On a searing-hot summer’s day, a swimming pool can offer a soul-soothing reprieve. Americans definitely love their swimming pools, especially in warm climates like Southern California. The CDC estimates that there are a total of 8.8 million residential and public swimming pools around the U.S. Swimming is the fourth most popular exercise and recreational activity among adults and the number one among children. With such a widespread love of swimming in America, having a safe and appealing pool on your property is a priority for landlords and property owners.
Unfortunately, that cool, crystal-clear water won’t maintain itself; vigilance and upkeep is required to create aquatic perfection. Preventative pool maintenance can also significantly reduce pool owner repair costs over time. Replacing major parts or having to completely remove and replace an in-ground or above ground pool will far exceed the costs of regular, ongoing maintenance. Avoid catastrophic pool expenses by staying on top of these areas:
Free of Debris
Skimming the surface of an in-ground or above ground pool for floating debris takes just a few minutes daily. If your property has bushes or trees that shed leaves, petals or pollen into the pool, trim them back. You pool should also be vacuumed once per week. The average pool requires about 30 minutes of vacuuming, according to ThisOldHouse.com. Move the vacuum slowly across the pool in overlapping rows, as if mowing a lawn. Complete the weekly pool cleaning by brushing away any algae from the pool’s sides with a soft brush. Cleaning and vacuuming keeps your pool’s liner and filter in optimal condition and will promote pool longevity.
Keep Chemistry Optimal
Test and correct your pool chemistry every week. If needed, adjust the pH first. Add muriatic acid if it’s above 7.6 or use soda ash product if the pH level is under 7.4. If chlorine drops below 1 part per million or alkalinity drops less than 90 ppm, “shock” your pool water by dissolving chlorine or an alkalinity increaser into a container or bucket of water and then pour it into your pool. Baking soda also works in a pinch. Ideally, opt for lithium-based chlorine as it dissolves easily, won’t jar the pool’s pH and leaves no residue, according to This Old House.
Replace Your Pool Liner When Needed
There are a variety of types of pool liners for both in-ground and above ground pools. Www.InTheSwim.com reports that the correct pool liner can contribute to the longevity of a pool, help to maintain water clarity and result in more total years of quality use. The gauge (thickness) of liners varies–the standard gauge is around 20 mm, with thicker liners available for heavy-use pools and for more resilience to sunlight.
Modern pool liners can enhance a pool’s look and provide a comfortable surface for swimmers. Above ground pool liners are very effective at extending pool longevity by protecting and strengthening the pool’s structure. InTheSwim.com notes that in-ground liners start from $379 and up, and above ground liners start at just $99 plus installation costs and draining and refilling of the pool. Compare this with an average replacement cost for above ground pools of over $6,000, and $20,000 or higher (as Swim University shows) for in-ground pools.
Pool Maintenance Apps
Why go it alone when there’s a tidal wave of pool maintenance apps to assist you? PontoTriplo.org points out that there are even a multitude of free apps that exist. HowsMyWater is an iPhone app that uses your phone’s camera to evaluate any pool pH test strip on the market. It then provides specific pool chemistry treatment instructions based upon its readings. Swim University aggregates pool info from around the web to provide extensive libraries of pool maintenance articles and videos.