Even though swimming pool season has been over for many months, the swimming pool contractors from Advanced Pool Care know that taking care of a pool is a year-round task. Even though its been closed there are items that require periodic checks throughout the winter months. Many of these items are checked and maintained by your pool contractor during both swim season and off season.
Here are some other items Memphis, Tennessee swimming pool builders will check on your behalf:
- A good habit to get into is to clean the filter grids thoroughly in the middle of the pool season. To do this, you need to open the filter, remove the grid assembly, hose off the earth from the grids. About 80% of the earth is cleared through regular backwashing but the rest can build up in the filter. If too much DE builds up on the filter grids it can cause high filter pressure and poor filtration.
- Pump baskets – check your baskets for splits or cracks. A cracked pump basket will let debris in. A clog in this area could result in loss of water flow, poor filtration and water clarity issues.
- Pump and heater areas – check the areas where your pump and heaters are located. If you have leaves and grass build up in the area, it could lead to overheating in the pump, and that leads to wear out or the pump burning up.
- Skimmer basket – Periodic checks to the skimmer basket are also a good idea. Look for splits and cracks because these can lead to unwanted debris getting into the basket. Check the skimmer housing for cracks. If you catch the cracks when they’re small, they can repaired before they need to be replaced. Be aware that replacing a skimmer basket or housing is a costly undertaking.
- Diving boards and ladders – Checking the handrails of the ladder and the diving board bolts and hardware is crucial and should be done on a weekly basis during swimming season. The diving board should be checked for cracks and for smooth spots on the board covering. Make certain the ladder and handrails are properly tightened. Check these even in winter months to make certain they’re secure and haven’t loosened under the weight of ice or snow.
- Safety pool cover – if you have a safety cover, check to make sure the anchors are secure on the cover and on the deck itself. If an anchor has come loose, secure it again as soon as possible. During the winter months, also make certain you’re clearing off the snow build up or siphoning off the water that might build up.
- Performing simple checks like making sure the pump lid o-ring is sufficiently lubricated is one of them. Proper lubrication of the o-rings help maintain longer life.
- Electrical system – Check all wire connections and conduits. Make certain everything is intact and that there are no cracks or splits in the wires. It’s not enough to wrap cracked wires in electrical tape, you need to replace damaged wires and it’s best to call a licensed professional for this repair.
- Heating system – Even when not in use, test the heater. When testing you’re looking to make sure it’s working and you also want to check that no rodents have taken up residence as they can do a lot of damage to your heating units.
Having your swimming pool contractor on a schedule of performing periodic checks is the best way to keep your pool in tip-top swim condition.
