Pools are not for the lazy homeowner; they require a lot of maintenance, and failure to give them the care they require can be costly. If you need a motivator, think of all the fun times your pool provides; watching the kids splash around, jumping in to cool off on a hot day, and wafting through the water on a raft while soaking up some rays. If you need a bit of education on proper maintenance of your above ground pool, here are some basics to get you started. Proper Water Balance Proper PH of your pool water is important for a number of reasons. First, it will help the sanitizer system work more efficiently to keep bacteria in check. Properly balanced water will also prevent corrosion on scale buildup on the pool and its parts. Lastly, it will make the water feel smoother and reduce skin and eye irritation. Check PH levels at least three times a week—an ideal reading is between 7.2 and 7.6. You also want to ensure proper overall alkalinity levels and calcium hardness. The desired range for alkalinity is 80-150 ppm (test twice per week) and 200 to 400 ppm for calcium hardness (test monthly). Proper Sanitization All sorts of nasty things can take up residence in your pool, and regular sanitizing is an absolute necessity. Chlorine is the most common and one of the most effective cleansing agents; it comes in many forms, such as tablets, granules and sticks. Regardless of which form you opt for, use a stabilized form, which is manufactured specifically to withstand the damaging rays of the sun; there are also more natural alternatives to chlorine that may work as well. Over time, suntan oil, sweat, hairspray, cosmetics and other substances can prevent chlorine from working effectively; we often blame odor and irritation on chlorine, but it is actually all this other stuff causing it, because the chlorine is not able to do its job properly. Pool experts recommend ‘’shocking’’ your pool once a week with a concentrated sanitizer made from chlorine or some other cleansing substance. These treatments will oxidize contaminants, free up chlorine to do its job and kill stubborn algae. Cleaning and Maintenance All pools have areas where there is little to no circulation, and guess where algae and other icky stuff is most likely to take root? At least once a week, you should be vacuuming and brushing the walls and floor. Even if you have an automatic cleanser, do not forgo the brushing. Maintain your filtration system as recommended by the manufacturer instructions. Clean the filters regularly and replace cartridges annually. Apply protectants to the vinyl exterior surfaces of your pool to protect it from UV damage, cracking and fading. Regularly using water clarification products to clear up water muddied by oil, lotions, dirt and other substances can complement other treatments such as regular chlorine treatments and shocking. Algaecide treatments can also complement your efforts to keep algae in check through proper pool maintenance. About the Author: Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer who blogs about all things home maintenance; she recommends following the link to learn more about above ground pools Rochester. Photo Credit Google+
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