Maintaining a saltwater pool offers a refreshing twist on traditional pool care, but it comes with its own set of responsibilities. Imagine enjoying a crystal-clear pool with minimal fuss—this can be your reality with the right maintenance approach. 

Understanding the unique aspects of saltwater pools ensures that you keep your pool in peak condition, enhancing your swimming experience and prolonging the life of your equipment. Whether you’re new to saltwater systems or looking to refine your maintenance routine with the help of professional pool cleaning services, knowing the essentials can make all the difference.

Understanding Saltwater Pool Basics

Saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine, which sanitizes the water. While they offer a more gentle swimming experience compared to traditional chlorine pools, maintaining a saltwater pool requires specific care. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s involved:

  1. Regular Testing:
    • Importance: Testing your pool water regularly ensures that the salt, pH, and chlorine levels are within the recommended ranges. This is crucial for effective sanitation and to prevent damage to the pool equipment.
    • How To: Use a reliable test kit or strips to measure salt levels, typically aiming for 2,500 to 4,000 ppm. Test the pH level, ideally between 7.4 and 7.6, and check chlorine levels to confirm they are within the appropriate range (1-3 ppm).
  1. Maintaining Salt Levels:
    • Why It Matters: Salt levels can drop due to factors like rain, evaporation, or heavy use. Low salt levels can cause the salt cell to underperform, leading to insufficient chlorine production.
    • What To Do: Regularly add salt to maintain the recommended levels. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount to add, and always retest the water after adding salt to ensure it’s at the proper level.
  1. Cleaning the Cell:
    • Role of the Salt Cell: The salt cell in your chlorine generator converts salt into chlorine. Over time, it can accumulate scale and debris, which can reduce its efficiency.
    • Maintenance Steps: Periodically inspect the salt cell for buildup or corrosion. Clean the cell according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically involves using a mild acid solution to dissolve scale. Make sure to disconnect the power before cleaning.
  1. Balancing Pool Chemistry:
    • Why Balance Is Key: Proper pH and alkalinity levels are essential for the effectiveness of the chlorine and to prevent damage to the pool and equipment.
    • How To Achieve Balance: Maintain a pH level between 7.4 and 7.6. Check and adjust alkalinity to be within 80-120 ppm. Use appropriate chemicals to correct any imbalances, such as pH increasers or decreasers, and alkalinity adjusters.
  1. Inspecting Equipment:
    • Importance of Regular Inspections: The pool’s filtration system and saltwater generator are critical for keeping the water clean and balanced. Regular checks can help catch issues before they become major problems.
    • What To Look For: Examine the filtration system for clogs or wear, and be sure to check the saltwater generator for any signs of malfunction or damage. Ensure all components are functioning correctly and replace any worn parts as needed.
  1. Addressing Common Issues:
    • Scaling and Chlorine Production: Scaling on the salt cell or inadequate chlorine production can be common issues. Scaling can occur due to high calcium levels or improper cleaning of the salt cell.
    • Solutions: If you notice scaling, clean the salt cell and check for any issues with the salt level or pool chemistry. If chlorine levels remain low despite proper maintenance, consult with a professional to diagnose and address the issue.

How to Maintain the Pool During Prolonged Periods of Inactivity

Basics of Saltwater Pool Maintenance 4 | Basics of Saltwater Pool Maintenance | Captains Pool Care

When a saltwater pool will be unused for an extended period, proper preparation is key to maintaining its condition. Begin by ensuring the water is balanced, with correct levels of salt, pH, and alkalinity. This helps prevent issues like algae growth or equipment damage. Clean the pool thoroughly, including the filter and salt cell, to remove any debris. Lower the water level slightly to prevent overflow or damage to the skimmer. 

To keep the pool in good shape, consider using a pool cover to reduce evaporation and protect the water from contaminants. Additionally, if the pool will be closed for several months, you may want to run the filtration system periodically to keep the water circulating and prevent stagnation. Even better, consider hiring the help of a professional to maintain the pool if you’ll be gone and are unable to do the maintenance yourself.

