Having a backyard pool is a wonderful addition to any home. It will provide countless hours of fun in the sun, exercise, and relaxation. However, to enjoy your pool and get the most out of the experience, it is important to have a basic understanding of how your new pool works, general maintenance, and some basic troubleshooting in case problems arise. Armed with this information, you will have the information you need to keep your pool running optimally, all summer long.
A lot of pool maintenance and upkeep are things that the pool owner can do themselves, without the need of bringing in a costly professional. Failing to follow through with routine maintenance, however, can lead to major issues that may even require that your pool be inoperable while you find and fix the problem. This guide is intended to provide new pool owners with all the basic information needed to keep your pool running in tip-top shape, and with as few problems as possible.
Your pool is an investment and taking proper care of it just makes sense. In this guide, we will discuss the basics of how your pool functions. We will then move on to basic maintenance and the products you need to keep your pool open, clean, and safe. Throughout, we will also look at some of the most common problems that new pool owners face, explain the issues, and highlight potential solutions to said problems.
The Philosophy of Pool Care
Unless you are a certified pool tech with years of experience, you will likely only ever have a basic understanding of your pool system and how it operates. For basic cleaning and maintenance, this is enough knowledge. Professional pool technicians deal with a variety of different types of pools, from residential to commercial, that operate with different types of filtration and sanitation practices. For the home pool owner, this expansive knowledge is not required to keep your pool open and clean.
For the most part, you should be able to manage most aspects of your pool’s operation and maintenance without the need for regular visits from a pool tech. People have pools installed because, well, they are a blast. There isn’t much better on a sunny, hot summer day than taking a dip in your very own pool. Even with the responsibility of upkeep and care, a pool is still an incredibly fun way to spend time with family and friends and makes a great addition to any home. Try to keep that feeling in mind when you are dealing with the less-sexy aspects of pool care.
It is important to remember that, while pools are a ton of fun, they are also complex systems that require care to work properly. Though it can be helpful, when trying to ascertain why your pool is cloudy, or when you are cleaning a ton of leaves and other debris out of it, that you are doing it to continue to provide some fun in the sun for your friends and family. Keeping up with regular maintenance also means that you will ultimately spend less time taking care of your pool and more time enjoying it.
All Play and No Work Make Your Pool Suffer
It is, for sure, way more enjoyable to sit poolside with a cold drink in hand, but not all aspects of owning a pool are this sexy. It can be tempting to let some of those regular tasks you know need to be done fall by the wayside, but that can end up leading to bigger and more difficult problems in the future, and some of these problems can get quite expensive and frustrating. This means that it is highly recommended that you have a schedule of maintenance tasks and that you stick to them religiously. This will not guarantee that you never have unexpected problems – pools are notorious for being difficult at times – but it does help reduce the likelihood of having problems.
Cleaning filters, removing debris, checking the inner workings of the pumps or filtration system, and keeping an eye on the chemical balance of the pool are some of the most important parts of pool maintenance. Many people develop a routine that ensures that they can keep up with all aspects of maintenance, without having to put in long and hard days to make it happen. Doing a little bit each day helps reduce the burden of pool care as well.
Make taking care of the pool a family affair. There are many elements of pool care that the kids can help with, from skimming leaves off the top of the pool to removing debris from the bottom of the pool. Most people fail to realize that there is work involved in owning a pool. Yes, they are a ton of fun, but they are also an investment and sophisticated systems that cannot function without regular maintenance. There isn’t much worse than having an inoperable pool in your backyard because you failed to properly care for it.
It can be tempting to say “I’ll get to it tomorrow” but the longer you put off basic cleaning and upkeep, the worse it gets and the more likely you are to have bigger, more complicated problems with the system. It is highly recommended that you break up all the tasks required and have a good schedule (that you stick to) that ensures that all issues are taken care of but without having to spend your entire weekend making sure the pool is good to go for the rest of the week.
Swimming Pool Design Basics
One thing you probably noticed when looking into pools is how many different kinds of design there are. There are five basic types of pool and what will work best for you will be dependent on your budget, where you live, and what you want to do with the pool. Let’s do a basic rundown of the different types of pool and what advantages or pitfalls they may have.
