Can you hear it? It’s the sound of people splashing and frolicking in the pool. You may be ready to dive into summer, but what about your pool and hot tub? We’ve got a few tips to help you keep them in top shape for the season.
According to Swim University, pool and hot tub maintenance boil down to three main factors: Flow, balance, and cleanliness. If any one of these areas is lacking, you may not be getting the best out of these home amenities.
Finding your flow
The water in your pool or hot tub is at its best when it’s regularly passed through the filtration system. Pool filters should run 4-6 hours a day in warmer weather and 8-12 hours a day in cooler climates. Hot tubs should be run for 15-20 minutes at least once a day to ensure the filters get a chance to work.
Pay special attention to areas where the water does not circulate as often and be prepared to check your filter for any issues if regular cleaning doesn’t seem to do the trick. Running your filters at slower speeds or at night can help reduce electricity costs.
Bringing in the balance
Water isn’t naturally pristine and microbe-free, but technology makes it possible for us to wade in without all the yuck. Alkalinity and pH are critical for making this possible. An ideal pH is about 7.4, and alkalinity should be between 100 and 150 parts per million (ppm).
Pro TIp: Like an Olympic diver’s jump before somersaulting into the water, if your pool or spa swings too far in either direction, the results can be quite unfavorable. Check your pool's chlorine and pH levels at least twice a week.
Concentrating on cleanliness
From socks to hotel rooms, the things that are the cleanest are the most comfortable (and pools and spas are no exception). Skimming them daily keeps debris from invading the filters, which could clog them and lead to costly repairs down the line.
Much like teeth, pool walls and filters also need to be brushed regularly. Doing so 2-3 times a week keeps away any algae or scale, leaving you free to enjoy the clear blue water, sans gunk.
With these easy tips, you have a head start on making sure your pool is all set for the next lazy afternoon — or the next cannonball!
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