• Pool Blankets – If you have a pool blanket on your pool, you should remove it and put it in the garage. Pool blankets can be blown off of the pool and up against the screen enclosure, causing damage to the screen enclosure. If you do not have a screen enclosure, the blanket can be blown elsewhere and possibly causing damage to your or others’ property.

• Spa Covers – Spa covers should be removed as well and placed in the garage for the same reasons as a pool blanket.

• Skimmers and Auto Fill – Remove the lids and place them inside. These lids can be blown off and become flying objects causing bodily harm and/or property damage.

• Outdoor Items – Remove outdoor furniture, pool toys, pool floats, pool cleaning equipment, moveable plants, etc from the pool deck and place in the garage. DO NOT put anything in the pool.

• Draining – DO NOT drain your pool or your spa. Your pool and/or spa can float out of the ground if they are empty. The water in the pool and/or spa is what keeps it from floating out of the ground. If they are emptied, the hydrostatic pressure can cause them to lift out of the ground. If your pool or spa overflows, in most situations, the water will flow onto your decking and out through your deck drain and/or through the screening.

• Flooding – Should we experience flooding as to where your pool equipment will be underwater, turn off breakers to your pool equipment, and turn off the gas valve if you have a gas heater.

• After the storm passes, and no flooding was evident, remove all debris from your pool or spa, drain to the normal operating level, shock the pool, and then balance your water.

  If you have any questions or concerns prior to the storm or after the storm passes, call me at (941) 724-1185

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Similar to your car, your house, or even the computer you may use every day, maintaining your pool can help enjoy its beauty and extend its longevity. Maintaining your pool can be done typically through a pool service company that visits and cleans your pool weekly.

Cleaning can help maintain pool water balance and keep dirt, debris, and microorganisms like algae at bay. Plus, it can help make your pool irresistibly inviting.

2. Keep your pool water in check.

As essential as keeping your pool clean is, it’s also important that you pay close attention to the pool’s water chemistry. Optimal pool water chemistry allows you to avoid many of the common issues including cloudy or green water, dark or slippery spots, mineral stains and buildup, and so on. Like cleaning and maintenance, checking the pool water’s chemistry is generally carried out by pool service companies using professional quality water testing kits.

3. Have a professional drain your pool.

You may have heard horror stories of in-ground swimming pools that pop off the ground. That’s because you simply can’t drain your pool. There are factors that play around draining the water off your pool including hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure is a buildup of pressure that happens when too much water is absorbed by the soil in the ground. This pushes the concrete pool upwards causing it to pop off the ground. That said, pool service companies will typically drain the pool under good weather as rainwater can also cause water to be absorbed by the rainwater. Also, because there’s no pressure to keep the pool pressed in the ground, the opposite pressure from below can push the entirety of the concrete structure. Therefore, ask a professional to drain your pool.

4. You can take up a pool loan.

If you’re a few hundred dollars or grand short, you can take up a pool loan. Pool loans are typically offered by banks, credit unions, and financial institutions, but are also offered by pool service companies. That said, if you’ve already managed to save cash for your pool project, you can just finance a part of your swimming pool remodeling, renovation, or construction project. This means that if you’re working with a limited budget, you can still add the features you want and the features you need simply by asking help from financial institutions and even from your pool contractor.

And speaking of features…

5. Not having some features can be illegal.

If you’re a first-time pool owner, you’ll be surprised to know that it’s illegal not to have some pool features. In Florida, a residential swimming pool is required pools must have a 4-foot fence or another barrier around the outer perimeter of the pool, with no gaps in coverage.

• The barrier must also be sufficiently away from the pool’s edge
• Entry through the barrier and to the pool must open outward
• Entry through the barrier must have a self-closing and self-locking device that is beyond a child’s reach
• Pools indoors or within a screened-in area are not required to have a fence or other barrier if all windows and doors that provide access to the pool have a wired safety alarm

Florida Legislature enacted the “Preston de Ibern/Mckenzie Merriam Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act” in 2000. See Chapter 515, Florida Statutes.

