There's nothing like a dip in the pool on a hot day. Maintaining your chemical levels is the key to making sure your pool is ready when you are.
"Customers don't realize how important the PH is, your alkalinity, and your chlorine levels in your swimming pool for your sanitizers because chlorine will not work properly unless the PH is right between a 7-2 and 7-6," explained Elden Foltz, a professional pool cleaner.
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John Willey maintains his own pool, but says it can be complicated – and costly – if you don't take the time to educate yourself.
"I would certainly recommend taking a class, making sure that you understand the functionality of not only the equipment, but more importantly the chemical and the chemical balance of the pool and how it should be maintained on a regular basis," he said.
Regular chores include skimming daily, vacuuming weekly and scrubbing down the walls as often as needed.
"It's very important to brush your swimming pool. It helps prevent any problems, especially algae that's growing on the walls. You can get it before it actually goes on there," Foltz explained.
Covering your pool is also a great idea, especially if you have small children or pets.
"Many people think about their pool cover as a safety issue, but it can actually help you maintain your pool better. By keeping your pool covered, it can keep your pool temperature from dropping at night," explained Angie's List founder Angie Hicks. "Additionally, it can reduce the evaporation from the pool, which can extend the life of the chemicals."
There are different types of pool covers, so Hicks says to research the options before you buy. And if you hire a pool service for regular maintenance, she recommends getting a detailed list of services performed and chemicals added on each visit so you know exactly how it's being maintained.
5 Pool Maintenance Tips from Angie's List:
1. Pool treatment options
After decades of killing germs and eradicating algae, chlorine reigns as king of pool maintenance chemicals. Other options include salt chlorine generators, which use a mechanical system to create and distribute chlorine. These systems are winning the popularity contest in new pools, experts say, but a misconception exists that a saltwater pool eliminates chemicals and work. Salt pools use more acid because the chlorine that it generates produces a higher pH level than traditional chlorine. Pool companies also equate the feel of using salt generators versus straight chlorine like using hard versus soft water in your home. Less popular options for home pools include ozone, ultraviolet systems and oxidation reduction potential systems that use light or machines to balance pool sanitization levels.
2. Pool equipment drawbacks
Every pool-cleaning system has downsides, whether it's handling or measuring chemicals with a chlorine system, preventing salt's corrosive nature on pool decks, plants and furniture, or the lack of effective testing for ozone, UV systems and oxidation reduction potential systems. Because ozone is an invisible chemical and UV uses light, pool companies must rely on manufacturers' guidelines to make sure these type of machines operate properly, says Mike Ulibarri, owner of Leak Finders in Chino, California. He says few companies understand how to install, let alone maintain, these uncommon systems. Talk to an expert and make a list of pros and cons to help determine what's best for you.
3. Climate matters in pool care
To keep your pool properly balanced and the water sparkling clean, you'll need to add more chemicals and test it more often as the summer heats up and more people enjoy your pool, experts say.
What works in New Jersey for four months of the year won't cut it year-round in South Florida, so know your surroundings or make sure your pool-service company understands how the local climate affects your pool. Regularly test water to maintain proper pool chemical balance.
4. Pool maintenance cost concerns
More effective products, as well as those that are more environmentally friendly, cost more. Salt systems cost $1,000 to $2,000 to add to a pool. Every pool needs ongoing maintenance, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to purchase one.
5. Finding the best pool professional
Don't want to mess with upkeep but still want to enjoy a crystal-clear pool? Companies offer weekly service to vacuum, test, balance and add chemicals to the splash zone at your pad. Costs typically range from $70 to $200 a month, depending on where you live, what service you require, and the amount of chemicals added. If you don't want to pay someone to service your pool each week, companies recommend taking lessons and getting tips from experts at a local pool shop.