Time Frame

• Maintaining a swimming pool requires different procedures for each season. In the early summer, the pool will officially be opened. Remove the winter cover, and reinstall the hoses, pump or filters that were removed during the winter storage.
  
  The pool will require a through vacuuming and initial chemical treatment to balance the water. Shock the pool with chlorine shock until pool test strips give a value of 10 ppm of chlorine. This super chlorination will kill off algae growth and harmful bacteria in the water. Add ph increaser or decreaser until the ph level is between 7.2 and 7.6. Maintain a chlorine level of 3 ppm.
  
  During the summer months, maintain the chemical levels in the water and perform weekly cleanings to remove leaves. A weekly chlorine shock and algaecide treatment will help keep algae growth at bay and the water properly balanced after heavy bathing loads.
  
  In the fall, pool maintenance increases. It is time to prepare to close down the pool. A final thorough cleaning by vacuuming up leaves and scrubbing down the walls will prepare your pool for the next season. Be sure to balance the chemicals one last time, and bring the chlorine level back up to 10 ppm to retard the growth of algae on warm days after the pool has been closed. Unhook all external hoses, pumps and filters, and store for the winter. Put on a winter cover, and winterize the filter for your region.
  
  

Features

• Regular pool maintenance requires chemicals to balance the water. Add chlorine tablets, chlorine shock and ph increaser and decreaser until water is balanced. Use algaecide to reduce algae growth and clarifier to get small particles of dust out of the water. Use a vacuum to remove larger pieces of dirt and leaves.
  
  

Effects

• Routine pool maintenance will help keep water crystal clear and visibly presentable. Maintenance keeps the water free of harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can cause infections and illness in swimmers.
  
  

Considerations

• If you will be going on vacation while your pool is open, consider calling a local pool retailer for a service while you are gone. They can add chemicals as needed so algae growth doesn't get out of control while you are gone. They can also check on your filtration system and make sure the water is moving smoothly and is free of any clogs.
  
  

Benefits

• Swimming pool maintenance is a daily concern for pool owners. Keeping a safe and clean swimming environment for family and friends is important to every pool owner. Keeping the water properly balanced in the swimming pool is possible with routine maintenance.