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Swimming pool maintenance requires a filter system
working together with chemicals to achieve water clarity and a safe pool
environment for swimmers. Here are the basics to keeping your swimming pool clean
and bacteria free.
1. Sanitize your pool with a stabilized chlorine product to provide
protection against bacteria. These generally come in stick or tablet form and are
fed into a distribution container near the pump and filter system.
2. Use an algae preventive or inhibitor to help keep the more than 15,000
kinds of algae from ever getting started. This liquid product is simply poured into
the water near the skimmer intake so that the pump system can distribute it to all
areas of the pool.
3. Shock your pool on a regular basis or about every two weeks. This
will get rid of water-soluble bather waste.
4. Find a pool professional or supply dealership that has a water test
facility (or access to one) and that offers computer analysis of samples you bring
in. Many of the larger companies offer this service free of charge so you will
buy pool chemicals from them.
Tips:
Look for pool companies that offer weekly maintenance services if you're not
committed to taking care of the pool yourself. The weekly service and the great pool conditions can
often be less expensive than the extra chemicals and the work involved in
dealing with a poorly maintained pool.
Troubleshooting Your Pool:
1. Listen for excessive pump noise as a warning of possible problems in that
area. Today's newer pumps are sealed units that don't require any maintenance, but
rubber or composition pump seals can go bad and result in bearing failure or
electrical shorts.
2. Replace any pump that's more than 7 or 8 years old and is in need of
repair. The newer models are more efficient at moving larger volumes of water with
less energy, saving you money on many fronts: You'll need a smaller, less expensive
pump; you'll have lower monthly utility bills; and better circulation means better
filtration and fewer chemical requirements.
3. Keep a close eye on the pressure gauge. An inoperative pressure gauge
means you can't tell when water pressure begins to build from the normal levels
indicated by a clean, efficient filter and the higher pressure of a filter in need
of cleaning. High pressure means unnecessary strain on the pool pump and a less
efficient filtering system.
4. Know what kind of filter you have and keep it clean.
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