Trust Your Pool Maintenance to the Experts at Captains Pool Care

Maintaining a saltwater pool can seem like a complex task, but with the right approach, you can ensure it stays in top condition year-round. Regular monitoring, proper cleaning, and preparing for extended periods of inactivity are essential for preserving your pool’s health and functionality. If managing these details feels overwhelming, reach out to Captains Pool Care. 

Our experienced team can handle all aspects of saltwater pool maintenance with regular cleaning and upkeep services, giving you peace of mind and more time to enjoy your pool. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and keep your pool sparkling clean and ready for every swim.

Maintaining balanced pool water chemistry is essential for a clean, safe, and enjoyable swimming experience. Two key factors in this process are pH and alkalinity, which play crucial roles in water quality and equipment longevity. Understanding the difference between pH and alkalinity and how they interact can help keep your pool in top condition. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the basics of pH and alkalinity, their impact on your pool, and how to manage them effectively with regular pool maintenance. Let's dive into what you need to know to maintain perfect pool water chemistry.

Understanding pH in Pool Water

pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of your pool water on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. For pool water, the ideal pH range is between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH drops below 7.2, the water becomes acidic, which can lead to problems such as corrosion of pool equipment, irritation of the eyes and skin, and a decrease in the effectiveness of chlorine. Conversely, if the pH rises above 7.8, the water becomes alkaline, which can cause scale buildup on the pool surfaces and equipment, reduce chlorine effectiveness, and lead to cloudy water. 

Regularly testing and adjusting the pH is crucial to ensure that the water remains in the ideal range. Keeping pH balanced helps maintain overall water quality and prevents potential damage to your pool and discomfort for swimmers.

Understanding Alkalinity in Pool Water

Alkalinity measures the water's ability to neutralize acids and maintain pH stability, acting as a buffer for pH fluctuations. Total Alkalinity (TA) is typically measured in parts per million (ppm) and should be maintained within the range of 80 to 120 ppm for pools. Sufficient alkalinity helps stabilize pH levels, preventing drastic swings that can lead to water quality issues. Low alkalinity can cause pH levels to become unstable, making it difficult to maintain a balanced pH and potentially leading to corrosive conditions. On the other hand, high alkalinity can cause pH to drift upwards, leading to cloudy water and scale formation. 

Regular monitoring and adjusting of alkalinity are key aspects of standard pool maintenance. Proper alkalinity management is, therefore, crucial for ensuring a comfortable swimming environment and efficient operation of your pool's sanitation system.

The Relationship Between pH and Alkalinity

While pH and alkalinity are related, changes in pH do not directly alter alkalinity levels. However, the overall balance between them is crucial for maintaining stable pool water chemistry. High pH can sometimes indicate high alkalinity, and vice versa, but they are adjusted separately. When pH levels fluctuate, it can signal that the alkalinity needs attention to stabilize these shifts. Managing alkalinity is important because it buffers pH changes, keeping the water balanced. 

Balancing these factors not only improves water quality but also prolongs the life of your pool equipment and enhances the swimming experience. Understanding their interplay is key to maintaining optimal pool water chemistry.

How to Test and Adjust pH and Alkalinity 

Testing your pool’s pH and alkalinity levels is straightforward with the right tools, such as test strips or a digital tester. Regular testing, ideally once a week, helps you stay on top of any imbalances before they become major issues. For pH, you can adjust levels using pH increasers or decreasers, while alkalinity can be adjusted with alkalinity increasers or reducers. However, achieving the right balance requires more than just adding chemicals; it’s also about understanding how these adjustments interact and affect each other.

For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of pool chemistry, it can be challenging to maintain the perfect balance. Missteps in adjusting pH or alkalinity can lead to issues like scaling, corrosion, or ineffective sanitation. This is where professional pool maintenance services come in. Experts can ensure accurate testing and precise adjustments, taking the guesswork out of pool care. By hiring a professional, you not only save time but also ensure that your pool remains in optimal condition, providing a safe and pleasant swimming environment. Reach out to Captains Pool Care for expert assistance and peace of mind.

Additional Benefits of Professional Pool Maintenance Services 

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Beyond pH and alkalinity balancing, our professional pool maintenance services offer a plethora of benefits including:

Advanced Tools and Equipment: Professionals use specialized tools to thoroughly clean and maintain your pool, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.

