Get Your Pool Maintenance Down to a Science
The mercury’s rising, and so is every Texan’s urge to kick their feet up on a pool raft. If you’re lucky enough to have a pool of your own, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got your pool maintenance down so you can safely float to your heart’s content.
Here’s a scientific guide to keeping your pool shipshape.
Clean
- Make sure your pool is empty of any debris and sediments that decided to call your swimming hole home over the winter. This may simply require good filtration and a pool net.
- Harmful parasites and bacteria may have contaminated your water while your pool wasn’t in use. If your pool water is murky or green, or if any bubbles or foam have settled along the pool’s edges, consult a pool professional for the best practices to return your pool to normal.
Chemically Balanced
The chemicals in your pool water can cause skin and eye irritation, inflammation, and even damage to your teeth.
Use a test kit to see if the pH, total alkalinity, and chlorine levels are safe for swimming. You can also take a sample of your water to your local pool store for a more complete and accurate check of all your pool’s chemicals. You may need to add chemicals to your pool water if the chemistry is off; for instance if the calcium hardness is too high.
Your chemical levels should be as follows:
- pH level: between 7.2 and 7.4.
- Total alkalinity: between 80 and 120.
- Chlorine level: between 1 ppm and 3 ppm.
Drown-Proof
- Cracked, missing, or improperly secured drain covers can cause children to potentially get entrapped in the drain’s vacuum effect — a pretty major drowning concern.
- If your pool or spa drain cover is missing, broken, or old, make sure to replace it immediately with one that is compliant with the ASME/ANSI test standard.
- Never run the pump at speeds higher than the recommended maximum.
- Ensure the emergency shut-off switch is clearly marked by a visible sign.
Safe and Sound
Finally, do a quick visual inspection of areas around the pool, including steps and pool decks. Check for cracked or loose bricks and tile that may damage swimmers’ feet or cause a trip and fall.
Enjoy!
With crystal-clear water balanced and ready for safe swimming and all safety concerns addressed — it’s now time to kick up your heels and enjoy a Saturday afternoon in the pool.
Learn how to keep your pool maintained year-round here.
© 2017 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance
