A pool is a significant — yet very worthwhile! — investment for any home. And just like any other part of your home, it needs to be maintained not only to keep it in good condition but also so that it continues working for years to come. Here are some common things that can damage your investment and the actions you can take to protect your inground pool.
Not Winterizing Properly
Minnesotans aren’t strangers to frigid winters, but just because you’re used to the cold (as much as one can be) doesn’t mean your pool is. Winterizing your pool will keep frozen water from damaging the pipes to the equipment and the pool itself, and prepare it for use in the spring.
To protect your inground pool over the winter, it’s important to:
- Remove pool accessories
- Deep clean the pool
- Adjust the water chemistry — including adding shock and algaecide — and lower the water level
- Drain and store all equipment
- Cover the pool
While you can do all of this yourself, Prestige Pools offers maintenance services to ensure the job is done right, and we can help you get your pool ready for summer when the weather starts to get warmer.
Adding Shock Incorrectly
The chlorine in your pool’s water control bacteria, germs, algae and other contaminants in the water. As the chlorine cleans the pool, it binds to ammonia, forming chloramines that sink to the bottom of the pool. Unfortunately, chloramines will hinder chlorine from doing its job, so you want to get rid of them to ensure your pool remains balanced and clean. The best way to do this is to “shock” a pool.
When adding shock (either chlorine or non-chlorine shock) to the pool, it’s advised to keep from adding the shock directly to the pool’s water and, instead, let it pre-dissolve in a bucket of water. Without pre-dissolving, the shock can settle to the bottom of the pool, bleaching it out and eating away at more vulnerable materials.
Additionally, adding shock directly to the filter can create a chemical reaction that will cause damage to your pool and filter, as well as potentially injure others.
If you’re uncertain or uncomfortable with adding shock to the pool, scheduling regular maintenance with Prestige Pools can help make sure that your pool is cleaned correctly.
Not Adding Shock When You Should
While shock should be added regularly to the pool, the water should be tested and shock added during specific instances as well, such as:
- After heavy rain and thunderstorms
- When opening or closing the pool
- If there is an algae outbreak
- After heavy pool usage
- When an unsanitary incident — such as a fecal accident — occurs
Failing to add shock can lead to issues like increased bacteria, algae and buildup that not only makes swimming less safe and enjoyable, but can damage the pool’s heating elements, filters, and structural parts.
Not Maintaining Proper pH and Alkalinity
Keeping the pool water stable and sanitary through checking and maintaining proper pH balance and alkalinity is important in protecting your inground pool. Failing to do so can cause lasting damage. Check your pH as frequently as you test your chlorine levels.
You can pick up a pH testing kit to make the job easier from Prestige Pools.
Not Using Your Pump Correctly
The pump may seem rather self-explanatory and easy to use, but there are things that can cause damage to your pool if they aren’t done correctly. For one, if the water level gets below the skimmer line, the pump can take in only air, causing damage.
Additionally, if the pump isn’t run long enough, it won’t be effective, which can cause buildup. If there’s buildup in the pool, problems can occur over time. Making sure your pool pump is running correctly will help decrease damage to your Minnesota pool.
Fail to Clean Pool Walls
It can be easy to forget to clean your pool’s walls — after all, there’s a pump and vacuum in the pool for the purpose of keeping it clean. However, since neither can go up the pool’s walls, you may be missing algae and debris buildup.
Whether you’re concerned about maintaining your pool, don’t have the time, or want to make sure it’s done on a schedule, setting up a maintenance plan with Prestige Pool can help the longevity of your investment. See how we can help protect your inground pool.