Early Issue Detection: Experts can spot and address potential problems, such as leaks or equipment malfunctions, before they escalate into costly repairs.

Up-to-Date Techniques: Pool maintenance professionals stay informed about the latest products and methods, providing your pool with the most effective treatments available.

Prolonged Pool Life: Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your pool and its components, reducing the need for expensive repairs or replacements.

Optimized Water Quality: Professionals enhance water circulation and filtration, improving overall water quality and reducing the frequency of chemical adjustments.

Stress-Free Pool Care: By managing everything from routine cleaning to complex repairs, pool maintenance experts allow you to enjoy your pool without the hassle of upkeep.

Rest with Peace of Mind and a Perfectly Maintained Pool

Maintaining the right balance of pH and alkalinity is essential for keeping your pool water clean, clear, and safe for swimming. While understanding these concepts is important, the process of managing them can be complex and time-consuming. Hiring a professional, such as Captains Pool Care, ensures that your pool is expertly maintained and that any adjustments are handled with precision. Trusting experts with your pool maintenance allows you to enjoy a hassle-free swimming experience and prolong the life of your pool. Contact us today to learn more about why our clients love working with us!

Our pools are a significant but incredibly worthwhile investment. It is understandable, therefore, to be extremely disappointed when you’re about to take a dip in your pool on a beautiful day only to be greeted by a cloudy green haze that looks about as inviting as a bath of slime. 

There’s no doubt that a green pool is an unpleasant surprise, and you’ll probably wonder what went wrong, if it was something you did, and if it’s dangerous to you and your loved ones. There are several reasons your swimming pool water might be green in both inground and above-ground pools, but it’s most likely due to an imbalance in chemicals. The fix, however, will be different depending on which kind of imbalance you have. 

At Captains Pool Care, our routine pool cleaning service helps individuals avoid green pools altogether - but if you’re unlucky enough to be dealing with a green pool now, here are the six likely reasons. 

The Problem With Green Pool Water

While green pool water should not be a cause for alarm, we recommend not swimming in it. With natural bodies of water like lakes or ponds, algae is an essential nutrient for aquatic life. But in swimming pools, water becomes less safe to swim in as the color deepens. As a result, swimming becomes a safety hazard because algae can host bacteria such as E-coli. The darker your water is, the less safe it becomes. 

But green pool water is not only a concern for safety; it significantly detracts from the aesthetic quality of your pool and your home. It is unsightly, odorous, and green water can also leave horrendous stains on the walls and floor in your pool. Therefore, for the sake of health, safety, and the value of your home, be sure to treat your green pool water as soon as possible before it gets worse. 

Reasons Your Pool Water is Green 

As we mentioned, there are a variety of potential culprits to your green water problem. Let’s walk through each one, accompanied by a potential solution. 

1. Algae Growth

Algae growth is the most likely reason your pool water is green, and it will be a secondary effect of a majority of the other causes later in this article. Algae are normally kept in balance by water circulation, natural die-off in cool weather, and appropriate chemical balance. If the water circulation or chemicals are off, algae can bloom and cause a pool to be cloudy and green. While you’ll encounter naturally growing algae in ponds and streams, an overgrowth of algae in a swimming pool is more highly concentrated and can be more of a health hazard. Plus, its presence means there’s an imbalance that may also indicate dangerous bacteria growth. As we mentioned, you should not swim in your pool until it’s clear again.

2. Low Chlorine Levels

Chlorine is the primary line of defense against organisms that would otherwise grow freely in your pool and pose a health threat. Therefore, if chlorine levels are low, it provides algae an opportunity to get a foothold which will then slowly begin to turn your pool water green. An easy fix is to test your pool water’s chlorine levels and adjust accordingly. Once the proper chlorine levels are established, it will take some time for the filter to clear out the algae, and if the algae has been present for a long time, there’s a chance it’s stuck to the pool walls in which case you’ll have to scrub it off. 

3. Filter Issues

Pool filters are tasked with removing dirt, debris, pollen, algae, and other impurities from the water. If your pool is cloudy or green, there’s a strong chance that your pool filter is either not running for long enough periods of time or is ineffective - in fact, your pool filter should be running for eight hours a day or longer if it is used frequently. Furthermore, cartridge filters should be cleaned every six weeks at most and backwashed every one to three months (sand filters should be backwashed every one to four weeks). If this routine pool filter maintenance doesn’t correct the problem, you may need to replace the filter entirely. 

