot tub maintenance that much easier to handle.
First, circulate your hot tub water. Circulation prevents debris from settling and makes it easier to send it to your hot tub’s filters. Some hot tub models have an automatic circulation schedule that circulates the water once or twice a day for 15-20 minutes. If your hot tub does not have that feature, then turn it on for 15-20 minutes, twice a day. This will keep your water clear and debris-free.
Second, cleaning your hot tub. Weekly clean your hot tub with a sponge and white vinegar to keep it functioning at optimal levels. This will dissolve any deposits or scum that accumulate on the jets and water edge. If the hot tub is outside, watch out for fallen leaves, dirt, trash, or unwelcome “guests,” such as insects and other pests. Giving the hot tub a once-over with a 10% bleach solution will keep mildew down. Thoroughly clean your hot tub every three or four months, more if you’re using it often, or a lot of guests, or both.
On a side note, clean out your filters often, too. Rinse them as often as possible with warm water or a garden hose. Spray them every week or so to give them a deeper clean and rinse them after. And Soak them in chemical cleaner every time you drain and refill your hot tub to give them the deepest cleaning, rinse them thoroughly after. When the filters do not get completely clean after a soaking session, then it is time to replace them.
Finally, chemistry. Balancing hot tub water chemicals is similar to balancing pool chemicals, but a bit harder. The Ph of your hot tub should be between 7.4 and 7.6. Too far below and the water would be too acidic and would irritate your eyes, skin, and eat away the hardware. You also run the risk of having cloudy water. Shocking your hot tub is another method of chemistry. When your hot tub has been inactive for a long time or has been under heavy use, then it would be best to shock your hot tub to make sure it is completely sanitized. It should be a regular part of your hot tub maintenance. Test your chemicals every week to be sure they are at the appropriate levels.
If all of that is too much for you, you can always call for professional help, especially if it is your first time doing any of the cleaning and are lost about what to do. They will help you along the way, answering any pool service or hot tub questions you might have.
