Fiji Pools Blog
At Fiji Pools, we’ve made it our mission to keep pools in our service areas in Jacksonville, Englewood, Oldsmar and Deland, Fl sparkling, healthy and ready to use.
We understand, however, that homeowners like to be proactive in their pool maintenance. It’s understandable. A pool isn’t just hours of enjoyment with your family. It’s an investment in the value of your home and property. You want to keep it maintained to the best of your abilities.
While homeowners definitely need the benefit of routine, professional maintenance, there are a few things that you can do on your own to ensure your pool is always ready to use.
Our technicians can test your pool water, treat it with safe and effective chemicals that are environmentally sound, and work with you to keep your prized pool ready for your enjoyment.
Routine Maintenance
To help prevent algae, bacteria and other contaminants from growing in your pool, follow these steps:
Remove All Debris
Invest in a pool net and give yourself a few minutes a day to check your pool and remove all leaves, twigs and other foreign objects that might have fallen in. Not only can this debris be contaminated with pollen and bugs, but it has the potential of getting caught into your filtration system. If your filtration system becomes clogged, the entire self-cleaning function of your pool won’t work as well. With more water moving less and being filtered ineffectively, the chances of bacteria building in your water increase.
Cover Your Pool
The truth is, you can’t see all debris that falls into your pool. During high pollen times of the season, pollen is blown into your pool and becomes invisible. Over time, this pollen can contribute to the growth of algae and mold in your pool.
Pool covers not only help prevent pollen from depositing into your water, but they’re also available in a heavier material that supports weight longer, which makes them a great safety feature for homes with young children or pets. Choosing to invest just a little more in these covers is a double-benefit choice.
If you use a lighter, traditional plastic cover, be sure no one walks on it. These collapse under weight and can be extremely difficult to get out of once in the water.
Check Your Filter
Check your pool’s filters and drainage points regularly for any evidence of hidden debris or clogging. If you see any visible blockage, it’s best to call for service to your pool. Our technicians can safely replace your filters after removing the debris.
Chemicals and Salt Water
Traditional Pools
You should test your pool often. Some people check once a week, and some check twice a week. The primary levels to check are chlorine and PH balance, though alkalinity, calcium hardness and total dissolved solids are also a concern that needs monitoring.
Your ideal PH is 7.2 to 7.8, and ideal free chlorine is 1.0 to 3.0ppm. If your readings are different than these, contact a professional that can treat your pool and restore it to the proper levels.
Salt Water Pools
Salt Water pools have the same chlorine and PH balance concerns that traditional pools do, but carry additional concerns for salt, stabilizer, alkalinity and calcium. Your salt cell chlorinator should be inspected quarterly and professionally cleaned to remove scale and debris.
For more involved care, be sure to contact Fiji Pools about our service plans.