The motto of this blog is “Because Swimming Pools Should Be Fun,” but that’s only possible when your swimming pool is getting regular pool service; that’s a pool reality.
The motto of this blog is “Because Swimming Pools Should Be Fun,” but that’s only possible when your swimming pool is getting regular pool service; that’s a pool reality.You can’t enjoy a swimming pool if it has a pump, filter, or chemical problem. When the pool is dirty, the pool is closed for business – no swimmers allowed!
Swimming Pool Realities
Pools are meant to be used during parties and barbecues with quests swimming, splashing around, and playing pool games, right? Or for kids in training, swimming laps in preparation for the Olympics, or for lying on an air mattress reading a good book while drinking a cool beverage…
Now comes the point of this post: don’t have a pool installed unless you are ready to take care of it.
Why? Because once the fantasy wears off, you’ll realize:
- A pool costs money and time because of all the pool repairs that it will need.
- And sometimes cause financial, marriage, and neighbor problems.
- And – unless you can afford to have someone else do the pool service, swimming pools work!
Sorry if I popped your bubble, but you must hear this swimming pool reality upfront…
Now In Hindsight
Regular swimming pool service is vital to ensure the water is safe and clean for swimming. Neglect it for just a few weeks; nature will take over by adding bugs, dirt, and algae.
Pools Are Large Amounts of Water that occasionally need to be Drained
Hindsight, you want to consider draining hundreds or thousands of gallons of water occasionally. That’s right, draining the pool must occasionally replace the old pool water with fresh new water.
There are several reasons pool water may require draining, but accidents such as adding too much chlorine or acid are the most common.
Also, thousands of gallons of water are expensive! I’ve seen my water bill jump over $100’s during the summer months due to constantly adding water because of evaporation.
This doesn’t even include the cost of refilling a pool if it’s drained; my average was $75 to refill.
Angry Neighbors and City Law Hindsight
One more thing to consider is draining 100 – 1000 gallons of water. The first time I drained my pool, I had the city visit me and write me a ticket for draining water onto the street gutter – it’s not allowed.
Then, to make matters worse, when I drained it into my yard, it also flooded the neighbor’s yard, and he wasn’t happy about it, either.
I’m just giving you some hindsight to think about…
And don’t forget chemicals!
Let’s get this pool reality out of the way now. You’ll need to buy chemicals for your pool that need to be of quality, not discount brands or expired. I know saving a few dollars is tempting, but don’t go there, or you will pay for it later on…
Alright, you can buy cheaper products, but you need to ensure they are of equal quality as the major brands and no expired dates.
Do some online pool service research and compare the ingredients. I admit there are some deals out there.
Pool Service Maintenance Log
We forget, so keeping a pool service log for your maintenance tasks helps remind you.
For example, when adding more acid to your swimming pool, log it with the exact amount you said and why you added it.
Another example is tracking when filters are cleaned or when you do a backwash. I know keeping a log seems excessive, but if you’re like me, sometimes I forget because of my busy schedule.
A good DIY pool service schedule and log will help prepare your pool for family or guests. I know what it’s like to be asked by my wife if the pool is ok for swimming; being able to say yes could keep you out of trouble. This is an important pool reality!
Regular Pool Maintenance
Like clockwork, you must remove dirt and debris from your swimming pool every week.
You’ll use a skimmer to get stuff off the top. Then you’ll use a vacuum to suck up stuff that reaches the bottom of your swimming pool.
Some days are better than others. I live where it’s very dusty, and many tree leaves and bugs get blown into the pool water, which means regular skimming and vacuuming is a reality.
You can also invest in an automatic cleaning system. These cleaning systems will do most of the work for you, but you’ll still need to clean where they miss, such as in the corners.
Automatic cleaning systems sound cool, but I enjoy my time alone in the morning cleaning the pool. It’s a workout that gets me some exercise and stretching.
Conclusion
These are my realities and hindsight about owning a swimming pool!
I shared this because getting the most enjoyment out of your swimming pool is what it’s all about, so you’ll need to plan and take care of it.
Before you sign on the line to have one installed, do the math for chemicals, filter cartridges, water, time, pool tools, and unforeseen problems you can bet will happen.
Another important pool reality is professional pool service is expensive; on average, it will cost you $45 per 15-minute block, or $180 an hour.
A final sobering reality is that “average pool owners” will only use the pool 30 days out of the year! In hindsight, that’s less than 10% of the year…
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