Things to Know Before You Tackle DIY Pool Care
During these times, the DIY approach is looking more and more attractive for home maintenance efforts, and that applies for pools too. But there are some important things to consider when it comes to handling your pool equipment yourself. Here’s what you should be aware of before you tackle DIY pool care.
Handling your pool filter may be unsafe.
Your filter is a powerhouse. Proceed with caution! The pool filter is a vital part of keeping your pool clean. Your filter removes small debris from the pool water to keep it clear. In order to do this, your pool filter needs water pressure. Your pool filter operates under very high pressure generated by a mixture of water and air brought in through the pool pump, which keeps water flowing through the filter.
Most filters have a tank, lid, and clamp that holds the system together. If too much pressure builds up, the clamp can fail, which can cause the lid to explode off the tank with immense force. This can even cause an explosion which can damage property, or worse—cause severe bodily harm.
How does pressure build up? There are several potential causes. It could have happened due to improper reassembly while attempting DIY maintenance. It can also be due to having a dirty filter, or having a blockage in your system. If there is an issue that causes the pressure to be too high, handling the filter can be dangerous. You will need an expert to handle things properly in order to fix the issue or make a replacement.
Another word of advice: don’t handle your filter while the pool pump is on. If the pump is running, the filter is a pressurized environment which puts you at risk of tangling your hair or clothes into the filter, causing entrapment, which can lead to drowning even with adults.
Our recommendation to avoid these potential issues is to:
Clean your Media and Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters every six months, or cartridge filters at least three times per year.
Have your filter regularly inspected by a professional to make sure it is running in optimal shape.
To put your mind at ease, we have the perfect hands-free program called Filter Care Plus, where we will come out to inspect and service your filter throughout the year! Find out more about this program here.
Take care when handling and storing pool chemicals.
Pool chemicals can be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions. If you attempt to do this on your own, you will have to do a lot of homework first. Aside from the actual handling of the chemicals, you need to learn how to properly store them. Want to clean your pool yourself? Be sure to review and follow all the rules and regulations on the CDC website. But there’s an easier way to ensure your safety, especially if you have kids and pets to think of at home… instead of going DIY with your pool cleaning, hire a professional!
We can regularly test your pool and take care of adding the chemicals for you, so you don’t have to deal with all the guidelines and handle powerful chemicals.
Regularly scheduled maintenance is crucial.
Regularly scheduled maintenance is important to ensure your pool is running optimally and safely. If you let things go, you risk damage to your pool and equipment. For example, if your pool and filter is not being properly cleaned, algae can build up, resulting in an unsightly green pool. Not only is a green pool unsightly, but it is also a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can get you and your family sick. Not only that, but it can also result in a cracked pool lining!
Also, in addition to the hazards we mentioned earlier, clogged filters can lead to your pump going out and needing to be replaced, which can quickly lead to an unclean pool… and will be quite costly to deal with! That’s why the time and money spent on regular upkeep is well worth it in the long run.
You don’t have to be in this alone! When you hire a pool service like Poolwerx, you know you are getting experienced help at the highest industry standards. Scheduling a regular pool service means you won’t make mistakes that you’ll regret.