Above Ground Pools – Pros and Cons
Firstly, there are above ground pools and inground pools. The biggest differences between above ground and inground pools are the design. As the name implies, an above ground pool is not dug into the ground, whereas an inground pool is. An above-ground pool is a lot cheaper than an inground pool, but you typically can’t get one as large as an inground pool. An above-ground pool can be installed in far less time and doesn’t require all the land moving and excavation that an inground pool requires.
An inground pool can take as long as 8-weeks to build and get in operating conditions. However, they provide a more authentic swim experience and can be as large as you want them to be. Obviously, given the land preparation required for an inground pool, they are more expensive and time-consuming to install, but many people prefer the classic look and feel of an inground pool. However, for people who are working with limited space or budget, or who have uneven terrain in their yard, an above ground pool might be the best option.
There are tons of different shapes and sizes of above ground pool and they can be installed far faster and more cheaply than an inground pool. Since they tend to be smaller, they require less maintenance than an inground pool, but the limitation of size is also one of the pitfalls for an above ground pool. Temperature and chemical regulation, particularly during a really hot and sunny summer, can be more difficult to manage since, with the smaller body of water, it will be more sensitive to changes.
Above ground pools tend to require more maintenance to keep them clean as they do not have the same extensive filtration and skimming systems that inground pools have. Another downside of above ground pools is that they do not have the lifespan of an inground pool. While they are cheaper at installation, an above ground pool will not last as long as an inground pool. There are also not nearly as many add-ons and additional features available with an above ground pool as there are with inground pools.
Depending on the type you purchase, an above ground pool can last as long as a decade or more with proper maintenance, or only a few seasons. With proper care, an inground pool can last 50 years or more, usually only needed to be refurbished every 25 years. If you choose a vinyl or fiberglass lining for an inground pool, it will need to be redone every 10 years for vinyl and 20 for fiberglass.
Inground Pools
This guide is, in large part, focused on the operation, care, and problems that are associated with inground pools, so let’s take a look at the most common types of inground pools on the market.
- Concrete Pools – Chances are, when you think of an inground pool, you are thinking of concrete pools. While this is what most people think of, this is not the most commonly-used style of inground pool. Like all inground pools, a large hole must be dug into the ground. Then the plumbing and reinforcing materials are added. Finally, concrete is poured over the grid of reinforcement, where it then dries.
- Fiberglass Pools – Like all inground pools, a hole will need to be dug into the ground to install a fiberglass pool. However, unlike concrete pools, fiberglass pools are pre-built. The installers will put in the proper plumbing and other necessities, then the pre-built pool is lowered into the plumbed hole for permanent installation.
- Vinyl Pools – Again, like the other types of inground pool we are talking about here, a hole needs to be excavated before installation. These pools are constructed from wood, metal, vinyl, and other plastics. The “bones” of the pool are installed into the hole and sand is used as a filler and to line the bottom of the pool. Then, a fiberglass liner is installed.
- Gunite Pools – Though you have probably never heard of a gunite pool, this is the most common type of inground pool used. Gunite is just a mixture of concrete and sand, but it is a lot easier to work with than straight concrete. The construction method is similar to a concrete pool. First, of course, a hole is dug in the ground. After plumbing, gunite is sprayed into the hole and then smoothed out by hand. It has to sit for several days, but then it can be lined with tile or some other material, or painted. This type of pool is incredibly durable and versatile.
The Basic Parts of a Pool
Even though there are quite a few different kinds of pools, there are some commonalities when it comes to the inner workings of the pool. All inground pools and even many above ground pools are designed with a filtration and/or skimming system that helps keep the pool clean. Some pools will also have heat regulation and other features. These features are extras that are not standard on most pools. Let’s look at the parts of a pool that are common across types.
- Pump – The pump can be likened to the heart of the pool. This is where circulation originates. It pulls water through the main drain and skimmer (if there is a skimmer system), there it is pushed through the filter before being returned to the pool. A pool pump is comprised of three major components: a motor, impeller, and a debris trap.
- Filter – As the name implies, a filter is designed to remove debris and impurities from the water. There are a variety of different types of filtration systems, but the most common are sand filters, cartridge filters, or diatomaceous earth filters. Pools will have at least one filter, some will have two or more depending on the size. Water flows through the filter where debris is caught and removed before the water is returned to the pool. The most common type of filter is a sand filter. This is a special type of sand that is housed in a large tank. Over time, the sand will get clogged and need to be backwashed, which will be discussed further below. You will also need to change the filters when they become too clogged and backwashing no longer frees up the flow.
