Here’s a Home Maintenance Task you should tackle in June: Prime Your Pool
Ah, June. the days are long, and the weather’s getting toasty. But before you slather yourself with SPF 75 and reach for a margarita, do yourself a favor and tackle a few maintenance projects. A little pain now means a big gain later—you’ll ensure your home runs smoothly through the dog days of summer. But don’t worry; the folks at realtor.com want to make it as easy on you as possible. Here’s one that can make a big difference to whether or not you stay cool when it gets hot: Get your pool primed and ready for Summer.
Do It Yourself
Key aspects of DIY pool maintenance:
- Skimming: Regularly remove floating debris like leaves and insects using a skimmer net.
- Brushing: Brush the pool walls and floor to prevent algae and debris buildup.
- Vacuuming: Vacuum the pool floor to remove dirt and debris that the filter might not capture.
- Filter Cleaning: Clean the filter regularly to maintain efficient water circulation and prevent clogging.
- Keep the Pump Primed. Run the pump daily (one hour for every 10 degrees of heat in the water is a good rule of thumb) to avoid getting the dreaded swampy green color.
- Chemical Testing and Adjustment: Regularly test and adjust chemical levels (pH, alkalinity, chlorine) to maintain water balance and sanitation.
- Shocking: Periodically shock the pool to kill algae and other microorganisms.
- Pool Surround Maintenance: Clean and maintain the pool deck and surrounding areas to ensure safety and appearance.
Tips for successful DIY pool maintenance:
- Establish a schedule: Create a routine for cleaning and maintenance tasks.
- Use the right tools: Invest in quality tools like a skimmer net, vacuum, and brushes.
- Learn about pool chemicals: Understand how different chemicals work and how to properly adjust them.
- Start with basic tasks: Skimming, brushing, and vacuuming are good starting points.
- Clean your filter regularly: A clean filter is essential for efficient water circulation.
When to Call the Pros
If you encounter problems or you just don’t want to bother with it, don’t hesitate to ask for help. You can hire a pool maintenance company for an average of $100 to $250 a month, depending on the size of your pool… and your zip code.
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Photo Credit: oneSHUTTER oneMEMORY / Shutterstock.com
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