Welcome to your crash course for new pool owners! Diving headfirst into pool ownership is an exciting journey, offering endless summer fun, but it also comes with its own set of responsibilities for pool care. In this guide, we’ll explore pool maintenance, understanding your pool’s equipment, mastering the chemistry of your pool water, preparing your pool for the changing seasons, safety measures, and when to call in the professionals.
Types of Pools
Before we break down equipment and maintenance tasks, it’s important to know what type of pool you have or want to build. In-ground pool equipment can vary greatly from above-ground pool equipment. Even variations of different types of in-ground pools can make a difference.
In-Ground Pools
As the name suggests, these pools are constructed within an excavated hole in the ground. Various materials like concrete, vinyl liner or fibreglass can be used in their construction. The flexibility in design options is one of the key attractions of in-ground pools. You can have them tailored in virtually any size or shape, allowing you to fully express your aesthetic flair.
Above-Ground Pools
For a more economical solutions, above-ground pools are far less costly to install compared to in-ground versions and have the added bonus of quick installation. These freestanding structures, often in circular or oval shapes, can be installed in a range of standard sizes but require consistent upkeep.
On-Ground Pools
Often referred to as a semi-inground pool, this type of pool is a perfect blend of the in-ground and above-ground variants. On-ground pools are constructed partially buried in the ground, presenting an elegant solution for those who desire a more aesthetically pleasing option than the typical above-ground pool, yet don’t wish to commit to the extensive construction involved with in-ground pools.
Learn More About the Installation of These Different Types of Pools
Concrete Pools
These pools offer unmatched design flexibility with the ability to personalise the pool’s shape, depth, and size. Additionally, the hardy nature of concrete allows for more adventurous features such as overhangs, caves, and ledges. You also have a variety of options for finishing the walls with or without a liner.
Fibreglass Pools
These pools are pre-manufactured in a factory setting, available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and delivered to your home as a complete unit ready to be placed in the excavated hole. While installation may be shorter, design flexibility is not as extensive as concrete pools.
Learn More About Different Types of Pool Liners
Understanding Your Pool's Equipment and Parts
Embarking on your journey as future pool owners, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of your swimming pool’s various apparatus and components. This range includes pool pumps, filtration systems, heaters, skimmers, and different ways of sanitizing the water from salt to chlorine, ozone and UV lights.
Together, these integral elements contribute to keeping pools clean, and warm, and creating an overall pleasant swimming experience. Investing time to understand the unique equipment arrangement of your pool, and learning the role and operation of each part, will facilitate a smoother DIY pool maintenance routine.
No matter what type of pool you own, you will need a pump and a filter to circulate, filter, and sanitize the water. In addition to this common equipment, many pools will include heaters that typically run with gas or solar power.
Pool Pumps
A pool pump serves as the lifeblood of your pool’s circulatory system. It propels water from the pool, directing it through the filter, and returning it to the pool. This circulation keeps the water both clean and refreshed. There are primarily three variants of pool pumps: single speed, dual speed, and variable speed.
- A single speed pump functions at a steady speed
- Dual speed pumps offer a high and low setting
- Variable speed pumps provide the flexibility to alter the speed as per your requirements.
It’s important to select a pump that aligns with your pool’s size, design, and specific needs. Consider that the efficacy of your pump can greatly influence the cleanliness of your pool as well as your energy expenditures.
Pool Filters
Functioning harmoniously with the pool pump, pool filters capture and expell unwanted debris from the water. Sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters are the primary categories.
- Sand filters, often favoured for their simplicity, push water through a bed of sand, filtering out debris.
- Cartridge filters rely on a paper-esque substance to catch debris.
- DE filters employ a powder derived from fossilized diatoms to sift out even the smallest particles.
When deciding on a filter, take into account aspects such as the size of your pool, the local weather conditions, and your willingness to commit to regular maintenance.
Pool Heaters and Heat Pumps
To extend the enjoyment of your swimming pool into the cooler months, you might want to consider installing a pool heater or heat pump. These critical components serve to raise the water temperature to a comfortable level, regardless of the external weather conditions.
Pool heaters operate on either natural gas or propane, providing a direct source of heat to warm the water. Conversely, heat pumps function by extracting ambient heat from the air and transferring it into the pool water. It’s noteworthy that heat pumps offer greater energy efficiency compared to heaters, though they function optimally in areas where temperatures stay above 10 degrees Celsius.
