As a pool owner, you know that keeping your swimming pool well-maintained is essential for safety and hygiene. However, this endeavor can be more costly than you think, especially if you go about it in the wrong manner. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to help reduce the load on your pockets without compromising the quality of your pool. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Do the Swimming Pool Maintenance Near Me
If you have the time and skills to perform some pool maintenance, then doing it yourself is one of the best ways to save money. This can be an intimidating prospect for first-time pool owners, but you don’t have to go crazy about it. There are a few basic tasks you can take on yourself.
One such task is cleaning your swimming pool. This includes clearing the pool’s surface of dirt and leaves, vacuuming the floor, brushing the walls, and inspecting and cleaning the filters. Your pool will be cleaner and last longer if you follow this weekly maintenance routine.
You should also regularly check the water chemistry of your pool. This means testing the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and total dissolved solids (TDS) of your water. You can find the test kits at your local hardware store. When the chemical levels are off balance, it can cause damage to your pool and skin irritations to swimmers.
If you need to adjust the chemical levels, you can use chemicals like chlorine or muriatic acid. Again, these can be purchased at most hardware stores. You should always follow the directions and safety precautions when using these products.
However, if you don’t have the time or technical know-how to safely undertake these tasks, you should have professionals take care of them for you regularly.
2. Invest in a Good Quality Pool Cover
One of the finest investments you can make to reduce the cost of pool upkeep is a high-quality pool cover. A pool cover aids in keeping other pollutants, such as leaves and dirt, out of your pool. You won’t need to fill up your pool as frequently or use as much chlorine since it prevents water from evaporating from your pool.
Pool covers are available in many different designs and materials. The most popular kind is the solar cover (made of a thin layer of plastic), which heats the water and stops heat loss. Solid winter covers, safety covers, and leaf nets are some other kinds of covers you can get for your pool.
Whatever pool cover you select should fit snugly against your pool to ensure that it is secure and won’t blow away in the wind. Likewise, be sure you get a cover made of a long-lasting, sturdy material that will withstand time.
3. Use a Saltwater Chlorinator For Pool
A saltwater chlorinator is a practical and efficient solution to maintain the cleanliness and safety of your swimming pool. A saltwater chlorinator produces chlorine from the dissolved salt in the water, which is subsequently used to disinfect the swimming pool. Since they eliminate the need to buy and store harsh chemicals, saltwater chlorinators are a great method to save money on swimming pool maintenance near me.
You must ensure that the saltwater chlorinator is correctly calibrated before installing it. A high chlorine concentration caused by improperly adjusted saltwater chlorinators can irritate swimmers and damage pool equipment. Make sure to adhere to the directions that came with your saltwater chlorinator to maintain the proper amount of chlorine in your pool.
Besides saving you money, a saltwater chlorinator offers other advantages. For instance, saltwater chlorinators produce water that feels softer because they don’t need to add harsh chemicals. Your swimming experience may be improved by doing this. There is also no need to manually add or modify the chlorine levels in your pool because the chlorinator produces the necessary chlorine.
4. Repair Small Problems Before They Escalate
Taking care of any small repairs before they become large, costly ones is a great way to save money on swimming pool maintenance near me. For example, if you notice that your pool’s pump or filter has been leaking, it may be a sign that the seal is broken. If you don’t fix this quickly, you might have a burnt pump to fix soon.
You should also keep an eye out for small tears in the pool liner. These can often be fixed by yourself with a patch kit from a local store, but if left alone they can develop into larger issues. Cracks in the decking or coping can also cause problems if left unattended, so it’s important to spot them early and repair them right away.
Finally, it’s always wise to stay on top of cleaning and balancing the water chemistry in your pool. This will help reduce the risk of developing any issues that could lead to more expensive repairs down the road.
5. Deactivate Your Water Features
If you have water features like fountains, waterfalls, and other decorative elements in your pool, you should consider deactivating them when you’re not using the pool. These features can contribute to a higher need for maintenance, as the water must be kept circulating and clean at all times. Keeping these features active at all times can also lead to higher energy bills, which will increase the cost of keeping your pool running. By simply deactivating the features, you can cut down on your costs significantly. If you are unsure how to deactivate your water features, consider asking a professional for help.
6. Don’t Run the Filter and Pumps Until You Need Them
One of the most common mistakes people make when it comes to swimming pool maintenance is running their filter and pump unnecessarily. This can waste a lot of energy and increase your electric bills. If you only use the pool occasionally, turn the filter and pumps off until you need them. If you are using the pool daily, the pumps should only be running while the pool is in use. When the pool is not being used, the pumps should be off to save energy. Make sure to check the settings on your pumps and filters to ensure they are only running when needed. You may also want to consider investing in a timer for your pumps and filters so that they will automatically shut off when not in use.
If you follow these tips, you’ll find that maintaining your pool doesn’t have to be as heavy on the pockets as it has been in the past, and you don’t have to break the bank to preserve your pool’s beauty for as long as you can keep it up.