Jerry Handley is owner of AZ Pool Works LLC with 10 plus years, servicing, repairing, remodeling and building swimming pools.
When summertime hits, the pool becomes the one place for the whole family to cool off from the desert heat. Therefore a clean and well-maintained pool is important. Whether you are a new pool owner or not, hopefully this article will help you understand your pool and when you should contact a professional.
Once a week the pool will need to be swept, skimmed, and baskets emptied. Depending on how much the pool is being used, size of the pool, temperature of the water, equipment type, and debris going into the pool will determine if it needs to be cleaned and if it needs to be checked more often. As you learn the personality of your pool over time, you will discover how it is responding and what it will need each week.
Otherwise going into the swim season, you won’t be able to enjoy your pool. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour each week during swim season and 15 to 30 minutes in the off season if you have your pool under control. Plan on some extra time here and there during monsoon season. Pools are an expensive investment that can be enjoyed if taken care of properly or they can be a nightmare if not.
Check Equipment
If the pool equipment is not working right, you will have a hard time taking care of the pool. The pump is the heart of your pool. It needs to move the water efficiently. The filter also needs to be cleaned and/or backwashed as needed. Think of it like your AC - if the filters are clean and replaced often, your AC runs more efficiently, saving you money.
Water Balance
Your water will need to be tested at least once a week, sometimes more depending on usage and debris. You should be checking Chlorine, PH, and Alkalinity once a week, and all of the rest can be checked monthly to bi-monthly. You can use DPD (drops and shakers), test strips, or take a water sample to your local pool store. You also may need to drain and refill the pool to get the water balance corrected. We recommend draining every 2 years for chlorine tablet pools and 3 to 5 years for salt pools. If you are taking care of the pool yourself, make sure to do it the same day each week.
Pool Apps
For additional help and reminders, there are some apps on your phone to help you with testing and dosing. I recommend using the app from Orenda Technologies. They also have free training through the app to help you learn about chemical balance for swimming pools.
Service
You can also hire a pool service company to service your pool weekly for you. Some service companies will also offer to come do a 'pool school' for you and teach you the basics of pool care and how to operate and maintain it. You will still need to check on things in between service visits as they will most likely only be there once a week unless you have made special arrangements. We recommend you only hire a licensed, bonded and insured pool service. Also ask what training they have had, certificates they have earned, and if they are members of any pool service associations.