Here are the quick tips you need to keep your pool ready year-round:
✔ Check Your Timer
Make sure your timer is set for the right season.
Having the right timer settings will ensure your pool pump and filter isn’t wasting energy by running for too long, or for not long enough. As the weather changes so should your pool timer settings.
✔ Empty Pump or Skimmer Basket(s)
Empty debris & leaves from pump and skimmer basket.
This simple emptying of the basket becomes even more important during the fall season where leaves are more likely to be an issue. Not emptying the basket can result in blockage of your plumbing and filtration system, potentially causing significant harm to your pool pump.
Replace basket if cracked or damaged.
Even a slight crack to your pump basket could result in debris flowing through into your plumbing and leading to hidden blockage in your plumbing. With the strong water flow and pressure that is centered on your pump basket, it’s important to replace at first sign of damage.
✔ Check Pressure Gauge
Pressure gauge should be at ZERO while the pump is off, if not at ZERO, replace your pressure gauge.
While seemingly a tiny piece of your equipment pad, the pressure gauge is critical to understanding if your equipment is running properly and efficiently. With an improper reading you may not immediately notice a small issue that will grow into something more damaging.
✔ Check For Leaks
Check for leaks around your pump, filter, valves, and other equipment in the surrounding area.
Even small leaks in your plumbing or equipment can escalate dramatically, leaving you rushing to find a technician to come out and replace piping or equipment. At the first sign of unexpected water, try to isolate and patch or replace entirely, you don’t want to come home from a weekend trip with a soggy surprise in the backyard.
Consult a Technician if leaks are present.
While a DIY patch may work in the short term, it unfortunately may not address the root cause of the issue. Improper pump sizing, pvc piping or other installation mistakes can lead to recurring and annoying issues.
✔ Lubricate O-Rings
Lubricate O-Rings on pump lid, filter, and backwash valves (if applicable).
After a long summer of pool fun your O-Rings may be due for some care, lubricating the O-Ring will ensure a proper and secure fit. Ensuring no issues with water leakage or other damage.
Replace if O-Rings are stretched or ill-fitting.
Has it been a few years since you last removed your O-Ring? Once removed there’s a good chance it’s stretched or warped in the sun and won’t provide the solid seal that it has for so many years. Replacing yearly keeps you always with a fresh seal, just make sure you locate the correct replacement, too often we see homeowner’s settle for “close enough”. Unfortunately “close enough” doesn’t quite work with O-Rings, you need a 100% match in dimensions to ensure proper installation. Shop O-Rings HERE.
✔ Clean Filter & Backwash (if applicable)
Cartridge Filters
Clean cartridge elements & replace if cracked, torn, or damaged. One of our favorite tips to homeowner’s is to always keep backup cartridges on hand, you might find yourself needing to clean the cartridges less often.
D.E. Filter
Clean D.E. grids and replace or recharge with new Low-Dust D.E., and don’t forget regular backwashing will keep your pool sparkling and fresh.
Sand Filter
Backwash filter & replace sand if older than 3 years.
✔ Check Salt Cell
Check Salt Cell for calcium buildup. If buildup is present, clean the cell.
Calcium buildup over many years is a common cause for the need to replace your cell. Try to stave off that date with consistent cleansing and care of your pool salt cell. Be careful with the acid mixture and cleaning tools you choose to use to maintain your cell.
✔ Check Auto Chlorinator (if applicable)
Refill Auto Chlorinator & adjust settings as needed.
Replace cracked, leaking, or broken parts
✔ Check Pool Cleaner
Check Pool Cleaner for any cracks or broken parts & sufficient suction.
Many pool cleaners that are available today will have a few commonly replaced parts that tend to wear out over extended use.
Bring in cleaner to Leslie’s for a FREE inspection & FREE labor if parts are needed.
Don’t struggle trying to dissect a broken wing flap or diaphragm, our trained professionals in-store are standing by to quickly diagnose and swap out parts that are in need of replacement.
✔ Skim & Brush Pool
Skim leaves & debris from pool. Brush pool for an extra clean.
While this may seem like a routine and simple piece of maintenance, it can often be one of the most critical. Regular brushing and skimming will ensure a stubborn algae strain doesn’t find a comfortable home on your pool walls or floor. By dislodging debris from the walls and floor you allow your filtration system to be many times more effective. Many algae and wall discoloration issues arise from infrequent brushing.
✔ Fill the Floater
Fill chlorine float. Replace floater if cracked or damaged.
Whether you’re using a floating chlorine feeder, or a more automated method of sanitization, it’s important your pool is receiving a steady supply of Free Available Chlorine (FAC). This steady supply of FAC will ensure you water chemistry better handles the peaks and valleys that come with rain, heavy usage, leaves, animals and much more.
✔ Test Pool Water
Bring in a water sample to Leslie’s for a FREE 9-Point Water Test.
Within just minutes receive a comprehensive water treatment plan that is tailored for the specific issues that our water testing will unveil. Our Certified pool expert’s in-store will guide you through proper dosages and treatment steps, ensuring you have a clear path to a sparkling blue pool.
Complete an At-Home Water Test Kit or Strips.
If a store visit isn’t an option today then keep handy an At-Home Testing Kit that can identify issues with your core chemical levels. Whether you’re using Strips or a full Water Test Kit it’s valuable to consistently understand the condition your pool water is in.
✔ Balance Pool Water
Balance your pool water according to water test results.
Now that you’ve diagnosed your pool and understand your treatment plan, ensure you have the right Leslie’s Pool Chemicals on hand to spring into action. Whether you need Chlorine, Shock, Perfect Weekly or any of our other quality pool chemicals your local Leslie’s store will have stock on-hand for same day treatment.
Source: https://www.lesliespool.com/blog/pool-maintenance-checklist/
Photo credit: Sunset Pools,True Blue Waters