- Pool Drains – Though it sounds like it, this is not a drain to remove all the water from the pool. Most inground pools will have at least two or three drains along the bottom and/or side of the pool. Heavy debris will sink to the bottom of the pool and these drains are designed to suck it in and put it through the filter before returning the water to the pool. It is part of the pool’s circulation and cleaning system that draws water and debris in filters it and then returns it to the pool. If you have a heating system, the water will be heated before reentry.
- Skimmers – These are similar to the drains we just described except that is located right at the surface of the water, generally along the sides of the pool. They are designed to remove floating debris that does not sink to where the underwater drains can remove them. In practice, it works almost exactly like the drain, it is just located at the surface of the water instead of at the bottom of the pool.
- Water Returns – These are valves that are located around the edges of the pool. This is where water that has been sucked in by the drains, skimmers, or filters gets returned to the main body of water in the pool.
- Chemical Feeder – Outside of good circulation, the most important part of pool maintenance is keeping the chemicals balanced. Most pools have systems that use a chemical feeder to slowly release chlorine and acid into the pool as needed to keep it sanitized. This works a lot better than trying to keep the water balanced by pouring in a bunch of chemicals at once. Floaters are a common type of chemical feeder that features a chemical tablet that slowly erodes, putting chemicals into the water. There are also automatic feeders which can be installed that will monitor the chemical levels in the pool and add more as needed. The automatic feeders tend to be more accurate and able to keep the proper balance in the pool. An erosion tablet may vary in how long it takes to erode, and thus how much chemical enters the water. They also often get stuck in one part of the pool, making it more difficult to disperse the chemicals throughout the entire body of water.
- Heater – This is not something that is found on most above ground pools but is often included in the operating systems of inground pools. As the name implies, the heater will warm incoming water before it is returned to the pool. This helps keep a constant, comfortable temperature without impeding on water flow and turnover. This is most often an optional component, but a nice addition as they keep the water at a pleasant temperature at all times.
The Importance of Circulation
The most important aspect of pool care is keeping optimal circulation. Most of the parts we described above are designed to help promote circulation and water flow. This is what keeps all the systems running smoothly and doing what they are supposed to. The most common problems pool owner’s face is often related to poor water circulation. Just like a heart with poor circulation can cause body problems, a pool system that has poor circulation will do the same. All the parts we talked about in the previous section are designed to work in tandem to keep flow, filtration, and chemical balance all at the appropriate levels.
While these systems work well, they do require maintenance and there are things that you can do to ensure that you always have the best possible circulation. Pools have dead spots where water doesn’t flow or circulate as it should. Filters will get clogged over time. These things can dramatically reduce the efficiency and functioning of the pool if left unattended.
Basic Rules for Keeping Circulation Flowing
- Find the Dead Spots – as noted above, no matter how well a pool is designed, it will have dead areas. These are spots in the pool where water just sits and doesn’t flow or circulate. The most common dead spots are behind ladders, near the skimmers, or in the corners of the pool where the shape resists water flow. This can be aided with aiming the water returns towards these dead spots. This will have flowing water pushed through those areas, forcing it to circulate. Some fittings can be purchased and installed that cause the return to slowly rotate, which will often solve the dead spot problem as well without having to manually aim the return jets.
- Clean Your Filter – Pool filters, like any type of filter, get clogged on occasion. Sand and diatomaceous earth filters will get loaded down with debris, which will cause a reduction in water flow and thus circulation. Additionally, filters will often get calcium and other mineral buildups on them that needs to be removed. You can regularly clean out your sand or diatomaceous earth filter by backwashing the filter. This flushes water through the filter in the opposite direction, with the water being sent out as waste. This works to keep debris and calcium deposits from reducing your flow, but over time, the sand or earth will need to be replaced. If you have a filter cartridge, you will need to remove it and hose it off to keep it free of buildup.
- Keep the Pool Clean – Regularly brushing and vacuuming your pool are part and parcel to keeping your pool looking good and also properly functioning. Using a pool broom, you can sweep any debris towards the drain on the bottom of the pool, aiding in the removal of heavier debris that doesn’t move as quickly. Some dirt and debris can also collect in parts of the pool. Regularly vacuuming your pool will keep it clean and ensure optimal circulation. Dead zones are areas that you should particularly focus on when sweeping or vacuuming. This not only removes debris but will also remove any potentially harmful bacteria from the water as well.
