Coming Home Magazine

Pool maintenance 101. Summer days are best spent in the pool, but there are a few maintenance tasks to tackle for a smooth swimming season. Make a safe splash by prepping your pool with these expert tips. UPKEEP Keep it clean. It isn't hard for pools to get dirty and gunky, so show yours some TLC. Use a net to collect debris, branches, and leaves. Regularly empty the skimmer and pump baskets, brush the walls, steps, and ladder to loosen grime, and vacuum the floor to eliminate settled residue. Inspect and clean the filter, and run the pump for at least eight to 12 hours daily to circulate water. And remember to keep your pool covered when not in use. Test water quality. To confirm water quality is properly balanced, purchase a pool test kit and review chlorine and pH numbers weekly. Used for water sanitation, chlorine concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm), and levels should stay between 1 and 3 ppm. If you need to lower levels, dilute with fresh water or remove your pool cover to allow direct sunlight to break down chlorine naturally. To raise levels, add chlorine tablets or powder as needed. pH is measured on an acidity scale and should stay between 7 and 7.6. An off-balance pH can lead to calcium buildup and other issues. If pH levels are too high, add muriatic acid to your pool; add baking soda if they're too low. Check water levels. Because low water can cause the pump to burn up or run dry, you must check levels from time to time. You don't need to be exact—just make sure the water comes about halfway up the skimmer, and you're good to go. If water levels are significantly higher or lower, drain the pool or pump in water until you get close. This is especially important after storms or heavy use. Treat the unseen. Plenty of potential pool problems can sneak past the naked eye, including algae. You'll want to handle this before green water and slimy surfaces appear. Add algaecide to your pool weekly or bi-weekly to preserve that beautiful crystal-blue hue. Get help from the pros. If pool maintenance feels overwhelming or you want to guarantee your work is done right, don't hesitate to hire a professional. Equipped with the tools for the job, many companies are ready and willing to care for your pool. Plus, a professional tune-up can extend its lifespan and help you avoid costly repairs, so you can enjoy a worry-free dip! 14 COMING HOME MAGAZINE

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