4. Pollen and Metal

The green color of your pool can also be caused by pollen or metal in different respects. Pollen has a naturally yellow-green hue that can cause the pool to turn light green if not properly filtered. On the other hand, high levels of chlorine can cause the metal elements of your pool (such as pool ladders, pump starts, etc.) to oxidize and create a green color. In the first instance, use a pool cover to prevent the entry of pollen when the pool is not in use and be sure to perform routine filter maintenance. For metal oxidation, check your chlorine levels and distill it with fresh water if needed. 

5. High pH Levels

If the pH levels of your pool are too high, this can create a chain reaction of problems. Too high of pH prevents chlorine from doing its job; and even if you’re putting the right amount of chlorine in the pool, high pH will in turn allow algae to grow unabated. To remedy this, check that your pool’s pH level is not over 7.8, and if it is, use a pH reducer like sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid to bring the pH down to the correct level.

6. High Phosphate Levels

Phosphates are a source of food for algae, so be sure to check your pool’s phosphate levels as a potential cause for an unexpected rise in algae. If phosphate is indeed out of balance, be sure to increase your chlorine levels. 

Consider Investing in Pool Maintenance Services 

Finding your pool full of green water is not only frustrating, but it is a potential health and safety hazard. Be sure to check your pool for the likely causes of green water, but if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider investing in professional pool cleaning services. At Captains Pool Care, we help numerous individuals keep their pools in pristine condition all year round - that means you don’t have to worry about green pool water ever again! Contact our team to schedule your personalized pool cleaning service today. 

Swimming pools must be properly cleaned and maintained in order to remain in a quality condition for you and our guests to enjoy. If you own a pool then you know that it can be a  wonderful place for fun and relaxation, but if you want to get the most out of your pool and keep it from becoming unsightly, odorous, and even dangerous, it’s wise to understand best practices of when and how to clean it. 

So how frequently should your pool be cleaned, and what do cleaning, care, and maintenance entail? With extensive knowledge from our experience with pool cleaning services throughout Greater Atlanta and the surrounding communities, here is Captains Pool Care’s comprehensive guide for cleaning your pool. 

The Importance of Cleaning Your Swimming Pool

Cleaning your swimming pool is important for health, financial, and aesthetic reasons. Perhaps the most critical reason to keep your swimming pool properly cleaned is that it can be a health risk for swimmers if the pool is dirty or infected. Dirty pools can be a breeding ground for infectious organisms and harmful bacteria which can be potentially fatal or cause serious illness, and unmaintained pools can develop unbalanced chemical levels which cause skin, hair, and eye irritation. Swimming pools, therefore, need regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure swimmers are safe and healthy when using them.

There are also financial reasons for keeping your swimming pool clean. First, it helps prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future. Regular cleaning also keeps your pool's components working efficiently, saving money on utility costs - for instance, a well-maintained pool pump uses less energy and thus, reduces electricity bills. Lastly, regular pool care helps maintain the value of the pool itself. A clean, well-maintained pool can greatly add to a property's value, making regular pool cleaning an excellent investment.

Finally, there are several aesthetic and practical reasons for keeping your pool clean, such as preventing the growth of algae and the development of cloudy water (which is both unattractive and potentially harmful), preventing the rapid consumption of chlorine, preventing the accumulation of leaves, dirt, debris, dead skin, hair, and oil, and halting the spread of calcium and other mineral deposits from damaging the pool surfaces. 

How Do You Clean a Swimming Pool?

With the consensus that swimming pools should certainly be cleaned routinely and effectively, the next step is to understand what exactly needs to be done in order to clean a pool. In essence, pool cleaning should be viewed as both proactive and reactive. Taking proactive steps such as maintaining chemical balance, checking and testing the pump and filter, and investing in a pool cover will all help to keep your pool clean over time. 

