Swimming pools and spas maintenance

• The pump is a pool's circulatory system. It draws water from the main drain (located at the bottom of the pool or spa) and the surface skimmer(s); then it pushes the water through the filter and heater and back into the pool through the return lines. The pump consists of an electric motor, an impeller that draws water, and a "pot" that holds a strainer basket. The strainer basket gathers objects large enough to be sucked through the main drain or skimmer, such as small pebbles, leaves, or hairpins, but are too large to be sent to the filter. Many pools, and most spas, have more than one drain designed to prevent a youngster from being drowned by being held underwater by the powerful suction of a single drain

• The Skimmer - The surface skimmer is really the first line of defense when it comes to gathering debris too large for the filter to handle. The skimmer draws in surface water and draws whatever large material floats on the surface into a basket. There isn't much to maintaining a surface skimmer other than making sure to empty the basket at least once each week -- more often in the fall when leaves are a problem. Often the interior surface of the skimmer develops an oil ring at the water line. This ring should be periodically cleaned using a non-abrasive tile cleaner or surface scum remover.The other element of the skimmer that should be periodically checked for proper operation is the trap door at the mouth of the skimmer -- called a weir. The weir contains a buoyant material at the top that allows it to close-prohibiting debris from reentering the pool when the equipment is off or when there is lots of wave-making activity in the pool.

• The Filter - If the pump is the heart of a swimming pool or spa, then the filter is its lungs. The filter removes impurities and particulate matter (oils, grease, and dirt) and returns clear water to the pool via the return lines. Three types of filters are used primarily for home swimming pools:

• The high-rate sand filter
• The cartridge filter
• The diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filter

• The Heater - What good is a pool if it is too cold to swim in? And there's no sense in having a spa if the water can't be raised to a therapeutic level that reduces the day's stress and eases muscle tension.

Pool heater maintenance varies depending upon the type of system that you have. A gas heater's burners should be vacuumed at least once each year to remove debris that can clog the burner ports. Electric heaters contain heating elements that can become covered with scale (mineral deposits).

• Pool Covers - A pool cover prevents leaves and other debris from entering the pool, and it also reduces evaporation. This combination equals great savings-less energy to heat the pool and less energy to run the filter and automatic cleaner. Furthermore, a covered pool uses fewer chemicals. Good quality pool covers, such as self-draining nylon covers that stretch taut across the pool, are also an important element in pool safety. Many of these covers are so strong that they can easily support the weight of a small child or even an adult who may have fallen into the pool.

• Beginning of Pool Season - Whether or not a pool is shut down during the winter, the beginning of swim season is one of the most critical times for pool maintenance. Here are the essential tasks that should be done.

• Cleaning the basket strainer is easy. First, turn off the pool pump, unscrew the plastic cover, and remove the basket strainer. A rubber O-ring is generally located between the pot housing and its plastic cover to assist in making an airtight seal. The O-ring should be rinsed off with fresh water and periodically lubricated with Teflon or silicone lubricant. The lubricant keeps the O-ring supple and helps it withstand cracking and deterioration from chemicals and prolonged exposure to sun.

• Balancing Pool Water - Properly balanced water not only provides a safe and healthy swimming environment, it also preserves the integrity of the pool and equipment. At the beginning of the swim season, an opening "shock treatment" is the first order of business.

• Keeping Your Pool Clean - Even with all of the automatic-cleaning equipment available today, there is still no substitute for manual-cleaning equipment and some elbow grease. It permits you to get into nooks and crannies that are off limits to automatic cleaning equipment.

• Keeping Your Pool Water Level Correct -If you hear your skimmer gulping water, the water level in the pool or spa is too low. Air is entering the system which can cause the pump to lose its prime. Always keep the water level at about midlevel of the waterline tile. In warm or windy months this may mean adding water almost daily.

• Clean the pool filter before the water becomes cloudy. To determine when a filter should be cleaned, monitor the pressure gauge that sits atop the filter tank. While filter pressure varies with different filter styles and systems, pressure usually ranges from 6 to 20 pounds per square inch (psi). It's time to clean the filter when the pressure has increased by 8 to 10 psi above normal.

• Pool heater maintenance varies depending upon the type of system that you have. A gas heater contains burners that should be vacuumed at least once each year to remove spider webs and other debris that can clog the burner ports. After you vacuum the burners, you should check for gas leaks at all connections.To check for gas leaks, make a solution of liquid dish soap and water in a spray bottle (one tablespoon in a cup of warm water). Spray the soapy solution onto the pipe joints and look for little bubbles to become big ones. If you see big bubbles, turn off the gas and call your local utility company or a qualified plumbing contractor. Do not use the heater until the gas leak has been repaired.

Electric pool heaters contain heating elements (such as those on your stovetop) that can become covered with scale (mineral deposits). Often, scale can be stripped from an element by removing it and cleaning it using a wire brush. Some elements are so far gone that replacement is the only alternative. Bring the old element to your pool and spa supply store for an identical match.