6. Pool features increase the value of your home.

The features you add to your backyard pool will coalesce to increase the value of your homes. And we’re not just talking about the safety features, we’re talking about features like Baja steps, water slides, spas, beach entries, and even a pool bar. So, feel free to contact your pool service contractor to find out what kind of features would work best with your pool. They can also help you personalize your pool whether you want it to look like a mini-resort or a classic Grecian and Roman bath.

7. Variable-speed pool pumps are lifesavers.

Variable-speed pool pumps help save energy compared to the traditional single-speed pool pumps.

8. Resurfacing is a must.

Resurfacing may be one of the most important projects new and experienced pool owners can give their pool. Pool resurfacing involved the removal of the old pool surface in preparation for applying the new one. This plays a vital role in maintaining your pool because the interior surface separates the concrete below and the water in the actual pool. The cost of swimming pool resurfacing depends heavily on the type of material you will use. Make sure to talk to your pool contractor to know what options you have in resurfacing your pool. Nevertheless, plaster will be the cheapest while tiles and pebbles could be some of the more expensive options.

9. Storing chemicals at home could be hazardous.

When you own a pool, you will find that you will have to store chemicals in your home one way or another. These chemicals can include anything from chlorine and mineral sequestering agents. These chemicals can be a safety hazard especially if you have kids at home. Using a pool service keeps the chemicals out of your house.

10. Pool service companies are a good idea.

Pool services are your friends, they help take care of your swimming pool for you and offer professional advice to help you maintain your pool on your own. It’s true that they won’t tell you everything, but little pointers from pool experts can go a long way.

These 10 things you need to know as a pool owner can help you maintain and make better decisions for everything pool-related.

The post 10 Things You Need to Know if You Own a Pool appeared first on DMC Pools - The Sparkle Poolice.

Check your manufacturer’s manual for specific guidance about your pool maintenance. Nevertheless, here is some basic information to keep your pool operational and clean all year round.

1. Maintenance
   • DO remove debris using a long-handled net to skim your pool’s surface every few days. This increases the efficiency of your pool’s circulatory system.

• • DON’T forget to clean strainer baskets once a week. This can help reduce the amount of chlorine your pool needs.

2. Water levels

• • DO top off the water level in your pool regularly to reduce strain on the pump if too much air is being sucked in.
  • DON’T assume water loss is due to evaporation alone in the summer. Check regularly for any leaks.

3. Filtration

• • DO clean out your filter when the difference in flow between the pressure gauge and flow meter reaches around 10 to 15 pounds per square inch.
  • DON’T clean your filter too often. A small amount of particles can increase the filter’s capacity to trap more debris.

4. Circulation

• • DO run your pump daily for at least a few hours once or twice a day to keep your circulation system operating at peak efficiency.
  • DON’T run your pump around the clock. This can increase stress on your pump and could cause overheating.

5. Draining

• • DO drain your pool for annual maintenance if your manufacturer advises you to. If you need to drain your pool, turn the pump off first.
  • DON’T let your pool sit empty for long periods of time. Pressure from the surrounding dirt can make it pop out of the ground.

6. Chemicals

• • DO maintain appropriate chemical levels. Test your pool water regularly and aim for a pH between 7.2 and 7.6, and chlorine levels of around 1-3 ppm.
  • DON’T “shock” your pool in the heat of the day. If you have algae, add chemicals in the evening when it is cooler for the best results.

7. Cleaning

• • DO use a vacuum weekly to clear debris from your pool, keep the water clear and reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add.
  • DON’T use a stiff bristle brush unless you have a plaster-lined pool. Use a soft-bristled brush for vinyl and fiberglass walls or tile.

Final tip: always check your electrical connections and have your pump equipment serviced once or twice a year to reduce fire hazards. With proper care, your pool can provide enjoyment for your family and guests.

The post The 7 Do’s and Don’ts of Florida Pool Maintenance appeared first on DMC Pools - The Sparkle Poolice.