Reactive steps are just as important, however, especially when there are visible signs of uncleanliness like the buildup of debris and impurities, the development of dirty, green, or cloudy water, and marks on the waterline. Reactive steps might include using a pool vacuum or net to physically remove impurities, taking water samples and tests if you suspect something is wrong, cleaning the waterline, brushing/sweeping the area around the pool, cleaning out the skimmer baskets, and backwashing your pool filter. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool? 

Knowing how often to take these proactive and reactive measures is the key to successful pool cleaning and maintenance. As a general rule of thumb, pool cleaning should be regularly carried out at least once a week, although this will vary depending on how frequently the pool is used, how many people use the pool, and where the pool is located. 

Many pool manufacturers (and installers) will provide guidelines on how frequently the pool should be cleaned, but it’s wise to remember that frequent pool cleaning will never hurt your pool while infrequent pool cleaning will. Your pool should certainly be cleaned as soon as you can detect any debris or discoloration - if you wait to act, the problem will only get worse. 

Your weekly cadence of pool cleaning will need to be complemented by more rigorous cleaning and maintenance occurring annually or bi-annually. You will also need to service the machinery such as boilers and heat pumps once or twice a year. 

Get Assistance With Pool Cleaning 

Swimming pools are meant to be a place of peace, relaxation, and fun. We understand, therefore, how the arduous task of cleaning your pool can become wearisome week after week, but that doesn’t mean you can become complacent in your duties. By not routinely cleaning your pool, your pool will suffer from a health and safety standpoint, become less aesthetically pleasing, and require even more significant costs down the line. 

The best way to ensure your pool is properly cleaned and maintained is to invest in weekly pool cleaning services by an experienced and reputable professional. At Captains Pool Care, we know what it takes to ensure your pool remains clean, safe, and always ready to be swimmed in - contact us today to schedule your weekly pool maintenance and to learn more about how we can help!

There are a multitude of common pool problems you’re likely to encounter as a pool owner. We understand the frustration caused by these issues, and how they can prevent you from making the most of your pool - unfortunately, there truly is a myriad of different afflictions and each has its own unique solution. 

You may be scratching your head, wondering what caused these problems in the first place and how you can get it fixed as fast as possible. Fortunately, the pool cleaners at Captains Pool Care have extensive experience, and we’re happy to reassure you that no matter what the problem is, with proper maintenance and some savvy troubleshooting, you can have these issues resolved when you first spot them. Here are our top tips for keeping your pool in perfect condition when faced with common pool problems: 

1. Green Water

One of the most common pool problems owners run into is the slow development of green water. This is unsightly and not entirely encouraging to get into. Green, slimy, and murky swimming pool water is often a result of algae growth, but it can also be caused by the filter not working properly or by air that is dissolved in the water. 

Algae is the most likely culprit, even though it cannot form if there is a small amount of chlorine present in the water. This is why algae blooms begin to develop from the corners of the pool where there is little water movement and thus less chance for new chlorine to be circulated effectively. 

Algae blooms can be encouraged by warm weather, poor circulation, and low chlorine levels, so the best solution, therefore, is to check that the levels of chlorine are high enough and the pump, filter, and circulation system are in working order. It’s important to note that sufficient chlorine has to be added to kill the complete population of algae in the pool and establish a level of chlorine in the water; otherwise, the algae carries on breeding in the pool so the chlorine seems to be having no effect. Algae that is growing on the sides and bottom of the pool will need to be physically scrubbed away, and it is helpful to continue circulating the pool while the dead algae are removed from the water. If your water becomes cloudy with dead algae, consider adding a water-clarifying agent. 

2. Can’t Detect Chlorine

Some pool owners are surprised to find that they cannot detect or measure any chlorine levels in their pool despite adding it in. They add chlorine, test the water, find nothing, then add more - so what’s going on? This can be due to a couple of different causes. 

Most likely, owners may be using a DPD chlorine test - in this case, DPD tests are unfortunately bleached by chlorine levels in excess of 15 ppm and will therefore appear as if it has no chlorine reading. To remedy this, try diluting a sample of the pool water with four parts tap water and then performing another reading. Your true reading will be the diluted result multiplied by five. 

However, not reading any chlorine in your tests could also be due to a high level of algae that is breaking down the chlorine, or due to intense sunlight with no stabilizer agents in the water (which will also break down the chlorine). 

