According to Dictionary.com, “hack” can be defined as “a tip, trick, or efficient method for doing or managing something.” These swimming pool maintenance hacks certainly aren’t the only ways to accomplish various tasks, but they may help make some aspects of pool ownership a little simpler or less expensive (see Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3). Now, if you have a surplus of time or money on your hands and prefer to use more of those resources than necessary, these hacks aren’t really for you. For the rest of us, though, we continue to offer some pool maintenance tips, hacks, or whatever you want to call them.
Consider Using Solar Rings
We’re guessing you’re already familiar with solar covers, which create a barrier between the swimming pool water and the surrounding air. That barrier can help reduce evaporation and heat loss when the pool isn’t being used. Solar rings offer another option for pool owners who don’t want to handle a single large cover.
Instead of covering the entire pool with one continuous sheet, solar rings or similar floating covers sit individually on the water’s surface. The amount of coverage matters, so gaps between individual rings mean they generally won’t create the same continuous barrier as a properly fitted full pool cover. Still, they can help reduce the amount of exposed water and may be a convenient option for some pool owners.
If retaining heat and reducing evaporation are your primary goals, compare the coverage, convenience, cost and manufacturer recommendations for different types of pool covers before deciding which approach works best for your pool.
Maintain Your Heat Pump
If you have a heat pump for your swimming pool, it can be easy to forget about all the work that equipment is doing to help keep your water at a comfortable temperature. But don’t forget about the heat pump when it comes time for routine pool maintenance. Like other mechanical equipment, it needs proper care to continue operating efficiently.
Keep the area around the heat pump clear of leaves, vegetation and other debris that could restrict airflow, and periodically inspect the unit according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The evaporator coil also needs to remain clean for the heat pump to perform efficiently.
Professional maintenance may also be recommended on a regular basis. The appropriate maintenance schedule and procedures depend on your particular heat pump, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions and have service or repairs performed by a qualified technician when necessary. A little attention to the equipment now may help you spot problems before they become more expensive repairs later.
Maintain the Proper Water Level
Did you know that your swimming pool’s water level can affect how well the circulation and skimming systems work? If the water gets too low, the skimmer may begin drawing in air rather than a steady supply of water. Allowing a pool pump to operate without adequate water flow can cause problems and potentially damage the equipment.
Too much water can create a different issue. When the water level is unusually high, the skimmer may not be able to remove floating leaves and debris as effectively, potentially leaving more cleanup for you later.
For many pools, the normal water level falls somewhere around the middle portion of the skimmer opening, but follow the recommendations for your particular pool and skimmer system. Keep an eye on the level after periods of heavy rain, evaporation or frequent swimming, when it may change more quickly.
If maintaining a consistent water level is something you regularly forget about, an automatic pool water leveler may be worth considering. Depending on the type, these devices can help replenish water as the level drops and reduce one more routine pool-maintenance chore.
Continue reading with Part 5.
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