Owning a fiberglass pool from APS (All Property Services) is a fantastic investment that brings joy, relaxation, and aesthetic appeal to your home. To ensure your pool remains in pristine condition and continues to provide these benefits for years to come, proper maintenance is essential. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to maintain your fiberglass pool and keep it looking and functioning at its best.
1. Regular Cleaning
Maintaining the cleanliness of your fiberglass pool is crucial for both its appearance and functionality. Here’s how to keep your pool sparkling clean:
- Skim the Surface: Use a pool skimmer to remove leaves, debris, and insects from the water surface daily.
- Brush the Walls and Floor: Brush the pool walls and floor weekly to prevent algae and dirt buildup. Use a soft-bristle brush suitable for fiberglass surfaces to avoid scratching.
- Vacuum the Pool: Vacuum the pool floor weekly to remove dirt and debris that have settled at the bottom. Automatic pool cleaners can make this task easier.
2. Water Chemistry Balance
Properly balanced water chemistry is essential for the health of your pool and the comfort of swimmers. Regularly test and adjust the following chemical levels:
- pH Levels: Keep the pH level between 7.2 and 7.6. Low pH can cause corrosion, while high pH can lead to scaling and cloudy water.
- Chlorine Levels: Maintain chlorine levels between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm) to effectively sanitize the pool water.
- Alkalinity: Total alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm to help stabilize pH levels.
- Calcium Hardness: Keep calcium hardness between 200 and 400 ppm to prevent corrosion and scaling.
- Cyanuric Acid: Maintain cyanuric acid levels between 30 and 50 ppm to protect chlorine from UV degradation.
3. Filtration System Maintenance
The filtration system is essential for keeping your pool water clean and clear. Follow these tips to maintain your filtration system:
- Run the Filter: Operate the pool filter for at least 8-12 hours a day during the swimming season to ensure proper circulation and filtration.
- Backwash the Filter: If you have a sand or DE filter, backwash it when the pressure gauge indicates a 7-10 psi increase from the normal operating pressure. For cartridge filters, clean or replace the cartridge as needed.
- Inspect and Clean the Pump: Regularly check the pump basket for debris and clean it to ensure efficient water flow.
4. Monitor and Maintain Water Levels
Maintaining the correct water level is crucial for the proper operation of your pool’s skimmer and filtration system. Ensure the water level is halfway up the skimmer opening. Add water as needed to compensate for evaporation and splashing, and remove excess water after heavy rainfall.
5. Prevent and Treat Algae
Algae growth can be a common issue in pools, but with proper maintenance, it can be prevented and treated effectively:
- Preventive Measures: Maintain proper water chemistry, especially chlorine levels, and regularly brush and vacuum the pool to prevent algae growth.
- Algaecide: Use an algaecide as part of your regular maintenance routine to prevent algae buildup.
- Shock Treatment: If algae develop, perform a shock treatment by adding a higher dose of chlorine to the pool to kill the algae. Follow up with brushing, vacuuming, and filtration.
6. Regular Inspections
Periodically inspect your pool and its components for any signs of damage or wear:
- Pool Surface: Check for cracks, chips, or discoloration on the fiberglass surface.
- Equipment: Inspect the pump, filter, heater, and other equipment for proper operation and signs of wear.
- Plumbing: Look for leaks or cracks in the pool’s plumbing and fittings.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance is key to enjoying your fiberglass pool from APS (All Property Services) for many years. By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your pool in pristine condition, ensuring it remains a beautiful and functional centerpiece of your backyard.
At APS, we are committed to helping you get the most out of your fiberglass pool. Contact us for more information on pool maintenance services and products to keep your pool looking and performing its best.
