Is Your Pool Equipment Ready for the Summer?
As you prepare for pool season, you will want to ensure that all your equipment is in good shape. A malfunctioning filter, pump or heater is all it takes to put a damper on your summer.
First-time pool owners say this can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. You may have to study the procedures a few times when you first do it, or to make it easy and less stressful, contact your local reliable pool service company to ensure your pool equipment is ready for the summer. If you choose to do it on your own, here are a few steps and recommendations to get you on your way.
Pool Filter
Most pool owners typically use three kinds of filtration systems: DE, or diatomaceous earth, sand, and cartridge.
DE filters are different because the DE is what filters the water. The fine white powder is the crushed exoskeletons of fossilized diatoms. These tiny ancient organisms are porous and make a great natural filter. You will have to add new DE to the skimmer and run the system. You’ll know you have enough DE when the gauge falls below 8 pounds of pressure or an indicator strip says it is safe.
If you have a sand filter, a clue you have a faulty filter is an apparent obstruction. You’ll notice that water flow is slower because of debris. Backwashing will take care of this. You should change a sand filter every four or five years because the sand becomes less coarse over time.
If you use a cartridge, you will likely have to replace your filter less often. These filters contain more surface area and, therefore, clog less often and are easier to maintain. The first step is removing debris, such as hair or another build-up. Next, use a detergent for cleaning pool filters that you can find at the local hardware store. These are usually spray-on detergents that are simply hosed off afterward.
Pool Pumps
Pool pumps are an integral part of your inground swimming pool equipment. To check if yours is working correctly, turn it on and let it run for a half-hour or more. The goal is to ensure the device is mechanically sound to observe and see the water circulating correctly throughout your pool. You might need a replacement if your pump is humming, making loud noises, or regurgitating water.
While the filter is running, please take a few minutes to inspect your swimming pool for leaks by walking around it and doing a thorough visual inspection.
It is not unusual to have to prime your pump when you first open your pool for the season. First, you will want to purge water from the pump and system. Then, fill the lines with water and let it run. The number of steps required to prime your pump will depend on how much water is on the suction side of the water lines. These are the lines that connect the pump to the swimming pool.
If you’ve installed a new pool and there is no water in the lines, expect to do this repeatedly. It will be apparent if you have no or very little water in the lines because of the low-pressure readings.
Pool Heaters
Texas summers can get pretty hot; however, one never knows when a chilly night can happen out of the blue. If you own a swimming pool, there is no better way to enjoy still that cold night other than having a pool heater.
As there are several types, such as electric and gas, like all other equipment, things can go wrong. So, if you enjoy your pool at night or are planning that long-awaited party poolside, you want to consider having your pool heater inspected so it is ready to crank up if a chilly night comes about. If you do not have a pool heater, BPS, The Backyard Pool Specialist can install one for you.
Be Ready When The Summer is in Full Force
Swimming pool equipment suppliers will carry the things you need. If you are around the Houston, TX areas, BPS, The Backyard Pool Specialists, will be able to assist you with all of your pool equipment, whether it be new or repaired. We provide and maintain all equipment components to the areas of Houston, Barker Cypress, Cypress, Spring, Katy, Tomball, Conroe, The Woodlands, Montgomery, Magnolia and beyond.
When contacting BPS, The Backyard Pool Specialists, a thorough inspection of all pool components will keep your pool open and avoid unwanted surprises.
But please remember if you choose to do it yourself and do not do it properly – Pool equipment repair is much more expensive than pool maintenance. An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure, and no truer words can be spoken regarding your swimming pool.