Though Floridians get more use out of their pools than swimmers in other states, the summer months and extra visitors can make keeping your pool clear, balanced and ready when you want it challenging. To save yourself the headache of a green or overly chlorinated pool, make sure you are at least doing the following things.

Test Often
You should be regularly testing your pool water, if not every other day at least weekly in the summer. You are testing for chlorine, pH, stabilizer, Bromine and alkalinity. If your chlorine is low, add more chlorine. By keeping the right chemical balance, you are keeping your pool clear, free from bacteria and safe for you and your swimmers. Of note, if you happen to be reading this post in the winter, or when you aren’t using it as regularly, you should still be checking the chemical levels at least every week or every other week.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet if you aren’t using a dipping stick:
• pH should always stay between 7.2 and 7.8 ideally, 7.4 and 7.6. An off-balance pH may lead to calcium buildup which puts undue stress on your liner and can be uncomfortable to swim next to.
• Chlorine should be between 1.0 and 4.0 parts per million (ppm), too much makes your pool look green. Too little means your pool is a good home for bacteria and algae.

Chlorine and pH work together to keep bad bacteria out of your pool. If the pH gets too high, chlorine’s germ-killing power doesn’t work.

Prevent Algae
Another reason for keeping the pH and chlorine at just the right levels is to prevent algae growth. You can also prevent algae growth by having good water circulation and filtration. When you’re checking your chemicals, also check your hoses and filtration system for leaks. If you notice the circulation is not what it used to be, check and empty both the pool skimmer basket (by the pool) and the pump basket (inside the pump). If you don’t think your filtration system is working properly., start by checking for anything that could be obstructing water flow to or from the pool filter. Then check the valves. If you start to see algae, get out your scrub brush and start scrubbing.

Check the water level.
The water level is a lot like Goldilocks, it has to be just right. If the water level is too low, it can create problems in the pump and can cause the pump to run dry or burn up. On the other hand, water levels that are too high can cause the skimmer not to work as it should. After a large group splashing and swimming, check the level. After a storm or heavy rain, check the water level. The best gauge is to make sure your water level is at the halfway point of your pool skimmer.

Get checked out by the pros.
While you can do a lot on your own to keep your pool looking good and ready for you whenever you want, sometimes you might need professional help. In fact, we recommend you have your pool serviced at least once a year just to make sure everything is as it should be. Plus, we are really good at checking your equipment such as filters, pumps, and heating systems for major and minor issues.

Swim ‘N Fun offers weekly pool maintenance. Our trained pool technicians service the pool by testing the pool water, balancing the water chemistry, skimming the pool, brushing the pool walls, emptying the baskets, vacuuming the pool as needed, cleaning or backwashing the pool filter as needed, and checking the equipment to ensure that it is running properly. Routine pool maintenance helps a pool owner to save money and time. A properly balanced pool will also help keep swimmers safe and healthy.

Swim ‘N Fun is fully licensed and insured and has been serving Central Florida since 1986. Our pool company is ready to help you with any pool repairs that you may need such as repairing a broken pool pump, pool filter, pool vacuum, pool filtration system or pool lights. Our pool technicians will arrive at your home in our fully stocked service trucks. They will evaluate the problem and then make the repair. Many times, an extensive or expensive pool repair is not needed. No job is too big or too small!

We service all major brands. Let us help you with your pool repairs. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588.

We serve all of Central Florida including Casselberry, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Longwood, Maitland, Sanford, and the surrounding areas. Rely on us for all of your pool maintenance and pool repair needs. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588 to see how we can assist you. Call today!