Summer Pool Maintenance Tips

Landscaping Inspection Services gives you tips on keeping your pool in tiptop shape this summer.

Pool Maintenance During Summer Swim Season

Warmer weather and more frequent use can result in dirt, debris, and algae growth in a pool during the summer. Because of this it is important for homeowners to ramp up their pool maintenance routine during the summer by following these tips:

Dry Off and Store Pool Cover

A pool cover that is rolled up when wet and left in the sun can become easily damaged. Algae and moss can grow in warm, wet environments, and a plastic or vinyl cover that’s left to bake in the sun can become brittle and easily end up tearing. Covers should be dried off and stored in a cool, dry place, out of the sun for the duration of the swimming season.

Inspect Pool Deck and Surrounding Areas

Chairs, lounges, and tables that have been left outside during the winter may have been compromised and should be inspected and repaired or replaced before summer use. The structure of the pool deck should be inspected thoroughly by a professional to ensure the integrity of the structure remains intact.

Remove Debris More Frequently

There are many factors in the summer that can cause a pool to become dirty faster. Trees and plants blooming can cause pollen and flora to fall or blow into the pool, and extra swimmers can add dirt to the water as well. Pools should be skimmed at last once a week with a net, and any debris that has fallen to the bottom of the pool should be removed as soon as possible. Skimmer baskets should be emptied often, and pool walls and steps should be brushed at least once a week. This can be one manually with a brush, or with an automatic pool vacuum.

Run the Pump for More Hours

Because of the increased activity in the pool, the pool pump should be run for a longer period of time each day. The extra filtration will help keep pollen and dirt out of the water. A good rule of thumb is to run the pump one hour for every 10 degrees according to the temperature outside. For example, if it’s 90 degrees out, the pump should run for approximately nine hours a day. While this may seem like a lot, it’s important to stay ahead of cleaning the pool. Warm weather can cause algae to bloom seemingly overnight, and keeping on top of the filtration system will help prevent this.

Shock Pool Water Often

Water chemistry should be tested twice a week, and the water treated accordingly. There should be a steady flow of chlorine into the pool through a floating chlorinator, but even so, extra chlorine may need to be added. Extra chlorine can be added whenever the pool levels are off, or if algae seem to be taking over. Quick dissolving chlorine products can instantly improve pool levels if they’re a little off, and can help stop algae in their tracks.

Maintain Pool Equipment as Necessary

Because pool equipment is used so much more frequently in the summer, it’s important to make sure that the equipment is in good condition, and has been serviced as required. Heaters, pumps, vacuums and filtration systems can fall into a state of disrepair from winter disuse. Equipment should be looked over by a professional before the summer season starts to ensure that the equipment is working properly before being put into fulltime use in the summer.

Hire a Weekly Maintenance Professional

If homeowners are too busy or unable to perform the extra necessary maintenance, they may want to consider hiring a professional to provide the extra care that the summer months require. In many cases, a little extra help is all that’s needed to keep a pool in tiptop shape during the summer.

A lot can happen to a landscaping, its equipment, and its deck during the long winter months, and even more will be going during the busy summer months. Regular pool maintenance and preventative measures will ensure that a homeowner’s pool can be enjoyed by swimmers all summer long.