3. Cloudy Water

Cloudy pool water is another common problem for pool owners. If your pool water is cloudy but not green, try the following steps: 

  1. Check the pH, stabilizer, chlorine, and alkalinity levels.
    1. Ensure the pH is between 7.2 and 7.4
    2. Ensure the chlorine is between 1 and 3 ppm
    3. Reduce levels of stabilizer (cyanuric acid)
    4. Increase the alkalinity levels 
  2. Check the pump and filter
    1. Backwash filter
    2. Remove the filter lid and check the sand levels
    3. Ensure there are no gaps or holes in the sand
    4. If there is sand at the bottom of the pool, this is an indication of damage to the distributor
  3. Add a water clarifying agent and let the pool circulate overnight

4. Scale Buildup

If you notice white scaling around the sides of your pools, this is an indication that there is a chemical imbalance. Simply ensure that the pH and alkalinity levels are balanced, then you can treat the white scaling stains with a pumice stone and a mild acidic cleaning solution. 

5. Clogged Filter

Pool filters can easily be clogged by debris and impurities such as grass, dirt, dust, algae, and leaves as well as incorrect usage of earth or sand relative to your filter type. An easy fix to get your filter running as it should be is to turn off the filter and unplug the pump, then check the pump basket for any debris that needs to be removed. After clearing the filter, make sure you check that you’re using the right type and amount of filter material to prevent future clogs.

6. Skin and Eye Irritation 

The primary culprit for eye and skin irritation from your swimming pool is incorrect chlorine levels, particularly chlorine levels that are too high. If your chlorine level exceeds 0.5 ppm, perform a backwash and replace some of the water in your pool. Another potential issue could be a pH level outside the range of 7.2-7.4. Correct the pH levels and chlorine level and your eye and skin irritation should stop! 

7. Foaming 

Foaming is caused by a reaction between the alkalinity of your pool water and the body oils of individuals who enter the pool. Cosmetic products, suntan lotions, and detergents can all wash off in the water causing it to foam up, but this can easily be mended by showering before getting into the pool or applying an antifoam agent to your pool water. There’s a chance that the foaming could be caused by low calcium hardness, however, so be sure that this is increased to 200 ppm to prevent foaming.

Hire the Help of Professional Pool Cleaners 

Swimming pools are meant to bring us relaxation and comfort, not irritation and anxiety! Unfortunately, those who are inexperienced with poolcare will face these problems frequently which can lead to dissatisfaction and even health risks. If you find yourself running into these common pool problems and would prefer the peace of mind that your pool is maintained to the highest professional standards, don’t hesitate to contact the expert pool cleaners at Captains Pool Care today! 

Owning a swimming pool can be a dream come true, especially as the summer heat is swiftly on its way. If you’ve recently invested in one for your own home, having a clean and properly maintained pool is essential for the health and safety of swimmers, but several common maintenance mistakes can turn your backyard oasis into a short-lived luxury. 

Whether you’re a new or seasoned pool owner, it’s wise to refresh yourself with the latest insight into keeping your pool a safe and enjoyable environment. From the pool cleaning professionals at Captain’s Pool Care, here are the top six pool maintenance mistakes every homeowner should avoid. 

The Importance of Pool Maintenance

Maintaining your swimming pool can have a significant effect on the overall hygiene, safety, and enjoyment of your pool area. It’s simple: a clean pool is a healthy pool, and regular maintenance is the single most important factor for cleanliness. There are several advantages to having routine pool maintenance, including: 

Pool Longevity

Pools are like a well-oiled machine. Between the chemical balance, filtration, circulation, skimming, and cleaning tools, there are several parts that build towards the successful whole that you get to enjoy. Without proper maintenance, certain parts of the pool that help it run effectively will inevitably diminish in their capabilities, leading the pool to lose its luster and its cleanliness. However, with proper maintenance, your pool can maintain its value as an investment and increase its longevity by preventing algae growth and other dangerous impurities from forming. 

Health and Safety

Well-maintained pools are safe to use, whereas poorly-maintained pools can lead to health issues. Chemicals used to disinfect the pool, for example, can be harmful to your skin, hair, eyes, and nails, when incorrectly balanced. Furthermore, headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues can occur after swimming in an unclean pool. To avoid these health risks, it’s wise to invest in regular maintenance. 

