Maintenance is Key

Simple routines based on the calendar, weather in your part of the country, bathing load and accepted pool/spa practices in your region ensure years of sparkling trouble-free water, says Bob Buettner, who oversees pool operators' training for Leslie's Swimming Pool Supplies.

"Preventative maintenance of the system is the key to operating a pool or spa," Buettner says.

In summer, with hot weather and pool parties, homeowners need to up their maintenance routines to account for:

• Higher Bathing Loads:
  Cloudy water results when homeowners throw pool parties, yet follow maintenance routines designed for fewer bathers.
• Hot, sweaty lotion-wearing swimmers and those in jeans and cotton T-shirts use up chlorine fast.
  Chlorine breaks down organic material, including fabrics.
• Algae: Forget conditioner, also called a stabilizer, and you waste chlorine. Conditioners retard the break-down of chlorine, which is extremely unstable and dissipates rapidly. The end result in your pool is yellow and green algae, or stubborn black algae from even longer neglect.
  
  Water Testing: Testing reveals the state of your water so you can restore it to neutral with chlorine, bromine, acid or stabilizers. Use test strips for a quick easy check.
  

To keep you pool clean and clear:

• Allowing only polyester suits in the water.
• Informing your pool service beforehand about parties, so adjustments can be made.
• Running your filter longer and adding chlorine after parties. Filters may need to be washed afterward.
• Operating filters at least two hours daily.
• Removing organic debris regularly.
• Testing water at least three times weekly. Spas require more testing because of hot temperatures and less water.
• In the Fall, keep your pool and deck clear of falling leaves that can stain and clog drains. However, you can cut back on filtration time and chemicals.
• Check Water levels and pH. Add water and conditioners, if necessary.
• Filters. Wash them out, if necessary.
• Skimmer baskets and hoses on automatic cleaners. Replace all worn hoses.
• Check your spa's Pilot light and heater.
• Rubberized seal between the pool decking and pool. If it's cracked and separating, remove and replace it.
• Underwater lights. Replace burned-out bulbs.
• Bolts on diving boards, slides, handrails and pool ladders for corrosion. Tighten or replace them, if needed.
  

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