As important as pool care is during swim season, it’s even more important to make sure that you properly maintain it during the times you’re not using it as much. Taking the time now to ensure your pool is healthy during the “off-season” means you’ll be able to jump right in and spend your valuable time where it matters most when it comes time to amp up your swimming season again. 

Below are a few pool service suggestions to keep your pool healthy and water clear during the slower swim months. 

Turn It On
Go ahead and get all of your equipment turned on, including the filter, pump, heater, and anything else. You want to ensure everything turns on, that you’re not hearing any out of the ordinary noises and that each piece of equipment functions properly. If you notice something isn’t properly working, get in touch with your local pool service experts to assess the situation and get it working before pool season starts. 

Look for Cracks
Now’s a good time to look for any cracking in your pool’s finish, especially around the drain, lights, and concrete pads under the pumps. Look for bubbles that may indicate a leak and enlist the services of a professional technician to fix it at once. Cracks that aren’t addressed in a timely manner could cause more damage. 

Check Your Water Levels
Once you’ve inspected the pool to be sure everything is up to standard, check the water levels. If it’s a bit low, add water to it. Be sure to leave it at the midpoint of the pool skimmer. Anything below or above this point will prevent effective filter action.

Skim the Pool
You should be skimming the surface of your pool once a week. This allows you to scoop out all the debris and accumulated grime in it. It’s also a good idea to run your vacuum for a bit to clean the bottom of the pool. While the vacuum is running, take some time to clean the pool filter and filter basket.

Test and Balance Your Water Chemistry
After the pool has been rid of all the debris and grime, it’s time to test the water. At-home testing kits work well or you can bring your water into your local pool care store to get it tested. Once you figure out the chemicals that your pool needs, you can start adding them to the water. 

Standard water chemistry levels include: 

  • pH – between 7.4 and 7.6
  • Chlorine levels – between 2 and 4 ppm
  • Water hardness – between 150  ppm and 400  ppm.

Your Austin Pool Building Experts
Properly taking care of your pool in the off-season leads to a longer, and more enjoyable pool ownership experience. By incorporating these pool maintenance tips now, you’ll avoid wasting valuable swim time before jumping in again on a regular basis. If you’re ready to take the plunge and purchase a new swimming pool, give the Austin pool building experts at Texas Pools & Patios a call today!

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Texas Pools & Patios is an award-winning Austin and San Antonio pool builder serving Austin, San Antonio, and Central Texas, including Round Rock, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Georgetown, New Braunfels, and Pflugerville.  We specialize in custom-designed inground pools, pool renovation, outdoor living construction, pool repair, maintenance and service.

As a family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on our quality construction, cutting-edge designs, industry certifications and awards, and building lasting customer relationships.

To learn more about our pool design and construction projects, visit our website subscribe to our blog, like us on Facebook, view our latest projects on Houzz or visit our YouTube channel.

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