Swimming pools add significant value to homes. Whether you've just installed your pool or have just moved to a new home with an in-ground swimming pool, it's incredibly important to know how to take care of your pool. Although hiring an excellent swimming pool service business should be a top priority (no pun intended), there are several other things you can do to ensure your swimming area stays pristine. Here are seven smart habits to develop as a new pool owner in Las Vegas.
New swimming pool owners are often unaware that they must regularly monitor their pool's water chemistry. This is crucial, though, not only to the health and safety of swimmers but also to the health of the swimming pool. Weekly testing will allow you to quickly detect if something is off so that you can make the necessary corrections before they compound and wreak havoc on the entire pool. So, what does pool water testing entail? Regardless of if you have a chlorine pool or saltwater pool, you'll make use of testing strips, a liquid test, or a digital reader to monitor:
Set a schedule for testing your pool water, and stick to it. Never rely on "eyeballing" things, as even clear water can have chemistry issues. Instead, be sure to follow directions carefully, and, for best results, obtain a sample from the middle of the pool, at least a foot deep. This will give you the most accurate reading. You may also consider choosing a reputable pool cleaning service to do the job for you, as they'll be best equipped to interpret readings and make chemical adjustments.
On windy days, debris may blow into your pool. Not only do leaves leave your pool looking yucky, but they can also lead to other problems. Although they float on the water for some time, they'll eventually get waterlogged and sink. As your pool's chemicals work to break the debris down, the overall pool chemistry will go out of whack. The smart thing to do is to stay on top of regularly skimming the water's surface to remove leaves and other unwanted debris. The best thing you can do is hire a pool service to skim and clean your pool each week, but if things build up between your technician's visits, grab the skimmer to keep the water in the best shape possible.
One thing that most pool owners don't give any thought to is how nitrates and phosphates enter their water and impact chemistry. Because algae love to feed on these, having a nitrate or phosphate problem can be incredibly frustrating. Be aware that shampoos, detergents, and most soaps contain phosphates. To minimize contaminating your water with phosphates, ask swimmers to rinse off their hair before jumping in the pool. If you plan on having guests over regularly, you might consider installing an outdoor shower near your swimming area. You can also avoid over-washing swimming gear. Instead of cleaning swimsuits with harsh chemicals, consider running them through a rinse-only cycle. Additionally, be aware that lawn fertilizers are a common source of unwanted phosphates and nitrates in the swimming pool. If you must fertilize your yard, give your pool a wide berth.
Pool filters make your swimming area safer and more comfortable - when they're working. If your filter becomes dirty, it will not get the job done. The trick is knowing when your filter is dirty. A simple way to determine this is by monitoring the pressure of your swimming pool's filter system. If it rises above 20-30 PSI while running on a normal speed, it's probably time to clean your filter. You can do the job yourself or look for a good swimming pool cleaning service to handle the task. Keep in mind that each pool may have a unique ideal operating pressure within the filter, so be sure to check with your builder or pool service company to determine what exactly you should be keeping an eye out for.
Swimming pool maintenance can be expensive, and the last thing you want is to create even more expenses for yourself. So one simple but effective way to boost your pool's efficiency is to pick up a solar blanket - and use it! Although many people grow weary of laying the blanket across their pool each night and unrolling it each morning, it only takes minutes, and it's a good habit that can help regulate pool temperatures and minimize evaporation - saving you time and money.
To take care of your pool without breaking the bank, you must get in the habit of monitoring your pump usage and ensuring that you turn it off as often as you can. Of course, you can do the math yourself, but it's better to chat with a trusted pool cleaning service to determine precisely how much water your pool needs to pump and filter daily. This will ensure that your pool receives adequate filtering for each 24-hour period without wasting excess energy. If you haven't already switched to a variable-speed pump, you may want to consider that as well, it will save you a significant amount compared to a single-speed pump.
If you detect a crack, leak, or other common swimming pool issue, you must hire a professional to take care of things immediately. Too often, pool owners put things off, assuming they can get "one more season" out of the swimming pool before needing to make repairs. Unfortunately, one small issue can quickly snowball into something incredibly costly. Be in the habit of looking out for any potential issues and pointing them out to your swimming pool cleaning and maintenance service right away.
The best way to keep your new pool clean and fabulous is to develop a few good habits and work with a trusted swimming pool cleaning service. Connect with the pros at Priority Pool Service to get started today!
