When it comes to pool maintenance, it seems like all pool owners have opinions of how they should be taken care of. The reason for that is that pools can be as unique as their owners – each requiring different techniques to keep them clean according to their environment, features, etc. Today, instead of offering advice on how you should maintain your pool, we bust a few myths regarding the care and maintenance of your swimming pool.
Myth 1: Pools are too expensive to maintain
Long ago, it would sometimes cost you as much to run your pool pump as it did you air conditioner! But today, energy efficient variable speed pumps and filters are available and can save a homeowner a great deal of money.
Myth 2: Pools are not energy efficient
As we mentioned above, pool pumps and filters are more efficient than ever – using up to 30% less power than they used to. There are also many options to use solar power with your swimming pool, specifically with your pool’s heater. You can also add a solar cover to the pool, which reduces water evaporation and helps the water retain heat. It also can keep the debris out, which provides less wear on the filtration system.
Myth 3: Saltwater pools don’t require other chemicals
Many pool owners want to convert to saltwater pools because they believe that they will not need to add other chemicals to their pool. This is false because all pools still need to have proper pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and stabilizer levels. They also need to be shocked on a regular basis. What most people do not realize is that a salt chlorine generator in salt pools separates the sodium and chlorine molecules in the salt and it’s the chlorine that is produced that actually sanitizes your pool.
Myth 4: The best way to clean your pool is to drain it
It seems logical that the best way to clean the green water from your pool and scrub the walls of the pool is to drain and refill it, but this is not accurate. Not only is it costly to replace that amount of water, but it can also cause structural damage to your pool. Pools can withstand the pressure of the weight of the water, and you do not want to upset this balance. The best way to clean it is to add proper chemicals, scrub and vacuum it.
Myth 5: The time of day you add chemicals doesn’t matter
Actually, there is a best time of day to add chemicals to your pool and that is after the sun goes down. If you do it when the sun is in full effect, the UV rays can reduce the effectiveness of some chemicals, specifically chlorine. It is also a good time to add chemicals because you will have less interaction with swimmers at night than in the middle of the day.
Myth 6: Backwashing your filter more for effectiveness
You should only backwash your filter when the pressure gauges indicate that you should (generally 8-10 psi over your normal pressure). When you backwash too often, not only are you wasting water, but you can also stir up sand, pushing it back into the pool.
Myth 7: You can use baking soda and other household cleaners in your pool
This is one of the most important myths that we need to bust! Many people try to use baking soda to increase the pH, but this should not be used in place of Soda Ash. Soda ash has a different chemical makeup than sodium bicarbonate. It is always best to use professional pool chemicals in your pool to prevent damage to your pool’s water and structure. If you are not sure, contact a pool professional for advice, take a water sample to a pool retailer or have a pool maintenance professional maintain your pool.
Because your swimming pool is such an investment in your home and lifestyle, you want to do the best to protect it. Knowledge is the best key to protect it – so be sure to research before attempting to perform any maintenance tips from an amateur!
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