If you’re responsible for maintaining a pool, you know how important it is to keep it clean and balanced. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the correct way to properly maintain a pool based on the order type and what photos are required. Let’s dive in!
Equipment Needed for Pool Maintenance
Prior to starting, you’ll want to ensure you have all the necessary equipment. To complete the maintenance work, you will need the following:
- A pool stick that extends eight to 16ft
- A pool brush. We recommend one that has a blend of poly and metal bristles, as this will work best
- A wide-mouthed pool net with a mesh basket
- An empty five-gallon bucket for removing skimmer and pump basket debris from the property
- Chemical strips or a DPD-tailored test kit to balance the water and determine the chlorine, PH, and alkalinity levels
- Muriatic acid to lower the PH and alkalinity levels
- Three-inch chlorine tabs
- A chlorine floater, which is left at the property
- Liquid chlorine for saltwater pools
- Shock, which is necessary to raise chlorine levels quickly and/or when algae is present.
Types of Pool Orders
There are two types of pool orders: a pool PB order, which is a biweekly maintenance of a swimming pool or spa, or a pool TP order, which requires a larvicide or mosquito dunk. Let’s first look at completing a pool PB order.
Completing a Pool PB Order
To complete this order, you will need to:
- Clean the filter straps
- Skim the pool and spa free of any debris, including items such as leaves and trash
- Check the pool chemicals using the test kit.
If you find the PH levels are too high, you will need to lower them by sprinkling muriatic acid along the edge of the pool while walking around the perimeter. In some cases, the alkalinity levels may be too low or even too high. To lower alkalinity levels:
- Shut all circulation off
- Take a gallon of myriads acid and slowly pour it into the deep end of the pool
- Pour the acid over the main drains
- Adjust the suction at the equipment to 100%
- Wait five minutes
- Restore power to the pool pump.
This process will immediately lower the alkalinity level. To raise alkalinity levels:
- Turn on the skimmer
- Add baking soda to the skimmer.
Per the instructions, the water levels should be halfway up their surrounding tile. The goal is to have half the skimmer hole covered with water.
Pump Operation Requirements
The water utilities must be on in order to maintain proper pool water levels. If the pool loses too much water due to evaporation, the equipment can draw air from the skimmer and destroy the pool pump. If a pool is to be maintained, then a pool requires water and electric utility to remain on to keep daily circulation. Pump operation requirements in the summer months are a minimum of six to 10 hours and in the winter months two to four hours minimum.
Submitting Results for a Pool PB Order
When submitting results for a pool PB order, 15 total photos are required, including all pool equipment, the electrical meter pool securing, such as a fence, mesh, safety cover, lock gates, breakers related to the pool or spa, and the on position as well as before and after photos of the pool filters, traps, and water level and during of the skimming of the pool and cleaning the filters.
Proper pool maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety and enjoyment of those using it. By following the correct procedures and using the necessary equipment, you can keep your pool clean, clear, and inviting. Whether you’re completing a Pool PB or a Pool TP work order, it’s important to provide detailed information and photos to ensure that the pool is properly maintained and any necessary repairs or treatments are completed.
