Expert Contribution

Get the most out of your swimming pool investment

For those fortunate enough to have a backyard swimming pool my guess is that it saw quite a lot of activity this year. In 2020 the backyard pool has found a renewed significance. Here are a few helpful tips for extending the life of your investment. If you read our article in early spring you see some glaring similarities. That’s right, properly balanced pool water and maintaining a clean pool can extend the life of your swimming pool.

If your pool has solar heating with the shorter days and cooler nights it will soon be time to turn off and properly winterize your solar system. Without any type of heating aid your pool water will drop dramatically in temperature. Lower pool water temperatures require additional diligence regarding your pool water chemistry.

Properly balanced pool water is the single most important factor in pool maintenance. Without properly balanced pool water your pool will be prone to scale and /or etching of the surface. A pool is said to be “balanced” when the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, TDS (total dissolved solids) and cyanuric acid are all within the proper ranges. As your pool water temperature lowers, without correct levels of calcium and alkalinity, you could be damaging your pool’s surface. The Langelier Saturation index or LSI is perhaps the best know model to let you know if your water is properly balanced. For you “Do-it-Yourselfers” try the Orenda app, it’s a very helpful (LSI) tool, guiding even the most experienced pool technicians.

Remember chemicals alone will not produce safe, healthy and clear water. The water must be properly circulated and filtered as well, and yes even in the winter you should keep your pool clean.

The coming fall and winter, with copious wind and rain, will deliver a heavy blow to your pool and require extra maintenance. The wind primarily brings a large amount of debris: dirt, ash, and organic matter like leaves, pollen, and in some cases, branches are all deposited into your pool. The rain brings airborne pollution, nitrogen containing compounds, pollen, algae spores and other material. While specialty chemicals like phosphate removers and enzymes will help breakdown the organic load from the wind and rain, removing the larger windblown debris as soon as possible is equally as important in preventing pool surface staining and the accumulation of organic matter.

To physically clean your pool there are many techniques; but normally a simple deep leaf net for the large debris, a vacuum for the fine debris, and a brush to touch it up will suffice. Along with keeping your swimming pool clean and your pool water balanced remember to make sure your recirculation system (the pool pump, pump strainer basket, skimmer baskets, and your filtration system) is also being cleaned and maintained.

That’s right, properly balanced pool water, and a well maintained and clean pool can extend the life of your swimming pool, and that’s how to get the most out of your swimming pool investment.

By Brian Duncan, Picture Perfect Pool Services, Inc.