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Proper maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to
retain the beauty and operation of your pool.
Regular maintenance protects your financial investment, as well as you,
your family and everyone else who enjoys your pool. It’s about your money but,
more importantly, it’s about your safety, health and enjoyment!
Pool People USA is a clearinghouse for basic, helpful information on the necessary
maintenance of pool equipment, including:
Offseason Maintenance
In mild climates during the offseason, your pool professional should
maintain pool and spa operations at normal levels. This includes maintaining
water levels, sanitizing regularly and retaining proper pH, total alkalinity
and calcium hardness levels. Circulating unheated water through the system will
help keep the equipment reasonably free of problems, even during occasional
freezing situations.
Twice-a-month cleaning is recommended for optimum care; at least once a month
is the minimum.
Sanitizing
Schedules for adding sanitizer and oxidizer to uncovered pools or spas can be
decreased according to the temperature drop.
Offseason Equipment Servicing in Mild Climates
During the offseason, the main circulation pump/filter should remain
in place and running. Other equipment can be dismantled, drained, removed
and/or stored. All equipment should be serviced according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Following are some general guidelines for pool equipment servicing:
Heaters
Heaters generally aren’t used during the offseason. Service gas or oil
units as needed to ensure that the full water flow will circulate during any
freezing weather. Make sure to drain solar heaters to keep them from freezing
during the colder months. For oil-burning units with heat exchangers, remove
the electronic starting generators and store them in a dry place, away from
chemical storage. You can also protect them by installing freeze-protection
override timers.
Filters
Set the filter system for two-hour circulation a day under normal
circumstances. If a freeze is predicted, set it on 24-hour circulation.
Booster Pumps
Drain and isolate, if possible, or set booster pumps to operate only
when the filter pump is running.
Automatic Chemical Feeders
Disconnect, drain and clean feeders according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Automated Hypo-Chlorinators
Remove these from the system, and then clean, repair and store them
where they will be dry and ready for re-installation. If the system has an
inline feeder, set it at the lowest setting to maintain some residual.
Automatic Cleaners
Clean, service and store automatic cleaners and pumps. They are of
little value in the winter and can be damaged by freezing.
Click here to find a Pool Professional.
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Cleaners
Pool cleaning should be a top priority to maintain the beauty and operation of
your pool and to ensure that your pool is safe and healthy. Regular pool
cleaning also protects your financial investment.
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Filters
Filters get rid of dirt from your pool’s water, keeping it fresh and clean.
While they cannot filter algae, bacteria or minerals from the water, filters
are still a fundamental part of the hydraulics system. All filters are
typically designed to remove oils, grease and dirt from pool water.
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Knowledge Base
Click here to learn more about the lost cost of pool ownership, how to easily
maintain your pool and handling routine repairs versus contacting a pool
professional.
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Pumps
A good pump is an essential part of your pool equipment. It’s important to
understand some basics about pumps so you can ask intelligent questions during
the pool-building process. Ask your builder about energy efficiency, capacity,
quiet operation, warranty and, of course, price.
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Leak Detection
A well-built and well-maintained pool will last for years. But after awhile,
even the best care will not prevent a pool from showing signs of age.
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