Your first step in proper pool care and maintenance is taking a good look at that equipment pad. Empty your strainer basket of any debris. Throw the debris away in the trash or even disperse among your bushes. Dead bugs and leaves are yummy food for your plants! Make sure your filter PSI is adequate for your type of filter. A good rule of thumb is between 10 and 15 PSI. Any higher than this and the filter needs to be cleaned out. This will help your water turnover rate, clarity of the pool and overall health of your system. Check to make sure all valves open and close and your timer is set for at least 8 hours a day. Finally, empty all skimmer baskets of debris. These are the ones around your pool, like in the picture below.
Now that everything is “spit spot” behind the scenes, let’s take a look at that big body of water.
Elbow grease is your best friend! Take any cleaner and pool toys out (make sure the equipment is turned off) and give that pool a good scrub with a bristle brush. Here is one of our techs favorites. Skim the top of the pool and vacuum up any debris with this suction vac. Suction vacuums are great for fine debris. We have our techs use more robust vacuums like this Power Vac but for the self-cleaner there is no need to invest in this type of heavy duty equipment.
Checking chemistry is your last step in proper pool care. A few pro tips:
We test for these chemicals:
Here is a handy chart you can take with you poolside to figure out what to do with each of your chemical readings:
Chemical Tested
Chlorine
If reading is low
Add chlorine tabs or shock if too low
If reading is high
See this post for more information on calculating what level is right for you
Chemical Tested
pH
If reading is low
Add Soda Ash
If reading is high
Add Muratic Acid
Chemical Tested
Total Alkalinity
If reading is low
Add Sodium Bicarb
If reading is high
Adjusts Itself
Chemical Tested
Total Alkalinity
If reading is low
Add Sodium Bicarb
If reading is high
Adjusts Itself
Chemical Tested
CYA
If reading is low
Add Cyanuric Acid
If reading is high
Partial Drain on Pool
Chemical Tested
Calcium
If reading is low
Add Calcium Carbonate
If reading is high
Partial Drain on Pool
Chemical Tested
Salt Level
If reading is low
Add Salt
If reading is high
Partial Drain on Pool
Taking all of these steps before and after your party will ensure your pools overall health and cleanliness. Call Pool Referees with any questions or for a FREE evaluation for service! We offer a variety of services, including one time cleans that is perfect for this type of event.
We hope you have a wonderful Labor Day!