If you’re a swimming pool owner, you should know a few basics about taking care of your investment. Even if you have a tech come to your house weekly for routine swimming pool maintenance, there’s always a chance something will need your attention in the interim. If you’re unfamiliar with how to take great care of your pool, it’s time to change that. Take a look below for the basics every pool owner should know.
Appropriate Length of Time to Run Your Pool Filter
Your pool filter pump doesn’t just circulate water for filtering; it also helps distribute chemicals throughout your pool, which is why you should have a basic understanding of how it works. Generally speaking, pool pumps should run for about eight continuous hours per day, but if you have a variable-speed pump, it’ll likely need to run longer.
Here’s how to calculate the length of time your pool pump should run:
● Determine the volume of water in your pool.
● Calculate the gallon-per-minute water turnover rate.
● Divide the gallon-per-minute turnover rate by the number of gallons of water in your pool to calculate the appropriate run time for your filter pump.
Not a fan of math? Here’s a simpler way to figure it out: Run your pool pump for one hour for every 10 degrees of air temperature. If it’s a consistent 90 degrees outside, you should run your pool pump for nine hours a day.
If you’re running the pump for an appropriate amount of time and your pool water still seems cloudy, you may be due for pool pump repairs. A maintenance tech can alert you to any issues your pump might have and recommend the best solution.
When to Vacuum the Pool
When you allow debris to sit on the bottom of your pool, it can release tannins and other organic compounds that may stain or damage the vinyl or the walls. That’s why periodic vacuuming is incredibly important.
If you don’t have a pool enclosure and don’t use a retractable cover, it may be in your best interest to invest in a robotic pool cleaner to help prevent staining and damage. While your swimming pool maintenance technician will thoroughly vacuum the pool weekly, plenty of debris can accumulate in the interim. Don’t let it build up unchecked!
Maintaining an Appropriate Water Level
Don’t let your pool water level fall below the skimmer! If you do, your pool pump may incur damage. When outdoor temperatures are high, check the level of your pool water frequently to make sure it’s not evaporating too fast. If you notice it’s getting low, don’t wait for your swimming pool maintenance tech to fix it! All you need is a regular garden hose and clean water to top it up.
Periodic Resurfacing Is Essential
Periodic resurfacing (acid washing) is necessary to keep your pool walls in great condition. Generally, acid washing should be done every five to seven years, but if you don’t winterize your pool the right way, it may need resurfacing more often. Not sure how to close your pool properly? Hire a pool maintenance tech to do it for you. Over time, improper winterization can shave years off the life of your pool.
Royal Pool & Spa: Your Twin Cities Source for Residential Pool Maintenance and Repair
When you need a pool maintenance and repair team that cares about the health of your pool as much as you do, look no further than Royal Pool & Spa! We specialize in routine swimming pool maintenance, repair services, pool equipment replacement, renovations, and much more, and all of our technicians have at least 10 years of experience.
To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 651-779-7606 or request a quote online, and we’ll be in touch!