Correct Performance

Regular maintenance will ensure that your pool performs correctly. Parts of the pool, like filtration and circulation systems, can lose their efficiency over time leading to uncleanliness and further damage as time goes on. In order to keep your pool performing correctly and avoid high repair costs down the road, be sure to regularly maintain your pool. 

Pool maintenance is certainly an important responsibility as an owner, but many individuals make mistakes while attempting to stay on top of the maintenance themselves. This is not a task worth cutting corners on, so before you make them yourself, here are the top 6 pool maintenance mistakes you should look out for.

  1. Not Having the Correct Chemical Balance

The first common pool mistake we often notice is that individuals do not keep the correct chemical balance. Maintaining proper chemical balance is essential: incorrect pH levels can lead to health problems (skin and eye irritation) and damage to the pool’s equipment and surfaces, and incorrect chlorine levels can result in bacterial and algae growth (when there’s not enough chlorine) and skin and eye irritation (when there’s too much chlorine). The pH balance and chlorine levels tend to work in tandem and can affect each other if one is at an incorrect amount, therefore it is critical that chemical balance is consistently monitored. 

  1. Neglecting Regular Inspections and Tests

Regular inspections and tests are helpful, primarily, to get confirmation from a professional that the pool is in good condition and safe to be used. They will check the balance of chemicals and test for impurities so that you can keep peace of mind about the condition of the pool. Furthermore, inspections are also useful when buying or selling a home. Certified pool operators can assess the condition of a pool and provide both the buyer and the seller confidence in the asset. 

  1. Irregular Brushing and Vacuuming 

An extremely common maintenance mistake that homeowners must avoid is irregular brushing and vacuuming. Brushing, vacuuming, and skimming are essential tasks that prevent algae growth and maintain a beautiful, clean pool surface. By not undertaking these tasks routinely, your pool is likely to develop stains and slippery surfaces along with a generally lower aesthetic quality. This maintenance demand is not always easy for people with busy schedules, but it is also non-negotiable if you want your pool to look pristine and in good condition for safe usage. 

  1. Ignoring Off-Season and Year-Long Maintenance 

Maintenance requirements can change as the seasons switch between warmer and colder months. Winterization maintenance ensures that the pool is ready for use when spring comes around and properly closed and protected throughout winter. Off-season maintenance is important because, due to less pool usage in the colder months. Incorrect water levels, algae, and chemical imbalances can lead to problems before the swimming season returns. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring off-season maintenance with your pool! 

On the other hand, it’s worth considering keeping your pool open all year long! By keeping your pool open and the equipment operating, you can enjoy its calm and peace regardless of the season. Furthermore, if you have a professional keep it maintained and cleaned you will likely spend the same amount that would be required to open, close, and repair it anyways. 

  1. Delaying Important Repairs 

As we mentioned earlier, several components contribute to the proper performance of a pool. Parts such as the pool’s filtration and circulation system are absolutely vital to be in good working condition, and if they ever become damaged or less efficient, the health and safety of your pool can suffer as a result. The major mistake homeowners can make is to delay the repair and/or regular cleaning of these important components. Not only will the quality and integrity of the pool decrease almost immediately, but the pool equipment is likely to degrade faster as a result. The outcome, unfortunately, is continually escalating costs of repairs. With a damaged or inefficient filtration system, for example, you can expect worse and worse water circulation, cloudy water, and the build-up of debris, contaminants, and bacteria. 

  1. Not Knowing When to Contact Professional Help

We understand that it’s tempting to try to handle pool maintenance on your own in order to save some of your hard-earned cash. Unfortunately, as the demands of life such as work, family responsibilities, and other activities take hold, it’s easy for something like pool maintenance to fall by the wayside now and again. The downside is that your pool will eventually build up impurities and even degrade in quality and performance when you’re unable to perform maintenance. The result is not cost savings but increased costs. 

