| First time swimming pool owners anxiously | | | | good circulation, a well maintained filter, and |
| anticipate having their own personal backyard | | | | adequate run time for the filter. The fourth key is |
| oasis where they can cool off and relax on a hot | | | | balanced pool water chemistry. For many people, |
| summer day. It can be a great feeling to watch | | | | it's a little scary to dive into the arena of being a |
| the family enjoy the pool throughout the summer | | | | chemist, but it really isn't as difficult as one might |
| and to host summer pool parties where the | | | | think. Like anything else, once you have it figured |
| family and friends can not only enjoy your | | | | out it's real easy. But it is a crucial factor to a |
| superior barbecuing skills, but the crystal clear pool | | | | healthy swimming pool and in the long run, having |
| as well. But when the pool stops looking so crystal | | | | properly balanced pool water can save hundreds |
| clear and starts looking more like a pond in the | | | | to thousands of dollars in the form of otherwise |
| local nature area, the fun can quickly become a | | | | avoidable pool problems and chemical expenses. |
| big headache. Following are 5 tips that will help | | | | Once this skill is mastered, it really shouldn't take |
| ensure your swimming pool remains crystal clear | | | | more than 5 - 10 minutes a week. So invest in a |
| throughout the year. | | | | good test kit, and with a lot of practice you will |
| 1 - Circulation - we've all heard the term Location, | | | | quickly become an expert in balancing pool water. |
| Location, Location with regard to owning real | | | | If balancing the pool water is something you just |
| estate. Well, with a swimming pool it's Circulation, | | | | aren't willing to jump into or you just don't care to |
| Circulation, Circulation! Without adequate circulation | | | | worry about it, hire a professional pool service to |
| it will be difficult to ever have a pool that stays | | | | manage the chemicals for you. |
| nice, let alone one that people want to swim in. | | | | 5 - Cleaning the Pool - probably disliked the most |
| And when the summer heat comes, the green | | | | is the seemingly tedious task of keeping the |
| monster will quickly make its appearance. So the | | | | swimming pool free of debris. But for a majority |
| first step to an easy pool is making sure the main | | | | of cases, this task shouldn't take more than 10 - |
| pool pump is in good working order. | | | | 15 minutes a week. Most swimming pools now |
| 2 - Filtration - just as important as circulation is | | | | have automatic pool cleaners that do half the |
| filtration. It's a real simple concept, since the pool | | | | work. Simply follow a quick routine every day or |
| filter removes the dirt from the pool, without | | | | every other day of emptying the skimmer |
| sufficient filtration the pool will remain dirty. | | | | basket, pump basket, and pool cleaner bag in |
| Whether the main pool filter is sand, cartridge, or | | | | order to avoid any clogs that will stop water |
| diatomaceous earth, it needs to be maintained on | | | | circulation. Then, once a week, perform a quick |
| a routine schedule and never neglected in order | | | | test to make sure all the equipment is in good |
| for the pool water to stay clean. | | | | working order, the water is balanced, check the |
| 3 - Filter Run Time - one issue that often gets | | | | water level, skim any large debris from the top or |
| neglected is the length of time required for | | | | bottom of the pool, and brush the steps and walls |
| sufficient filtration. Of course it can be different | | | | of the pool. |
| for every pool depending on the climate and the | | | | There you have it, 5 tips on keeping your |
| surrounding environment of the pool. But there is | | | | swimming pool looking great all year long. Probably |
| one sure thing, without the proper amount of | | | | just as important as all of these tips is simply |
| filtration, the pool will not look good. As a general | | | | getting to know your pool. Keep written records |
| concept, when the hot summer months approach, | | | | of the pool water testing results, any |
| it is important to increase filtration time. So if the | | | | adjustments made, when the filter was clean, and |
| pool doesn't look good, check to make sure the | | | | when any equipment repairs were made. As time |
| run time for the main pool filter is adequate for | | | | goes on, you will gain a good understanding of |
| that season and climate. If you are not sure how | | | | your pool's unique personality, how it will act |
| long to run your filter for your specific climate, call | | | | throughout the different seasons, and what it |
| the local pool store and they should be able to | | | | requires to be happy. And remember, if the pool |
| help out. | | | | is happy, you are happy! |
| 4 - Balanced Water - okay so you now have | | | | |