How to Maintain an Inground Pool

With the changing economy, everyone is looking for ways to cut costs. One way is to learn how to maintain your own swimming pool. It is always a good idea to use a reliable pool company if you are having issues with your pool, but weekly maintenance doesn't take a lot of time and is easy once you get into the routine.

Things You'll Need

• Pool Brush
• Water testing kit
• Pool Chemicals
• Working pool equipment

Instructions

1. Make sure your equipment runs right and timers are set for the right amount of time. If your pool equipment does not run in top condition, your pool will be much more difficult to maintain. If you are not sure how to maintain your equipment or are not comfortable doing so, ask a friend or neighbor for a reliable reference for a licensed pool contractor and have them inspect your equipment for you. It is always a good idea to have a phone number on hand anyway for bigger pool issues.

2. Empty skimmer basket weekly and continue to check equipment for wear and tear regularly, especially pool sweep if you have one. If you do not have a skimmer you may need to use a net to skim leaves and bugs off the top of the pool.

3. Scrub the pool walls thoroughly. If you vaccuum your pool, do this before scrubbing the walls.

4. Test and Balance the water at least once per week. You can purchase a pool test kit at your local pool supply store or online. You can also take a sample of your water to some pool stores and they can test it for you. The five basic pool water components are total alkalinity, pH,calcium hardness, stabilizer and total dissolved solids.

5. Backwash the filter by turning the filter valve to backwash.

6. Add chlorine to sanitize the pool.

7. Perform seasonal maintenance as need for your pool. Turn solar heating on or off. Clean filters. Check pool covers for wear and tear.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are trying to save money but don't have time to maintain your pool or just don't want to deal with the chemicals, consider asking your pool service company if they will do a chemical only visit if you do the rest of the maintenance.

• Don't forget to enjoy the benefits of your hard work when the weather is warm!

• If you have questions, ask a licensed pool service contractor or your local pool supply store for help.

• Be careful with all chemicals! If you have small children or pets, please keep all chemicals safely locked up.

• If you have children, please make sure that your pool is up to the current safety standards and install a locking gate or a chime on your back door.