One of the biggest mistakes we see, therefore, is homeowners not knowing when to contact professional help. Oftentimes, we are contacted after maintenance has been neglected for a long time and damage has already left its mark. We recommend reaching out to a pool maintenance professional in order to schedule a comprehensive maintenance solution that includes all cleaning, maintenance, and water balancing needs - that way, you don’t have to spend your precious time constantly worrying about your pool, and instead keep peace of mind that your pool is cleaned and maintained to the highest professional standards. 

If you’re a new or seasoned pool owner and thinking about hiring the help of a professional pool servicer, don’t hesitate to contact Captain’s Pool Care today! 

Owning a pool is wonderful fun... until it comes to the part of maintenance and cleaning, and then many homeowners feel overwhelmed. The age-old question often surfaces - "Should I hire a pool cleaning service or do it myself?" Not to worry, we've got you covered. This article will explore the pros and cons of each option and demonstrate why hiring a professional pool cleaning service like Captains Pool Care may be the better option.

Pool Maintenance Basics

Pool maintenance and cleaning are essential tasks for any pool owner to ensure the longevity of the pool, the health of swimmers, and to maintain the pool's aesthetic appeal. These tasks involve regular skimming and vacuuming to remove debris, checking water chemistry and adjusting pH levels, maintaining the pool's filtering system, and shock chlorination.

Despite being crucial, pool maintenance can be time-consuming and demands a level of technical knowledge. Skimming for debris should ideally be done every few days, while thorough cleaning involving vacuuming and brushing of pool floors and walls should be carried out weekly. The chemical balance needs to be checked weekly and adjusted accordingly. Cleaning of filters, depending upon their type - sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth (D.E), also needs to be scheduled periodically and can be a complex process. 

Overall, performing pool maintenance yourself usually involves a dedicated part of the week and a good understanding of various aspects of pool chemistry and equipment. 

The Case for DIY Pool Cleaning

Pool cleaning isn't just skimming leaves off the surface. It incorporates regular skimming and vacuuming, brushing the pool sides, managing chemical balance, checking and maintaining water levels, keeping the filters clean, inspecting pool equipment, and more. 

While going the DIY route can be budget-friendly, it comes with several pitfalls. Proper pool maintenance is a time-consuming process. Many homeowners underestimate how much time they will need to dedicate to proper pool care. Additionally, even with the best intentions, it's easy to make mistakes without specialist knowledge, potentially damaging your pool or causing other issues. While you can always educate yourself on pool maintenance techniques, this requires additional time studying and researching – time that could be spent enjoying your pool instead.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pool Cleaning Service

Hiring a pool cleaning service has many advantages. First, it saves you a considerable amount of time and effort. Pool maintenance requires regular cleaning, balancing of chemicals, and equipment maintenance.  Instead of spending your relaxation hours cleaning and maintaining your pool, a professional can do all the heavy lifting. 

Secondly, hiring a professional ensures perfection in every task. Pool cleaning services have the expertise and experience to properly maintain your pool. They understand the intricacies of pool chemistry and can ensure that the water is properly balanced and safe for swimming. This level of expertise can identify any potential issues with your pool equipment and address them before they turn into major problems and costly repairs.

Hiring a professional pool cleaning service ensures consistent maintenance. A professional pool cleaning service will create a customized maintenance schedule to ensure that your pool is consistently cleaned and maintained. This goes a long way in helping to prevent costly repairs down the line and lessening the burden on you to remember or find time for maintenance. 

Finally, enlisting the help of a professional cleaning service for your pool gives you peace of mind. You don't have to worry about incorrect chemical levels, dirty filters, or overworked equipment. Your pool will always be in its best condition, ready for you to enjoy anytime.

Looking For a Pool Cleaning Service in Atlanta?

While managing your pool maintenance yourself may initially seem like a cost-saving option, the benefits of hiring a professional pool cleaning service far outweigh the DIY approach. Opting to do your pool cleaning on your own may result in issues that cost more in the long run and take away from your precious relaxation time. 

At Captains Pool Care, we are committed to providing the best professional pool maintenance and cleaning services in and around the Atlanta area. We guarantee a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool for your enjoyment. If you’re looking for a professional pool cleaning service in Atlanta, give us a call! Then, all you’ll have to do is kick back, relax, and make the most out of your pool without breaking a sweat! Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your service.

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