5 Essential Supplies For Your Pool
A pool isn't all fun and games. Like everything involving a household, a pool requires maintenance. Cleaning is just one of the things you will have to commit yourself to if you decide on installing a pool in your backyard. Before you commit to having a pool installed, or if you already have one installed and you need some guidance, you should know 5 essential supplies for your pool.
Chemicals
Consider chemicals the lifeblood of your pool's sense of cleanliness. The pump and filter are the heart and brain, respectively. They are the impetus that keeps the pool alive and healthy, but the chemicals are what keep out the toxins. Chemicals are most notable for keeping any harmful pathogens that may find their way into your pool and stake a claim for it as their new home. Utilizing your chemicals properly is an interesting balancing act that requires a certain amount of skill and know how.
You will need to figure out what type of chlorine you need for your pool, whether you want chlorine granules or sticks of chlorine, as well as determine the correct amount of cyanuric acid for your pool. Depending on the size of your pool, as well as how often you use your pool, the levels will vary. If these seems too overwhelming, you may want to hire a company that does swimming pool maintenance to balance your pool add the chemicals for you.
Filter
A filter is a tool that allows the water to properly circulate and helps keep it from getting too terribly dirty. Without a filter, you're liable to have some rather stagnant water. There are three main types of filters from which you can choose. A sand filter is the smallest and most inexpensive type of filter. It is also the least effective and requires maintenance every two or so weeks. A cartridge filter is slightly more expensive and effective and generally only require maintenance or upkeep twice every season. A DE filter is the most expensive but, without a doubt, the most effective. It only needs to be cleaned when an indicator says so on the filter itself.
Vacuum
A vacuum works much in the same way that a vacuum for your house does: it sweeps up all of the debris that is present in your pool. Their size and prices can range basically in the same area as indoor vacuums, varying greatly depending on what sort of features and extras you want for your vacuum. Cheaper vacuums work much like a house vacuum does, with you pushing it along the bottom of an empty pool, cleaning and cleaning. More expensive vacuums are self-propelling and can clean your pool while you gently sleep the night away.
Caulk
The caulk around your pool is much like the caulk anywhere else around your house, most notably the bathroom. If you are not careful, the caulk around the concrete and tile of your pool can crack and split. Also, much like your bathroom, these caulk free areas are susceptible to mold and mildew. Getting rid of mold and mildew from a pool can be an expensive proposition, so in this case, an ounce of prevention is going to save you from a pound of headache later on.
Pumice
Mineral build up will likely be a big problem for your pool. Monitor this issue about once or twice a year or so. If you notice any discoloration or staining, this is most likely the result of mineral build up. Scraping pumice stone along these discolored or stained areas can work wonders for it.
Your pool requires a number of supplies to keep its upkeep regular. Hopefully, this article has given you a bit of insight regarding what sort of supplies you should definitely use to keep your pool looking as good as new! If you don't feel like you can properly maintain your pool yourself, even after knowing the essential things needed for pool upkeep, you might want to consider calling in a pool service for weekly pool care.
Click here for more info about pool maintenance if you think you'll need professional help.