7 Pool Maintenance Tips from the Pros

Summertime is swim time. When you have your own, luxury swimming pool and outdoor living space, you don’t have to leave home to feel like you’re at a resort. However, you do have to take care of your swim area if you want to wade in crystal-clear waters, admire sparkling tile and enjoy a season of healthy swimming.

Maintaining a pool can take more time and effort than you might want to spend in your free time.

And, there’s a good chance you could miss the signs of a chemical imbalance or possibly cause damage to pumps or filters if you aren’t 100% sure how these mechanicals work. Hiring a pool maintenance professional provider for regular cleaning and service will give you the peace of mind that your outdoor hangout spot is ready for swimming and entertaining.

There are some cleaning and upkeep steps you can take in between professional visits. Or, you might choose to do the bulk of the maintenance yourself and bring in the pros for larger maintenance tasks like servicing the water heater, winterizing your swimming pool, or addressing leaks and cracks.

Whatever you decide, be sure these seven swimming pool maintenance activities are on the calendar so you can preserve your investment and enjoy your Westchester, NY luxury pool for years to come.

#1 Remove Debris

Your outdoor swim area can collect quite a bit of debris during a week’s time. Wind can carry leaves and tree droppings from your landscape, and there are bugs and other miscellaneous “stuff” that nature can introduce to the water. It’s not a big deal, you just have to regularly skim your backyard swim lounge spot so debris doesn’t sink and become more challenging to remove.

Regular skimming will also prevent a buildup of debris in strainer baskets, which also should be emptied regularly to improve water circulation.

When a swimming pool collects debris that is not removed in a timely manner, your pool will demand more chlorine, too. The bottom line: Skimming your swimming area and emptying out the strainer baskets creates a more appealing outdoor environment and will help reduce the chemical inputs required to keep water safe.

#2 Vacuum Up the Floor

You wouldn’t go a month without vacuuming or sweeping the floors in your home. (And if you do, you expect to spend a lot more time cleaning up when you finally get around to doing the chore.) The same goes for vacuuming your pool to remove debris that sinks to the bottom. Today, there are robotic vacuums on the market that do the work while you relax. But keep in mind, nothing beats a thorough cleaning by a pool company that is trained to do the job.

#3 Care for Coping Tiles

There is an extensive array of coping tile designs on the market today, and tile is a feature that allows you to truly customize the aesthetic of your Westchester, NY inground pool. But, the most stunning glass coping tile can look drab and downright grody without proper care. Regular cleaning tasks should include brushing tile to remove algae buildup and calcium deposits before they become visually obvious. Be sure to select the correct type of brush for your tile material.

#4 Check Water Levels

Water evaporates and can splash out (cannonball!). You’ll naturally lose some water, so you can expect water levels to dip on a weekly basis. Water levels should be maintained so it is at least as high as the skimmer to avoid pool pump damage.

#5 Clean the Swimming Pool Water Filter

Your pool water filter will require regular cleaning so it can work efficiently and properly filtrate water. A dirty filter works harder to move water through its mechanicals, so the stress can cause more wear and tear to equipment. To determine whether your filter needs cleaning, observe whether there is an increased flow between the pressure gauge and flow meter. The difference should not exceed 10 to 15 pounds per square inch. The process for cleaning a water filter depends on the type you have, so be sure to understand what steps are required for your specific filter type and brand.

#6 Test the Water pH Level

pH water maintenance involves a fair amount of science, specifically when it comes to testing the pH of water, which indicates the water’s acidity and alkalinity. Ideally, pool water should maintain a pH of 7.2 to 7.8. Some suggest levels between 7.4 to 7.6. The bottom line, if your pH levels are much above or below this ideal range, you’ll end up with problems.

Water that is too acidic can damage the pool’s surface and cause metals like the ladder or safety bars to corrode. Acidic water can result in staining, not to mention it is uncomfortable for the skin. Acidic water tends to consume more chlorine.

Water that is too alkaline can look cloudy and result in scale deposits on the pool’s walls. It can also damage equipment and plumbing.

Basically, the longevity of your swim area and its mechanicals are dependent on maintaining proper pH levels. You can do everything else right, but if you ignore water chemistry, you’ll end up with costly repairs and an outdoor pool that’s not appealing to swim in.

After testing pH with a basic reagent kit or test-strip, chemicals can be properly adjusted. A swimming pool service technician can assure that the proper chemicals are added to maintain a healthy pH.

#7 Inspect Pool Drain Covers

Make it a habit to inspect drain covers to be sure they are in place and properly secured. A loose or missing drain cover is a serious safety hazard. The drain suction can actually draw in a limb, clothing, hair or jewelry, causing danger to the swimmer. We suggest installing anti-entrapment drain covers. If your backyard pool only has one drain (usually in the bottom center), use an automatic pump shut-off system or vacuum release system.

Turnkey Maintenance—So You Can Relax Poolside

Beyond these regular maintenance tasks, there are more involved to-dos including heater maintenance, addressing cracks or leaks, fixing plumbing or mechanical issues, and winterizing your Westchester, NY outdoor pool. We know this sounds like a lot to do, but keeping your luxury pool and spa in top condition so it lasts for years to come can be as simple as enlisting in an experienced professional.

You’ll actually save money by ensuring proper maintenance so you don’t spend more on repairs.

Learn more about Neave Pools and how we help our clients win back their weekend time so they can enjoy swimming rather than cleaning.

Contact us in Westchester, NY at 914-271-7996, or fill out our New York pool service contact form and we’ll get in touch with you.