Swimming pools are a great way to transform a boring backyard into a peaceful retreat that everyone can enjoy. There’s no better way to pass a warm afternoon than by jumping into a cool backyard pool. However, even the best pools require regular maintenance and care in order to keep them working properly for as long as possible. Though there are many pool maintenance tasks you can do on your own, some are best left to the pros. Here are a few tasks you should always let experienced pool contractors handle.
Shocking the Water
Roughly 85% of swimming pools use chlorine to sanitize the water. The chemicals keep bacteria and algae from blooming in the water and help make the pool a safe place for everyone. When you’re balancing chemical levels on your own, it’s easy to under-chlorinate every once in a while. When left unaddressed, the under-chlorination can allow bacteria and algae to grow in the water. Shocking the water with a high dose of chlorine at least once a month will take care of the problem. Leaving the task to the pros guarantees that the proper amount of chlorine is used each time. Once the water is shocked, professional pool maintenance contractors will be able to restore the proper chemical balance to the water so the pool can be used again quickly.
Maintaining the Heat Pump
Most pools have a heat pump to keep the water comfortably cool on those unexpectedly chilly days. Since the pump relies on electricity or gas to keep the water at an appropriate temperature, it’s best to leave maintenance to an experienced contractor. Remember, tinkering with electricity and natural gas is no joke — it requires the right tools, gear, and training to make sure the system is tuned up without damaging the heat pump or injuring themselves.
Cleaning an Already Dirty Pool
Nothing is more off-putting that walking into the backyard only to discover that the water has turned green. Unfortunately, cleaning the pool once algae has bloomed takes time and lots of elbow grease. Worse, it’s often too much for residential equipment to handle. Instead of trying to clean your custom pool once the water’s turned green, leave the task to an experienced pool maintenance crew.
Though it is possible to take care of pool maintenance on your own, some tasks are best left to the pros. If you ever feel like a maintenance task is too difficult or time-consuming to tackle, contact your pool contractors to schedule a pool maintenance appointment as soon as possible.