Pool maintenance is a vital task for any kind of swimming pool, and one set of common questions from clients tends to revolve around timing. How often should you plan for pool maintenance, and what should your pool maintenance schedule be on a regular basis?
At JAL Pools, we’re here to help with a variety of swimming pool service and repair services to clients around Salt Lake City, Park City, and nearby parts of Utah, including pool maintenance of various types. Here are some basics on pool maintenance schedules, both in terms of regular maintenance and seasonal maintenance, plus recommended frequency and key elements that should be included in both types.
Regular Vs Seasonal Maintenance Tasks
When it comes to a pool maintenance schedule, you should be thinking about both regular and seasonal maintenance tasks. Here are some examples of regular pool maintenance tasks that should be carried out periodically (plus some tips on how often to consider them):
- Skimming: This is the process of removing leaves, debris, and other floating objects from the surface of your pool. It should be done at least once a day to prevent clogging of filters and pumps.
- Vacuuming: This involves removing dirt and debris from the bottom and walls of your pool using a vacuum cleaner specifically designed for pools. Depending on usage and weather conditions, it’s recommended to do this weekly or bi-weekly.
- Brushing: Algae, bacteria, and other buildup can form on the walls, floors, and stairs of your pool. Regular brushing helps prevent this buildup and should be done at least once a week.
- Checking filters: Filters are an essential component of your pool’s cleaning system, as they help remove dirt and debris from the water. It’s important to check and clean your filters regularly (at least every 2 weeks) to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Balancing chemicals: Maintaining proper chemical levels in your pool is crucial for keeping the water safe and clear. Regularly test and adjust the pH, chlorine, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Shocking: This involves adding a large dose of chlorine or other oxidizing agent to the pool water to kill bacteria and algae. Shocking should be done once a week or after heavy usage to maintain a healthy swimming environment.
And on the flip side, here are some examples of seasonal maintenance tasks that typically only need to be done once or twice a year:
- Winterizing: For those who live in colder climates where the pool needs to be closed for the winter, this is an important task. It involves draining and cleaning the pool, removing all accessories and equipment, and adding a winterizing chemical treatment to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.
- Opening: When the weather warms up and it’s time to start using the pool again, opening it up requires reversing the steps taken during winterization. This includes cleaning and refilling the pool, reconnecting equipment, balancing chemicals, and testing everything thoroughly before use.
- Deep Cleaning: Occasionally, your regular maintenance routine may not be enough to keep your pool sparkling clean. In these cases, a deep cleaning may be necessary. This involves scrubbing the walls and floor of the pool, cleaning out filters and pumps, and removing any debris that has accumulated over time.
- Seasonal inspections: It’s important to perform regular seasonal inspections on your pool, especially before and after periods of heavy use. This will ensure that all equipment is functioning properly and there are no potential safety hazards present.
Risks of Inconsistent Maintenance
There are several key risks present if you don’t stick to a good pool maintenance schedule. These include:
- Algae growth: Without proper cleaning and chemical treatments, algae can quickly take over a pool, turning the water green and making it unsuitable for swimming.
- Bacteria and pathogens: A poorly maintained pool is a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful pathogens. This can lead to illnesses such as diarrhea or skin infections.
- Pump and filter damage: If you neglect regular maintenance, your pump and filter may become clogged with debris, reducing their effectiveness or causing them to break down completely.
- Expensive repairs: Neglecting routine maintenance can also lead to costly repairs down the line. From replacing equipment to fixing structural issues caused by poor water balance, these expenses can add up quickly.
Working With Professionals
In many cases, professionals will be able to help you carry out optimal pool maintenance to keep your pool in top shape. Consider working with a professional if:
- You’re new to pool ownership: If you’re a first-time pool owner, it’s best to work with a professional who can guide you through the maintenance process and teach you best practices.
- You don’t have the time or expertise: Pool maintenance can be time-consuming and requires some knowledge of chemistry. If you don’t have the time or expertise to handle it on your own, hiring a professional can save you from potential headaches down the line.
- You encounter an issue that you can’t solve on your own: Whether it’s a stubborn algae bloom or an equipment malfunction, there may be times when you need help troubleshooting a problem with your pool. A professional pool maintenance service will have the experience and knowledge to quickly identify and resolve any issues that arise.
- You want to ensure your pool is properly maintained: Keeping up with regular maintenance tasks like balancing chemicals, cleaning filters, and checking equipment can be overwhelming for some pool owners. Hiring a professional ensures that these tasks are done correctly and on schedule, keeping your pool in top condition year-round.
At JAL Pools, we’re here to offer a variety of pool service and repair programs for clients around SLC, Park City, and nearby parts of Utah. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
