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Common Questions about pool maintenance
If you are a pool owner looking to maintain your own swimming pool here are the basics. Things the DIY pool owner needs to know.
WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A CHLORINE POOL?
You will need chlorine for the type of system you have (if it is installed into the plumbing of your pool system). These are usually 3″ tablets but can also come in other sizes.
Adding chlorine to swimming pool:
In cases where a auto chlorine feeder does not exist at the equipment plumbing you can put chlorine tablets into the pool skimmer inlet, but is best when used in a chlorine feeder at the pool equipment.
Related: How to shock the swimming pool
WHAT DO I NEED FOR A SALT WATER POOL?
Processed salt is used for producing chlorine, so you will need to have several bags of pool salt on hand at all times. This is only for salt water pools.
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- Not sure if you have a salt water pool or not?
- Can’t figure out if the salt system is working in your pool?
Adding salt to a swimming pool:
Never add the salt directly to the skimmer inlet. You should always pour the salt evenly around the edge into the pool, then brush until it all is dissolved.
Pool Water Capacity Calculator
Adding stabilizer (cyanuric acid) to salt water pool
Measure the levels and compare to amount needed to add, then clean out the skimmer inlet and place the required amount OF pool stabilizer into the skimmer over the basket, this will help distribute to the pool water evenly.
Related: Salt water pools and patio furniture
WHAT POOL CHEMICALS DO I REALLY NEED?
Either a chlorine or a salt water pool will need to have some of the same chemicals on hand. Although the type of sanitation is different here are all the other things you will need to have and monitor.
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- Pool salt (if a salt pool)
Chlorine tablets (even if a salt pool) - Also important to have
liquid or granular pool shock - Muriatic (hydrochloric) acid
Phosphate remover
- Pool salt (if a salt pool)
WHAT TOOLS DO I NEED FOR A SWIMMING POOL?
To be your own pool service WITH a trouble free pool you need to have some tools that make everything easy. Here is what you need:
Get the pro version when possible
pool pole
surface skimmer (net)
18″ metal + nylon brush
Taylor pool water test kit
pool salt water test kit
STORAGE OF POOL CHEMICALS AT HOME
Swimming pool chemicals are corrosive, and should be kept in dry safe place when not in use. Do not store the chemicals right near the pool, instead dedicate a closed off area. Here are some ideas for pool chemical storage:
Upright cabinet with lock
bench style storage cabinet
backyard shop
garage
IS IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN A SWIMMING POOL?
Keeping up with swimming pool care is easy if you keep up with a weekly schedule. Having all of the tools and chemicals mentioned above you can knock out the pool maintenance yourself on a Friday afternoon and have it ready for the weekend. Most pool service routines are completed within 1 hour.
Related: Swimming Pool Maintenance & Service Tips
HOW MUCH WILL I SAVE IF I DO POOL MAINTENANCE MYSELF?
The average cost of hiring a swimming pool service company to clean your pool every week is around $100 to $180 per month depending on where you are located and your pool or the level of service they might offer, with the highest ever seen being $198 per month.
If you provide your own labor and only purchase the chemicals your pool needs when it needs it, you will see some savings. DIY pool care vs hiring a pool company can see savings of $75 to $100 per month, with the highest savings seen at $120 per month compared to the average price of hiring a pool service company.
SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE GUIDE PDF
NEED HELP FROM A LOCAL PRO?
Sometimes life can get in the way and even though we usually handle the pool service we still need help, maybe while on vacation. If you still need help with your pool but looking for a qualified pool service tech go here:
