Individuals should be aware that a pristine pool in the back yard isn’t the end of the pool process. Many new pool owners either don’t know what’s involved in maintaining a pool or assume that little is needed beyond cleaning the filter periodically.

The most important thing any pool owner can do is install the proper barriers and safety-related equipment to prevent children, the elderly and pets from drowning. The following are the Top 10 things every new pool owner should know – and be aware of before they have their new pool installed.

1. A professional pool service is well worth the money. They’re highly-trained experts that are skilled in all facets of pool maintenance and can conduct repairs and perform replacements.
2. Pool water must be tested weekly to identify imbalances to ensure it adheres to specific levels of cleanliness for safe swimming.
3. There are a number of chemicals that pools require and individuals will need to learn what each type is for, how much to apply, and when to do so.
4. Pools that receive frequent use or are utilized by large numbers of swimmers will affect pH balances and other chemical levels.
5. Multiple factors can affect the chemical levels in a pool, ranging from UV light and bodily fluids to adding water and rainwater from storms.
6. Despite the best of intentions, pool water can become cloudy or spawn algae growth that can require shocking the pool.
7. Even salt water pools require a certain amount of chlorine and a salt water pool won’t be the same as swimming in ocean water.
8. Never drain the pool, even if a hurricane is approaching. Modern pools are designed to drain away from homes. Be sure to turn off the power to all the pool-related equipment and secure the pool deck. The pool will take care of itself.
9. Automated cleaning systems make owning a pool much easier. It’s still important to have a professional perform periodic cleanings and check for any peeling or hairline cracks.
10. One dog is equal to 50 swimmers. Canines will place extra strain on the pool’s systems. It’s also an essential safety measure for pets that don’t know how to exit the pool and can drown.

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Engaging the services of a professional pool maintenance service is going to save a significant amount of time, money and stress for pool owners. The pool experts provide much more than simple water testing and applying the appropriate chemicals. The best pool maintenance companies provide other essential services and are highly trained professionals.

Leak Detection

A large leak will obviously affect the water level in a pool, but every leak begins as a small crack or other defect that can easily be detected by a pool professional in the earliest stages. A full-service pool maintenance company will use sonar technology to identify leaks within 10,000^th of an inch within the pool itself. Pipes will be pressurized and the technician will use ultrasound devices to detect leaks.

Repairs

If a leak is detected or a breakdown occurs within any system, including solar heating units and salt water systems, a superior pool maintenance company will be able to obtain the required parts and repair it. The experts will also be able to install new equipment if existing systems can’t be repaired.

Remodeling

Whether individuals want to update the look of their pool, upgrade heaters or plumbing, or add custom water features a pool maintenance company will be able to accomplish those desires. The company will have the ability to provide services for residential or commercial pools and spas. The specialists can plaster, replace coping, and complete rock or masonry work to create a whole new look.

New Construction

A premium pool company has the experience and expertise to install a new pool and take care of every facet of its maintenance requirements after its completed. The professionals are knowledgeable about all prevailing regulations and safety rules. They’ll also be able to determine if the space and soil is appropriate for the proposed pool and can offer suggestions for alternatives if it’s not.

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The water in your pool can change colors for multiple reasons. When it turns green the most common culprit is algae. There are other causes of green pool water that you may not have even considered, but will succeed in ruining your pool experience.

Algae

If the appropriate amount of chlorine isn’t maintained within the pool water, algae will begin to grow and the entire volume of water can transform into a green quagmire within a day. A swimming pool with an algae bloom isn’t safe to swim in and can make you ill. An additional concern is if chlorine levels aren’t maintained at the correct levels, the algae-laden water can provide an excellent breeding ground for disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes.

Filter Problems

Algae can also form if the power and size of your pool pump and filter are too small for the amount of water it’s cleaning. Clearing the pool of algae can take varying amounts of time, depending upon the type of filter that’s in use. It can take a week with a sand-based filter to completely clear the algae from the pool. If you have a cartridge filter, you may need to clean the cartridge every day until the pool water returns to normal.

Metals

Copper is another common cause of green pool water and can originate from a variety of sources that include cheap algaecides, from water sources, and even copper heating elements of pool heaters. It’s a problem that will get continually worse if left untreated.

The greening of pool water in this situation typically happens when a pool is shocked. If present in sufficient amounts, the metal(s) will oxidize, resulting in green pool water. Blond hair will also turn green when excessive levels of metals are present.

Pollen

Pool water can also turn green or a greenish-yellow from pollen falls. The good thing about the situation is that pollen isn’t harmful or dangerous – unless you have severe allergies. Even if you don’t have plants close by the pool, pollen is easily blown about by breezes and can drift into your pool.

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Everyone wants to save money, but a DIY approach to the swimming pool isn’t necessarily a good idea. It can actually cost you money in the long run, make the pool unusable, and cause damage. The following are some of the most common mistakes that people make when trying to service the pool themselves.

Automatic Pool Cleaner

A robotic cleaner may sound like a time saver to remove algae, but it only succeeds in pushing it around the pool. The mesh bags used by automatic cleaners quickly become clogged and instead of capturing algae it’s simply stirred up within the pool.

Brushing

Failure to give the pool a thorough and regular brushing results in scum build-up that’s unpleasant and unhygienic.

Calcium Content

Balancing the calcium hardness in the pool extends the life of everything from the vinyl liner to the filter. Too much calcium will make the water cloudy.

Filter

You want the pool to look clear and sparkling and to obtain that appearance the filter should be run a minimum of eight hours each day. Less than that and the water can become contaminated with all types of unwelcome elements.

pH Levels

The pH level in pools requires close monitoring to ensure the water is appropriate for swimming and to prevent damage to equipment. A pH level that’s too acidic will damage filters, pumps, heaters, vinyl liners, automatic pool cleaners and solar blankets.

Shocking the Pool

Pouring “pool shock” directly into the pool can set up a chain of events that will be expensive to repair. Pool shock is concentrated chlorine. When poured directly into the pool, t sinks to the bottom and bleaches the vinyl liner, which then becomes brittle. It’s only a matter of time before the liner fails and leaks occur.

Testing

There are a number of things that a pool should be tested for each week beyond the pH and alkaline levels. To ensure a safe and sanitary pool, you’ll need to test for calcium hardness, salt, copper, iron, and chlorine.

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