- Make Sure You Run Your Pump – The pump has to be on and running to do its job. The biggest mistake pool owners make is not leaving the pool pump running long enough. Many people will just leave their pumps on at all times so that it continues to circulate and provide chemicals even when not in use. At a minimum, you should have your pump running for at least 8 hours a day. If the pool is going to see heavy use, keep it on at all times during this increased level of activity and use.
Pool Filtration Systems
After flow and circulation, filtration is vital. This helps keep the pool clean, the water flowing, and the levels of chemicals in proper balance. All systems on a pool work together to ensure optimal functioning. The pool filtration systems work with the pump to keep water flowing through the filtration system where it can remove any impurities and debris that collect in the pool. As we have mentioned in various places in this guide, there are three main types of filtration system: sand, diatomaceous earth, and cartridge filters. Let’s take a brief look at each in turn.
- Sand Filters – This is the most common type of filtration system used in both residential and commercial pools. This makes sense as it is one of the oldest types of filtration system and they are still highly effective at removing debris and impurities. This filter is comprised of a large tank that will be filled with a special grade of sand. Water to be filtered is pulled into the filter where it passes through the sand. The sand collects most of the debris that in the water. The clean water is then passed back through to the pump and then is added back to the pool via the returns. Backwashing is part of regular maintenance for this type of filter. Depending on how much the pool gets used, the sand will occasionally need to be changed, but generally only every few years.
- Diatomaceous Earth Filters (DE) – These filters work in much the same was a sand filter. They are comprised of a large tank filled with extensions coated with a special substance called diatomaceous earth. These tend to be more costly than sand or cartridge filters, but they have the advantage of having the best filtration of all the types of residentially-available filtration systems. They can filter out particles and debris as small as 4 microns. This type of filter also requires far less out of the pump, making it more efficient. This type of filter needs to be backwashed like the sand filters. Most DE systems will have a pressure gauge that indicates when it needs to be backwashed. Unlike sand filters, additional cleaning and maintenance are required for a DE filter.
- Cartridge Filters – This type of filtration system is often used on above ground pools but can also be used with inground pools. They work much the same way as an air filter works. There is a cartridge that is filled with a variety of materials that are used to trap particles and debris from the water. This type of filter is much easier to care for as you can simply hose the filter off until it needs to be replaced. However, they do need to be replaced fairly regularly and will need to be replaced more often if the pool is in heavy use. The biggest downside to this type of filter is that it has the least filtration capacity, only able to remove debris that is at least 10-15 microns.
It might seem difficult to determine which filter will work best for your needs. If you have an above ground pool, the solution is simple: use a cartridge filter. If you have an inground pool, it will take a bit more consideration. A lot of people stick with the traditional sand filter because of its proven effectiveness and the smaller price tag when compared to the DE systems. For those who are concerned about their impact on the environment, energy usage, or that want a better more effective filtration system, a DE filtration system might be the best choice. It should be noted that this system is more expensive and takes a bit more know-how to maintain than a sand filter, but it does have these advantages.
Basic Cleaning and Maintenance
Now that we have gone through some of the basics of how pools are designed and function, let’s turn to the basic cleaning and maintenance that will need to be undertaken. You can certainly hire a professional pool tech to take care of all of this, but those costs add up and much of what needs to be done doesn’t require a ton of time or technical knowhow. Most people will not be able to handle all the issues their pool throws at them. Things will break, there may be problems that, try as you might, you are unable to fix. This is when it is time to call in the professionals. But for most regular maintenance, a bit of guidance is all you need.
To properly care for and maintain your pool, there are a few pieces of equipment that you will need to perform said tasks. You will need a vacuum, a vacuum head, a vacuum hose, a pool brush, skimmer net, and a telescopic pole (a pole that can have the length adjusted). With these tools, you will have everything you need to keep your pool in good working order.
Vacuuming and Sweeping
Much of what needs to be done on a pool is cleaning-related and there isn’t necessarily a schedule for this. A lot of it is done on an “as needed” basis, like vacuuming. This is done when you notice an accumulation of debris settled on the floor of the pool. Most people do this about once a week to keep up with the debris.
