Swimming Pool Information
| This information can clarify and help answer some questions. Pool types: Pools are available in two types: above
ground and in-ground. The type can determine the amount
and kind of cleaning methods.
Pool materials: Pools come in a variety of different
materials, some requiring more maintenance than others.
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Fiberglass is used for a one-piece tub fitted into a pre-dug
hole. The slick surface repels algae, but it will need
occasional re-coating.
Concrete is covered with a plaster water seal that can take more
wear and tear than other pool materials. It'll probably need to
be replaced every 7 to 10 years.
Aggregate finish is a concrete pool with a specialized finish
that has better traction. It's covered with a layer of embedded
rounded gravel.
Tile is a concrete pool with a tile finish instead of a plaster
finish. The tile surface requires less surface maintenance than
other surfaces.
The slick surface of a vinyl liner, like fiberglass, repels
algae.
Pool problems: How much your pool is used will help determine
the amount of cleaning needed. For instance, murky or colored
water may mean you have chemical imbalances, pollutants such as
microorganisms, or a clogged filter. Clogged filters can mean
money down the drain.
Algae can be another spoiler. It needs to be attacked two ways
-- through chemical treatment, and a lot of filtering,
backwashing, scrubbing, and skimming. Whether it is green,
brown, or little black spots of algae, it will take over your
pool if it is not dealt with immediately.
Features: Pools can have several features that can affect your
cleaning job. Many larger pools have heaters, especially those
installed in cooler climates. Many homeowners turn off the
heater in the warmer months to save on the utility bill. Your
filtration system keeps the water clean. Improper chemical
balances open the door to contamination, therefore it's also
advisable to use a water testing kit. It gives a good indication
when you need temporary treatment, and when a pool service
professional is needed.
Some manual pool covers are designed for safety to keep kids out
of the water in case they slipped on the edge. Winter covers can
also lower your heating and chemical use. It's a nice feature to
keep leafs and bugs at a minimum.
An automatic pool cover is just like a manual pool cover, except
a machine rolls it back and forth along tracks. There is more to
cleaning a pool, however, than keeping a proper pH balance. Not
only is there skimming for floaties, but also vacuuming;
scrubbing the tiles, sides, and floor; and cleaning,
maintaining, emptying, and backwashing the filter and pump. A
professional pool cleaning service will give you many clean,
clear hours free of scale, rust, pollutants, bacteria and cloudy
water. (But it's up to you to watch for that occasional leaf.)
If you own an outdoor pool in a climate that gets cold during
the winter, many experts strongly suggest you winterize your
pool. Winterization usually entails draining most of the water,
blowing out the pipes, applying algaecide and antifreeze in key
areas, and covering the pool. Winterization will protect your
pool from any freeze damage that can harm your pool surface and
equipment.
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