Managing a Pool?

Question

Ok. We just bought a new house with a pool. The pool is chlorine, has a diving board, and is somewhere from 8-10 ft deep. I have no idea where to start. Do I need one of those kits to test the pH and chlorine levels in the pool itself? Also, is there anything that I should deffinetly have? I know I sound clueless but I've never had a pool before.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Somewhere recently I saw a solar powered thing that floats in a pool and uses UV or something to kill algae and apparently makes it so you don't have to use chemicals. That would make your job easier.

Answer 2

If you have never had a pool before it would probably be easier to hire a pool service company to service your pool. If you would want to try to do it yourself; you would have to get a chemical test kit(look for a 6-way test) This will check total hardness, free chlorine, total chlorine, ph, Cyniric Acid, and Alkalinity.

Impropper chemical balancing not only could cause algae to grow and turn your pool green but your pool surface won't last as long.

I don't know where you are from but I am located just north of Tampa FL and my pool service charges range from $75-100 per month. This includes all chemicals and cleaning of the pool once a week.

Answer 3

Get good test kit one that tests more than chlorine and pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and Cyanuric Acid are what maintenance people use.  www.taylortechnologies.com is an outstanding maker of test kits and information (Pool & Spa Water Chemistry #2004B is a great starting point for pool chemistry if you are a reader).  If you are new may I recommend calling several maintenance companies who will show you what they do in exchange for several months of service.  They can keep things in balance while you get up to speed.  

Chlorine is best to use and maintain.  Take pool water sample to your local pool supply to do a full chemical check. They can see if your water needs adjustment, partial draining or total draining is needed.  

Maintain a pool log complete with water temps and what and how much chemicals added including chlorine tablets if you use them.  Test water several times a week in Summer, monthly in Winter and proportionatly the rest of the year.

Be a label reader and ask why a lot!  Verify all information you get.  Pool Maintenance is not difficult but like taking care of your yard.  

If you have to drain your pool and have to refill it take the opportunity to figure the gallons of your pool by using your water meter if you fill from your house water.  Contact me by email and I will send you a note about this.

You're welcome!!