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This
information can clarify and help answer some
questions.
Pool types: Pools are available
in two types: above ground and in-ground. The type
can determine the amount and kind of cleaning
methods.
Pool materials: Pools come in a variety of
different materials, some requiring more maintenance
than others.
Fiberglass is used for a one-piece tub fitted
into a pre-dug hole. The slick surface repels algae,
but it will need occasional re-coating.
Concrete is covered with a plaster water seal
that can take more wear and tear than other pool
materials. It'll probably need to be replaced every
7 to 10 years.
Aggregate finish is a concrete pool with a
specialized finish that has better traction. It's
covered with a layer of embedded rounded gravel.
Tile is a concrete pool with a tile finish
instead of a plaster finish. The tile surface
requires less surface maintenance than other
surfaces.
The slick surface of a vinyl liner, like
fiberglass, repels algae.
Pool problems: How much your pool is used
will help determine the amount of cleaning needed.
For instance, murky or colored water may mean you
have chemical imbalances, pollutants such as
microorganisms, or a clogged filter. Clogged filters
can mean money down the drain.
Algae can be another spoiler. It needs to be
attacked two ways -- through chemical treatment, and
a lot of filtering, backwashing, scrubbing, and
skimming. Whether it is green, brown, or little
black spots of algae, it will take over your pool if
it is not dealt with immediately.
Features: Pools can have several features
that can affect your cleaning job. Many larger pools
have heaters, especially those installed in cooler
climates. Many homeowners turn off the heater in the
warmer months to save on the utility bill. Your
filtration system keeps the water clean. Improper
chemical balances open the door to contamination,
therefore it's also advisable to use a water testing
kit. It gives a good indication when you need
temporary treatment, and when a pool service
professional is needed.
Some manual pool covers are designed for safety
to keep kids out of the water in case they slipped
on the edge. Winter covers can also lower your
heating and chemical use. It's a nice feature to
keep leaves and bugs at a minimum.
An automatic pool cover is just like a manual
pool cover, except a machine rolls it back and forth
along tracks. There is more to cleaning a pool,
however, than keeping a proper pH balance. Not only
is there skimming for floaties, but also vacuuming;
scrubbing the tiles, sides, and floor; and cleaning,
maintaining, emptying, and backwashing the filter
and pump. A professional pool cleaning service will
give you many clean, clear hours free of scale,
rust, pollutants, bacteria and cloudy water. (But
it's up to you to watch for that occasional leaf.)
If you own an outdoor pool in a climate that gets
cold during the winter, many experts strongly
suggest you winterize your pool. Winterization
usually entails draining most of the water, blowing
out the pipes, applying algaecide and antifreeze in
key areas, and covering the pool. Winterization will
protect your pool from any freeze damage that can
harm your pool surface and equipment |