However, you don’t just start vacuuming, there is a way to best prepare the water so that your efforts are more efficient. Before vacuuming, use the skimmer net to remove as much debris as possible from the pool manually. This makes it easier for the vacuum to pick up small debris. Additionally, brushing the pool before you vacuum will help loosen up any algae or other debris that may be stuck to the floor of the pool.
It is vital that you use the right kind of brush for your pool though. Using the wrong type of brush can cause scratching and other damage to the tile or plaster on your pool. Plastic-bristle brushes are the safest for all surfaces, but they may not be as effective as steel brushes on concrete or gunite surfaces. Never use a steel brush on vinyl or fiberglass as it will damage the material.
Cleaning the Filter (with Chemicals)
Backwashing and hosing off filters (depending on which type you use) is part and parcel for keeping your filtration system clean and running efficiently. However, other substances such as oils and calcium deposits build up to a point where backwashing doesn’t do the trick. If you have backwashed or replaced your filter and it still isn’t working properly, there might be build up somewhere else on the filtration system. Oftentimes, removing all the components and hosing them off is enough to dislodge the debris, but not always.
When you have tough debris that isn’t coming off with a hose, it is time to turn to specially-formulated chemicals. For sand and diatomaceous earth filters, some chemicals can be added before you backwash the filter. For cartridge filters that have buildup, soaking them in a mixture of TSP and water overnight is often enough to break any stuck-on debris up. Be sure that you take proper safety precautions when using these chemicals. Once you have your filter cleaned to your liking, be sure to thoroughly rinse all components before putting the filtration system back together and turning it on again. The chemicals used in this cleaning process are incredibly harsh.
Maintaining a Pool Cover
Pool covers are great to help keep the pool clean when not in use or to keep the water protected during the winter. But even these get dirty and damaged and require a bit of upkeep. Typically it is okay to clean the cover annually with a mixture of mild detergent and water. You can also purchase a pool cover brush which is specially designed to be used on the cover. If you do not have a pool cover brush, a high-pressure hose can be used to remove dirt and debris. If you live in an area that gets cold in the winter months, a pump cover is also recommended to help protect the pump and its parts from inclement weather.
Pool Chemistry 101
Now that we have touched on basic cleaning requirements, it is time to get to the part of pool ownership that intimidates most pool owners: pool chemistry balance. The chemical balance in your pool is just as vital as is flow and circulation. These chemicals are what keep the water safe to swim in. It might seem overwhelming, but the process of checking the chemicals in your pool is simple. There are a variety of different kinds of water testing kits available that will allow you to read the amount of chlorine, dissolved solids, pH, and more. This is imperative information for keeping your chemicals in the right balance.
pH Balance
The pH of your water is a reference to the acidity of the water. Having too low of a pH level will make your water overly acidic while having too high of a pH level will make it too basic. You want to keep the pH balance somewhere between 7.4 and 7.6. Improper pH levels can cause damage to your pool liner and can also lead to skin and eye irritation. If you need to raise or lower your pH level, there are pool-grade increasers and reducers to help.
Keeping the alkalinity of the water balanced (ideally, within 100 to 150 ppm) will also help maintain the right pH balance.
Water Hardness
Another common water test is to determine how “hard” your water is. This refers to the amount of calcium is in your water. You want between 150-400 ppm. Having too much or not enough can cause damage to your pool components and can make the water cloudy.
Chlorine
Chlorine is the most important chemical used in your pool. This is what sanitizes the water and keeps it safe for swimming. It kills germs and fights algae. While other chemicals can be used for sanitation, chlorine is the most common because it is highly effective and cost-efficient. You can use liquid or granule forms of chlorine. You want to keep the levels between 2-4 ppm. This is enough to keep the water sanitized without causing skin and eye irritation. Chlorine will most often clear up any problems with algae, but there are “algaecides” if chlorine isn’t doing the trick.
Many people “shock” their pools about once a week. This just means using very strong chlorine. It is often referred to as “pool shock” at most pool supply stores. This added precaution is a good way to ensure that all bacteria and other nasties are killed and removed from the water. It should be noted that the pool is not safe to swim in for about 12 hours after it is shocked. The best way to determine when it is safe to swim again is to test the water and wait until it is back within the ideal range.
Armed with this basic information about the operation of your pool and the basic elements of care will help ensure that your pool is working optimally and ready for you and your family to enjoy memorable summer moments in the sun.