As a new pool owner, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the insane amount of information on the internet. With pool ownership comes questions about how to take care of your swimming pool, how to heat your pool, whether you need a pool cover, how to keep your water clean, and more. So where do you even get started?
First, take a deep breath. You’ve got this! Pretty soon, you’ll be soaking up the sun from your favorite pool lounger and throwing epic summer barbecues with your family. Today, we’re sharing a quick list of pool essentials to help you navigate the world of pool ownership so you can get to the fun stuff while properly maintaining your investment.
Here are 6 helpful tips every new pool owner needs:
1. Set up a pool maintenance schedule.
While pool maintenance might not be the most exciting thing to plan for, it’s a necessary part of owning a beautiful swimming pool that you can actually enjoy. With so many tasks to take care of –like vacuuming, shocking, testing, and brushing– it’s best to create a schedule you can rely on to remind you when to perform each task.
If you lead a busy lifestyle and aren’t sure about your ability to stick to a pool maintenance schedule, consider hiring a local pool maintenance team instead. At Chip & Dip Pool and Spas, we offer customizable weekly and monthly maintenance packages so you can keep your pool or spa safe and clean without any of the hassles.
2. Choose the right pool filter.
A vital component of maintaining a safe swimming environment, you can’t really go wrong with any type of pool filter. With that said, it’s important to understand the differences between different types so you can choose the best option for you.
When shopping for a filter, the main options you’ll come across are the cartridge pool filter, DE pool filter, and sand pool filter. While cartridge filters are easy to clean and boast the lowest water usage, they require more replacements than other types.
On the flip side, DE pool filters have a longer lifespan and therefore require fewer replacements than cartridge filters. However, they tend to be more expensive and high maintenance. If you’re looking to save money and minimize maintenance, sand pool filters are a great option.
3. Run your pump every day during the summer.
Your pool pump is what circulates the water in your pool and keeps it clean by pushing it through your filter and then back out again, removing debris and evenly distributing your pool chemicals in the process. If you forget to run your pool pump or don’t run it for enough time, you run the risk of disrupting the chemical balance of your pool.
As a general rule of thumb, you should run your pool pump daily during the summer for approximately 8 to 10 hours at a time. If your swimming pool becomes cloudy (which could happen as a result of poor maintenance or heavy storms), you will need to run the pump nonstop until the water runs clear—typically around 24 hours.
4. Invest in a pool heater.
Investing in a pool heater for your swimming pool is essential if you want to control the temperature of your water and swim comfortably all season long. In fact, many pool owners will tell you that their pool heater was the best addition to their pool!
There are three main types of pool heaters to choose between: solar pool heaters, gas pool heaters, and pool heat pumps. Solar heaters boast the lowest monthly costs since they’re powered by the sun, but don’t work well in overcast or rainy weather.
Gas pool heaters provide the quickest heating speed, but that speed comes at a cost – these certainly aren’t the cheapest option. Pool heat pumps work great in any climate, offer low monthly costs, and are one of the most energy-efficient options on the market.
5. Use an automatic pool cleaner.
Whether you choose to handle your own pool maintenance or want to reduce the monthly cost of your pool maintenance services, an automatic pool cleaner can be a huge help. These helpful robotic cleaners scrub and vacuum the inside of your pool so you don’t have to, making it way easier to keep your inground swimming pool clean.
You can find a variety of cost-effective options on the market and an automatic pool cleaner winds up paying for itself anyway in the time and effort you save in the long run. Any savvy pool owner will tell you that a robotic pool cleaner is a must. Not sure which one to buy? Feel free to ask our pool experts for advice on the best option for you.
6. Conserve heat with a pool cover.
Many new pool owners go back and forth on whether they need to invest in a swimming pool cover. If you’re in the same boat, allow us to share a few of the key benefits that this investment can provide:
• Retains heat and maintains pool temperature
• Reduces dirt and debris like leaves, twigs, and insects
• Preserves your chlorine and reduces your pool’s chemical consumption
• Promotes safety by preventing accidental falls into the pool
• Reduces water loss by cutting down on evaporation
• Saves money over time through lower energy and water bills
On the other hand, some pool owners refrain from covering their pool to preserve the aesthetic of their backyard or because their pool shape makes it difficult to find one. While a cover is not an essential item for every pool owner, it may be a sensible choice for you depending on your unique needs and preferences.
Ask About Our Pool Maintenance Packages
If you’re concerned about properly caring for your new swimming pool, ask us about our customizable weekly and monthly maintenance packages. Our services are designed to keep your pool or spa clean, safe, and functional at all times so you can thoroughly enjoy your investment. Contact our team to request an estimate today.
