If you are thinking of having a pool installed at your Ottawa home, you are probably also thinking about how to avoid the mistakes that lead to unnecessary repairs. If you already own a pool, you are likely focused on proper pool maintenance season after season. Having a trustworthy company specializing in pool repair ottawa is a great first step.
Key Swimming Pool Care Mistakes to Be Aware Of
Here are some key swimming pool care mistakes to be aware of.
Pets
Pet hair left in the pool will alter chemical levels and clog your pool filter. The average dog introduces up to three times more contaminants than an adult swimmer. Use water clarifiers after your dog swims to break down oils and other pollutants that remain in the water.
pH Levels
Check the acidity levels of your pool at least twice per week. This ensures the level stays at 7.0 or below so that chlorine remains active enough to keep the pool safe. A professional pool water analysis is the most accurate way to confirm your readings are correct.
Cleaning Filters Correctly
Dirty filters allow algae to grow and can damage the pump motor over time. Wearing appropriate protective equipment, soak dirty filters in a mild muriatic acid solution for about 10 minutes, then rinse and air dry. Knowing when and how to clean your filters is a core part of pool maintenance.
DE Filter
Your Diatomaceous Earth filter only needs cleaning when the pressure gauge rises 8 to 10 psi above the clean reading. Cleaning it more frequently actually prevents it from doing its filtration job properly.
Chemicals
Add pool chemicals during the evening or at night when temperatures are more moderate. Adding chlorine during hot daytime hours makes it far less effective, as UV exposure converts chlorine ions to gas. You would end up using twice as much to treat the pool properly.
Swimsuits
Swimwear made from spandex and nylon is designed for pool use. Cotton releases body oils, detergent residue and bacteria into the water, contaminating the pool. Cotton also holds water tightly, which can be a safety concern for infants and small children.
Water Level
Keep the water level appropriate for the day’s evaporation rate and number of swimmers. Overfilling causes water to wash over the deck and return carrying dirt and debris. Underfilling causes the pump to filter air instead of water, which risks damaging your swimming pool pumps and filtration equipment.
Filter and Pump System
The filtration and pump system should run at least eight hours daily. This keeps chemicals circulating correctly and removes dirt from the water. Neglecting this allows algae to form rapidly, forcing the system to run continuously until the pool recovers. Overworking the pump this way often leads to pool pump replacement sooner than necessary.
Calcium
High calcium levels give pool water a cloudy appearance. The recommended calcium hardness range is 200 to 275 ppm for plaster and concrete pools. Left unmanaged, calcium buildup can cause scaling on pool surfaces and equipment over time.
Visitors
Guests bring germs, bacteria and contaminants from their daily lives. After having a number of visitors, treat your pool and run the filter for several hours. This is a simple habit that supports consistent weekly pool maintenance and keeps algae from forming.
Avoiding mistakes
The best way to avoid these mistakes is to work with a qualified pool professional. If you are unsure about your pool’s condition, scheduling a pool leak detection inspection or attending a pool school session can help build your confidence and knowledge. ML Pool Services has many years of experience in ottawa pool maintenance and our team is highly qualified to help with all your pool needs. Contact us today to learn more about our pool services.
