Avia Ustanny, Freelance Writer
HAS YOUR pool turned a strange shade of green? It could be that you have been forgetting to add chlorine.
Your swimming pool should take about the same time to maintain as the yard it replaced. That's what the experts say, but they also insist that you need to carry out daily maintenance activities. Keeping your pool sparkling clear is easy, but it will quickly punish you for any neglect.
Pools don't forgive. Ever. Be consistent -- or be green. The experts say that if you skip chlorinating when the temperature is high, you will be able to admire your new pond -- complete with frogs. Should you skip three weeks in a row you may need an environmental impact study before obtaining a permit to drain that 20 x 40 wetland in your backyard.
The most frequent mistake made by pool owners is thinking that they do not have to look after it every day, says Aliston White of Pool Care Ltd in St. Ann.
"They do not test daily to see if the level of chlorine is falling and, when they see algae growth, they blame it on the chemicals not being strong enough. You have to be at it, especially if the pool is heavily used," he says.
For a 20 X 40 pool, you will need to use roughly a pound of chlorine each day to keep away bacteria and retard algae growth. The chlorine sanitises, reducing such things as skin rashes. You will also need to check the acidity of your pool water on a daily basis. A test kit -- prices range from $500 to $1,000 -- will aid in this exercise.
It is also advised that you use a stabil-iser, properly called cyanuric acid. Use of this chemical prevents overuse of chlorine. The sun will burn away the chlorine you put in the pool, but the stabiliser forms a block, hence reducing your chlorine replacement costs. Stabilise once every six months. Depending on stabiliser levels, and sunshine, you can lose half of the chlorine in the pool in as little as 30 minutes.
Replacing pool water is not really necessary, Mr. White says, once the pool is kept sanitised. Water is usually let out only if a dead animal is found in it.
Bad weather or high winds which blow debris into your pool, plus frequent activities like pool parties will increase maintenance demands.
SUCCESS TIP
Add chlorine in the evenings instead of the mornings. This can cut your chemical costs in half. At nights, chlorine is used up doing useful work like oxidising all that sweat and sun-tan oil and lotions. During the day, it is mainly wasted -- lost to sun's ultraviolet rays.
POOL MAINTENANCE
Clueless about the needs of your pool? Perfectpoolandsap.com gives the following pool care advice:
CIRCULATE: The water needs to be circulated every day. The amount of time will vary depending on your particular equipment and the bather load for that day. Start running the pump three hours per day and increase as needed if the water is cloudy.
FILTER: The filter needs to be kept clean. This is done by either physically cleaning it by hand or backwashing. The interval will vary depending on your particular equipment. Monitor the pressure valve if you have one. Start with weekly cleanings and adjust as needed.
CLEAN: The pool surfaces (sides and bottom) need to be kept free from dirt and debris. You will have to vacuum and/or brush the spa surfaces periodically to maintain it. Most spas should be brushed at least once per week. The skimmer needs to be checked every day for debris.
FILL: Check the water level of the spa and fill it to the recommended level each day.
TEST: Test the sanitiser (chlorine or bromine) and pH every day. Once you get favourable test results for Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and Stabiliser 3 days in a row, you only need to test Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and Stabiliser once a month.
ADD CHEMICALS: Add the proper amounts of chemicals as they are recommended by this software. Always read and follow product label directions.
SHOCK: The water needs to be periodically shocked to disinfect it, kill bacteria, algae, other organisms and oxidise wastes. After you shock do not use the pool until all chemical levels are back to normal and the water is crystal clear. Generally, you should shock every two weeks at temperatures 85ºF or below, every week at temperatures above 85ºF.
ALGAE CONTROL: If normal shocking does not control algae you may want to increase the amount of chlorine or add an algaecide to the water one hour after shocking. Follow product directions as most of these will cause foam in the water if not used properly.
SCALE AND METAL STAIN CONTROL: Sequestering Agents may control or prevent metal stains or scaling in your pool. Ask a pool professional about Sequestering Agents to see if these products are right for your Spa.
ADJUST: Every pool and spa is different. You may have to adjust the amount of chemicals and schedules presented here. ALWAYS seek the advice of a pool professional if you have questions or are having problems.
