Pool Maintenance Tips

Pool filters should run for around 8 hours per day. Sweeps should run long enough to keep your pool clean, usually 2 to 4 hours. If you have solar, the best time to run your system is between 10am and 5pm for the best heating results. You can cool your pool down by running the solar at night.Keep the water level at the mid-tile line (usually in the middle of the skimmer opening) for most pools. That is about 1 hour’s worth of water added weekly. Be sure to set a timer so you don’t forget that the water is on. In the summer, pools can lose 1/4″ to 1/2″ of water a day or more if kids are playing in the pool.If you are going to have a pool party be sure to let your service person know ahead of time. Run the filter several extra hours after the party and add some chlorine to prevent any problems. Also if you haven’t used your heater be sure to test it at least a week in advance so if there is a problem there will be time to fix it.If you have a bubble cover on the pool be sure to remove it for one full day a week so the pool can breathe. If the weather is hot and the water heats up, remove the cover and leave it off. The bubble cover can act like a greenhouse, when you remove it you will have a pool full of algae. If this is the first time you are using a bubble cover, make sure that your dog knows it is not solid.We have had dogs try to walk across them and get tangled in the covers. Luckily the owners were home and got them out.And of course, keep an eye on the little ones. Do not rely on alarms, kids can walk into the pool without causing a ripple – even with lots of adults around.