Having a pool at your home is a great way to have fun with friends and family during the summer months. Whether you’re an avid swimmer, you like splashing around or you just like to lounge in a chair by the side of the pool, you simply can’t beat having a personal getaway installed in your own backyard.
Although pools are a lot of fun, they also require maintenance and care. If you don’t take care of your pool during the warmer months, it could end up damaged and require repairs. The good news is that you don’t have to work as a professional handyman in order to care for your pool during the summer. Below are some tips to help you keep your pool clean, functional and fun all summer long:
Read And Follow All Manufacturer Instructions
One of the most important things you can do to care for your pool during the summer is to follow all manufacturer instructions for things like pumps, filters and chemicals. While there are standards that apply to most pools, the specific equipment and chemicals your pool uses may have unique care instructions that differ from the advice you get online or from a friend.
Make sure you carefully read and follow all directions that come with any products you use in and around your pool. If you have questions about a particular product, contact the manufacturer directly online or by calling their customer support line.
Stick To A Cleaning Schedule
One of the biggest challenges in owning a pool is keeping it clean. Aside from leaves and debris that can blow into your pool during the summer, bugs, hair and general litter can also make their way into your pool’s water. Although your pool’s filter should remove much of this automatically over time, you can reduce the amount of work your pool equipment needs to do by manually cleaning your pool often.
To do this, most pool experts recommend using a mesh scoop attached to an extension pole. This allows you to scoop debris out of your pool without getting in the water, and the extension pole’s telescoping action means you can reach long distances across your pool. Despite this, it’s still a good idea to wear pool-friendly clothing while cleaning. You also might consider having another person nearby while you’re cleaning in case an emergency happens.
Check Safety Gear Often
Your pool should be equipped with safety gear, especially if you have non-swimmers in the area. Pool fencing and gates need to be strong and functional, so check your pool gate lock from time to time to make sure it works properly. You should also check your fencing to make sure it is sturdy and grounded so that someone can’t easily break through it and find their way into your pool.
It’s always a good idea to keep life preservers and other flotation devices near your pool as well. Check these items for damage and make sure they are watertight. If you notice rips and tears or holes in these items, it’s usually better to replace the item rather than take a chance by patching it.
Inspect Your Patio Or Decking
While caring for the liner and other internal components of your pool is important during the summer, you also want to check the walkway areas around your pool. Concrete patios can develop cracks or chips that could lead to tripping hazards, and decking that is old and worn may cause people to get splinters. Before opening your pool for the summer, take a good look around the patio or decking and make note of areas that need to be addressed.
You might also consider installing a non-skid coating or trim around the perimeter of your pool. This can help to keep friends and loved ones safe when walking around wet surfaces.
