Pool Maintenance - DIY or Go with a Pro?

When it comes to pool maintenance and weighing the costs, you may be debating on whether to go with a pro, or try to do it yourself. A pool can be the most difficult and expensive feature of your home and when it comes to deciding between pool care and using a professional what can you do and what can you leave to the pros.

Generally, professional pool maintenance can run a few hundred dollars a month depending on the size of your pool and needs. Pool care usually involves skimming the surface, vacuuming and brushing, emptying the skimmer baskets and automatic cleaner bags. The waters typically tested and balanced with chemicals if needed. Sanitizer levels are checked and water treatment chemicals applied. Equipment such as filters, pumps, heaters, and coordinators are also checked and cleaned if necessary. This is a lot of work to do monthly and it may be too time-consuming for the average homeowner.

What you can do is check the pressure gauge every few days. If it rises 5 pounds or more, the water flow rate may slow down making filtration in efficient. Filters should be cleaned anywhere from 3 to 7 weeks depending on their size but you want to wait until this pressure gauge has risen at least 5 to 10 pounds. When the pressure gauge is lower than normal it can mean that the pump basket or skimmers are full. To empty the pump basket you must first shut off the pump, remove the lid and pull out the basket. Other pool maintenance items could include annual lubrication of rings, replacement of the filters, and pump and heater replacements, which can be replaced every 5 to 10 years.

Basic pool cleaning and skimming can be a DIY project if you have the time. It can be extremely difficult after storms when palm fronds litter the backyards and the water. You'll first want to clean off the deck so that it is safe to walk around and attach a leaf rake to a pool pole and walked briskly around the entire edge of the pool with the leaf rake or net touching the edge of the pool. Pool vacuums can make this job a lot easier but they can be expensive.

Pool chemical management is also something that may or may not be in your wheelhouse. Pools require frequent chemical testing to verify their cleanliness and chemical balance. Altering the pH levels may consist of adding acid to lower it or a base to raise it. You should also check the hardness, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid levels on a regular basis. Your pool may benefit from chemicals to control the metal and minerals in the water, oils and organics or to control algae.

It's important to weigh all the factors as well as your time. Maintaining a pool is extremely time-consuming but the benefits of enjoying the pool far outweigh the cost of maintenance and time if you use it on a regular basis. If this seems like overkill or you just don't have the time, give Everclear Pool Service a call and schedule your pool service cleaning or maintenance today.

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