When selecting either a heater or a heat pump, it’s paramount to consider the size of your pool; an improperly sized unit may lead to unnecessary energy usage. Regardless of your choice, remember that these devices are pivotal in ensuring extended seasons of swimming enjoyment.
Pool Sanitizers
Sanitizing the water plays a critical role in maintaining the health and cleanliness of your swimming pool, safeguarding it from bacteria and algae. Commonly utilized sanitizers include chlorine and bromine. Alternatives include salt, UV, and ozone systems.
- Chlorine offers cost-effectiveness and proven efficiency. It comes in various forms including tablets, sticks, and granules.
- Bromine, whilst a tad more costly, is gentler on the skin and eyes, making it a preferred choice for some pool owners.
- Salt chlorine generator systems use salt to generate chlorine, offering a more eco-friendly sanitization method and softer water. However, many cities and municipalities place restrictions on these types of sanitizers.
- UV and ozone systems can be integrated alongside chemical sanitizers to provide an additional protective barrier.
Mastering Pool Chemistry
Keeping the water chemistry in check is an integral part of pool upkeep. This includes routinely testing the pH, total alkalinity, chlorine concentration including free chlorine and balanced, calcium hardness, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in your pool water. Typically, the pH level ought to be within the range of 7.2 to 7.6, whilst the chlorine concentration should be between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm). By undertaking regular testing of your water, you are ensuring a balanced and beneficial swimming environment for all users.
Regular Maintenance is Your Pool's Best Friend
The upkeep of your swimming pool is a regular commitment. Duties to include in your regular maintenance routine:
- Removing floating debris with a skimmer
- Vacuuming the pool’s floor to rid of settled impurities
- Scrubbing the pool walls
- Emptying out the skimmer and pump baskets
- Backwashing or cleaning the filter
- Priming the pump
- Maintaining water levels and chemistry
We strongly advise undertaking these tasks weekly. By doing so, you keep your swimming pool neat and working at peak performance. Also, you can ward off minor issues from escalating into major problems. Therefore, habitual pool maintenance is an invaluable part of pool ownership, ensuring an inviting pool, ready for enjoyment whenever the sun shines.
Prepping Your Pool for the Changing Seasons
Preparing for Winter
Depending on your geographical location, the arrival of winter may require some additional pool preparations. This process usually involves reducing the water level, adding winterising chemicals to the pool, and using a pool cover to protect against incoming debris.
Preparing for Summer
As winter ends and spring begins, you will need to remove and clean your pool cover, refill the water in your pool, and adjust the pool’s water chemistry balance. Taking a seasonal approach to your pool maintenance helps to keep your pool in excellent condition all year round, regardless of the weather.
Stay Tuned For Opening Tips Coming This Spring!
Swimming Pool Safety Measures
The joy of owning a swimming pool must never overshadow the fundamental aspect of safety. Erecting a secure barrier such as a fence around your pool can prevent unauthorized access, particularly by unsupervised children. Also, proper illumination of the pool surroundings can aid visibility during evening hours, reducing the risk of accidents.
Keeping essential life-saving apparatus within reach is another crucial precaution. Such equipment can include flotation devices and a shepherd’s hook. Strict adherence to pool rules, such as not diving in shallow water and always having an adult supervise young swimmers, can minimize the risk of untoward incidents.
Safety extends to the condition of your pool equipment as well. Regularly inspect pumps, heaters, and other equipment to avoid electrical mishaps. It’s wise to remember that while enjoyment is paramount, safety is non-negotiable.
In the off season, cover your pool to avoid tragic accidents.
When to Call in the Pool Professionals
Embrace your DIY spirit for routine upkeep. But don’t shy away from engaging pool professionals when encountering more intricate issues like persistent leaks, malfunctioning equipment, or continuous water chemistry imbalances. In certain instances, calling in the experts can be more economical in the long run, saving you from unnecessary expenditures and extended downtime of your pool.
Professionals in the pool industry can not only swiftly and efficiently rectify problems, but they can also impart useful guidance on how to optimize future pool maintenance. Recognizing when to rely on professional help forms an essential part of your pool ownership journey, ensuring your pool continues to bring joy for many sunny seasons ahead.
