Biggest Mistakes of Swimming Pool Owners

The proper maintenance of a residential swimming pool can be very simple for some pools and very difficult for other pools depending on many different factors. When everything is going well and the pool is sparkling clean, pool maintenance can be a real easy job. But when a pool starts having problems it can get very complicated very fast. The most common reasons pool owners start having problems is directly related to the biggest mistakes that pool owners make.

Dirty Pool Filter - the top mistake that pool owners make that can lead to many different type of problems, big and small, is neglecting the main pool filter. If the main pool filter is not cleaned on a timely basis and gets too dirty, the water flow will be restricted leading to inadequate filtration and many different pool troubles will be ahead. An algae bloom, the pool cleaner not working sufficiently, a burnt out pump motor, are just a few of the problems that can occur when the primary pool filter is not maintained properly.

Too Short of a Filter Run - it is easy to fall into the trap of trying to save money and electricity by skimping on the daily pool filter run time. Money might be saved in the short term, but in the long term the cost can get significant with the pool problems ahead. Especially in the hot summer months, all the water needs to get through the filter once a day. If the daily filter run time is not long and the all pool water is not getting filtered each day, it is more likely that an algae bloom will occur and more problems could be ahead.

Letting Chlorine Level Drop to Zero - if the chlorine level is allowed to drop to zero, there is a high likelihood that an algae bloom will take over the swimming pool soon after. An algae bloom can come on very fast and literally over night the pool can go from clear to green. Check the chlorine level at least weekly and don't allow it to drop to zero at any time.

Not Shocking the Pool After a Party - similar to letting the chlorine level drop to zero, when pool owners have a party or a significant number of swimmers in the pool at one time, it is inevitable that the free chlorine residual in the pool will be all used up. If the pool is not given some attention immediately after the party, an algae bloom is likely. Simply shocking the pool after the party when everyone is done swimming for the day and running the filter for several hours will replenish the free chlorine residual and avoid an algae problem.

Letting the Baskets Get Clogged - if the skimmer or pump baskets get clogged with debris, the water flow through the pool filter will be restricted leading to inadequate filtration and similar problems that occur with a dirty filter or short filter run time. Take the time to check all the baskets at least once a week and even more often in the spring and fall season when a lot of debris is getting in the pool. Keep the baskets clear and the water flowing to allow the pool filter to do its job and keep the pool clear and algae free.

Water Level Too Low - it is extremely important to pay close attention to the water level in the pool. If the pool does not have an auto-fill that keeps the water level constant, by normal evaporation or through a leak in the pool, the water level can easily drop below the skimmer intake. If this happens the pool pump could start drawing air instead of water leading to the pump loosing its prime. In this case, not only is the pool water not being filtered which will lead to an algae bloom, but it is likely that the pool pump motor will be damaged or ruined if it runs for any length of time without water.

Unbalanced Pool Water - unbalanced swimming pool water will only lead to one headache after another. Invest some time and learn how to test the different parameters of the pool water. Like anything else, there will be a small learning curve, but once mastered it only take a few minutes each week to test the pool water and make any necessary adjustments. Most good pool water test kits have an instruction manual that is easy to follow. Take it one step at a time and soon the water will be balanced helping to avoid many different costly pool problems.

Having a sparkling clear pool all summer long not only can provide many hours of fun and recreation for the family, but also takes a lot of stress out of a long summer. A small investment of fifteen to thirty minutes a week to avoid the biggest mistakes of swimming pool owners can go a long way to a great summer!

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