Seahorse Pools & Spas contractors offer swimming pool cleaning tips
Swimming pool ownership means more than fun and frolicking in the water. It means having to keep the swimming pool bacteria-free, the water crystal clear and the pool equipment operating in tip top shape. Caring for a pool doesn’t have to take all day and for those who work with a swimming pool contractor from Seahorse Pools & Spas, it won’t because the contractor will undertake that somewhat daunting task on your behalf. When it comes to pool chemical balancing it is a delicate act and many pool owners find it is easier and less expensive to hire a pool contractor than it is to do it themselves.
Having to store hazardous chemicals is also a concern — especially if there are children or pets in the household. The time it takes to perform the service itself is also a drawback many pool owners find if they consider undertaking pool maintenance on their own.
What goes into swimming pool maintenance? 
- The pool must be skimmed every day or every other day, less frequently if you use a pool cover. Floating debris will sink and be harder to remove. Debris can also lead to algae and bacteria staining of the pool. Skim debris and it will be easier for the filter and pump to do their jobs.
- The pool should be vacuumed at least weekly, more frequently if you don’t regularly skim debris. Before the pool is vacuumed, the walls and floor need to be brushed to remove any debris or algae.
- The three types of pool filters: cartridge, diatomaceous earth and sand, all have different maintenance requirements and procedures as well as differing timelines on how frequently they should be cleaned. A dirty filter will hinder the pool water filtration process.
- A pool heater, if you have one, requires regular maintenance and needs to be done at the beginning and the end of every pool season.
- The pool water needs to be tested regularly and new chemicals added when needed. A pool test kit is necessary for all pool owners. Ask us how to decipher the water test results. Adding and balancing chemicals is a delicate act and having too many or two few of any one chemical can lead to hard water issues or even green, algae-filled water.
- Your pool will need to be super-chlorinated, aka shocked, to rid it of organic contaminants. These contaminants and organic materials interact with the pool chemicals making them not as effective.
- If you believe the water levels are going down more quickly than you think they should be because of splashing or evaporation, there may be a leak. Call a pool service contractor to perform an inspection in the event you can’t see any area where water may be leaking out. A leaking pool can lead to structural damage.
If you’re determined to clean and maintain the pool water yourself, you can still call us and ask for on-site training to help you get up and running on caring for your pool.