SB Home Matters

SUMMERTIME POOL CARE

June 21st marks the official start to the summer season, so it’s time to the summer season, so it’s time to get your pool in tip-top shape for the months ahead! As you prepare for family gatherings and poolside parties, pool maintenance is a necessity. It’s important to know how to keep your pool It’s important to know how to keep your pool crystal clear for playing and relaxing in the summer sun. Here are a few pool maintenance tips to get this summer season off to a great start and keep you lounging in the sun all summer long.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Chemical testing kit • Pool chemicals • Pool net • Pool brush • Pool cleaner • Pool vacuum

CHECK POOL LEVELS CHECK POOL LEVELS

Check your pH and chlorine levels at least twice a week. Pool water should have a pH range of 7.4 to 7.6 and a chlorine range of 1.0 to range of 7.4 to 7.6 and a chlorine range of 1.0 to

3.0 ppm. It’s best to check your pool water near dusk at 3.0 ppm. It’s best to check your pool water near dusk at least four hours after all swimmers have left the pool. If necessary, add chemicals to rebalance the pool water pH necessary, add chemicals to rebalance the pool water pH and chlorine levels. Shock your pool water once per week with large amounts Shock your pool water once per week with large amounts of chlorine to eliminate algae and other contaminants. The of chlorine to eliminate algae and other contaminants. The amount of shock you use varies, so follow the chemical manufacturer’s instructions. It’s best to shock your pool at manufacturer’s instructions. It’s best to shock your pool at dusk and then let your pump run continuously for 24 hours dusk and then let your pump run continuously for 24 hours before swimming again. Thoroughly clean your pool at least once or twice a week. Empty the skimmer baskets daily and skim the surface floor. Also, apply a quick scrub with a pool surface cleaner at the pool’s waterline to keep it looking fresh. The more you run your filtration system, the cleaner your icals balanced in the water. However, running your filtrathat can run at a lower speed during the day will consume Starting the summer with a clean pool is the best way to forget to add some playful additions for entertainment,

KEEP IT CLEAN

Thoroughly clean your pool at least once or twice a week. Empty the skimmer baskets daily and skim the surface of your pool with a net for leaves and debris as necessary. Routinely vacuum debris off the bottom of your pool’s floor. Also, apply a quick scrub with a pool surface cleaner at the pool’s waterline to keep it looking fresh.

UTILIZE CIRCULATION

The more you run your filtration system, the cleaner your pool will be – and you’ll spend less time keeping the chemicals balanced in the water. However, running your filtration system 24 hours a day is not very realistic. You want to run your filtration system as much as possible, but a good goal is a duration of 8 to 12 hours, sometimes longer in warmer climates. Investing in a variable speed pool pump that can run at a lower speed during the day will consume less energy and save a few dollars.

READY FOR FUN!

Starting the summer with a clean pool is the best way to guarantee lots of summer fun in the coming months. Don’t forget to add some playful additions for entertainment, like a volleyball net, a basketball hoop, or some beach balls. Now that your pool’s ready, it’s time to relax under the umbrella or soak in some sun on your favorite lounge chair.