Pool Maintenance

Most chemicals should be checked at least one time a week-minimum. In the hot summer months, check every 2-4 days and after every heavy rain. Should you have any concerns about your water chemistry, don’t hesitate to take a water sample from your pool to a retail pool store for a more extensive water test. Ideal stabilizer is 40ppm (parts per million) and should be checked professionally every 6 months. High Stabilizer could etch plaster.

Skimmer baskets should be emptied weekly or daily depending on the time of year and the tree canopy near your pool or hot tub. Also, check the pump pot basket in each of your pumps and empty when needed. Make sure that when you’re re-installing the top of your pump, that it’s properly sealed. Turn on pumps to ensure a snug, non-leaking fit. This will help prevent damage to pump motor and loss of prime.

Pool benches and steps must be brushed a minimum of 1 time weekly and the entire surface of the pool water line (tile) should be brushed every 2 weeks. This helps to keep algae to a minimum and keeps the plaster smooth. Also, your pool cleaner will be able to pick up debris that has been brushed from hard to reach areas.

Check the pressure on your filter weekly. Most filters come with a gauge that tells you when to backwash your pump. As a general rule, it is recommended that back washing be done when the pressure is 10psi above your normal operating PSI. For example: If your normal operating PSI is 30psi and your pressure gauge is reading 40psi, it’s time to backwash. The time between backwashes may vary due to the following circumstances: Heavy rain, large numbers of swimmers, large foliage drop, etc. Pool may need to be backwashed even more frequently if your pets are swimmers. Excessive pet hair may result in a clogged impeller at the pump and will not be covered by warranty.

Vacuuming should be done on an “as needed” basis. Your pool cleaner (Polaris) will pickup most of the debris. However, the spa may need to be vacuumed more often if it’s not being vacuumed by your cleaner.

The mesh bag on your cleaner should be checked often and emptied. The bag will tear if it gets too full of debris or leaves and sticks. Also, be sure to check that the wheels of the cleaner spin together.

It’s always a good idea to turn on your heater every month-even when not in use. This is a good way to maintain the burner tubes in the heater to keep them free of insects and other creatures that may decide to make a home inside. This will ensure that your heater is in good working condition when it’s time for that big party! If you have a propane tank that’s fueling your heater, be sure to have enough gas going into the winter months.