pool maintenance (Cave Creek: home, closing, living)

[Reid3416]

Our family is relocating to Cave Creek from Canada and we have never had a pool before. I am wondering what most people do as far as maintenance, chemicals, cleaning etc. Is it a huge pain in the ass or can it be done fairly easily by the homeowner? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[HX_Guy]

I would say it depends on how "correct" you want things done.

When I was living at my parents house, my dad would take care of the pool and just put a couple chlorine tablets in each week and do a shock treatment every couple weeks or so plus brush the sides and clean out the filter. It probably took 15 minutes a week and it was always nice, clear, and blue...but I don't know if the pH balance and all that were really where they needed to be.

We pay a pool guy $75 a month and he comes out once a week and takes care of everything, measures the pH...adds chemicals needed etc and the pool looks awesome, crystal clear.

[Reid3416]

thanks. I am somewhat concerened about doing it correctly as we will have a new baby and we have 2 dogs so I don't want the wrong PH and what not. How did you find a pool guy?

[jimbowilly]

I've been doing my own pool maintenance now for about 14 years. When the cleaning and filtration system is working properly, it's fairly easy to keep your pool clean and the water clear.

If I remember right in a perfect world you should keep your pH at 7.4, (with neutral being 7.0). So you can see it's slightly on the basic (as opposed to acidic) side.

But the pH really doesn't fluctuate too much. Mine tends to go up to about 7.8 or 8.0 with no real noticeable problems. I just put in some muratic acid to bring it back down to normal.

You just need to keep the sides and steps brushed and keep the chlorine levels where they should be and it's no big deal.

[Reid3416]

thanks for the advice.

[joanr7]

What is the downside to not opening the pool. We will be out of town for most of the summer. Can I just leave the cover on? Will there be a mosquito concern?

[tszipaz]

If you are leaving for the summer it is best to have someone look after the pool. With the heat, you will not like what you see when you get back. Summer is the hardest time on pools here.

[Ponderosa]

If you have money to burn, then hire someone. Otherwise, learn what is needed - there are many online sources and you can talk to the guys at a pool supply store - and do it yourself. I have been doing my own pools for 30plus years. It is not a big job. 90 bucks a month adds up for something relatively simple to DIY. If you save it, it'll pay for your kids education.

On the new baby. GET A POOL FENCE if you don't have one. Don't rely on self-closing patio doors and windows, covers etc.

[LBTRS]

Originally Posted by joanr7

What is the downside to not opening the pool. We will be out of town for most of the summer. Can I just leave the cover on? Will there be a mosquito concern?

You can not leave a pool unattended over the summer. It will be a green swamp when you return. A pool must have regular weekly maintenance, if you can't provide that (either yourself or paying someone) then you should not have a pool.

[azriverfan.]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

I would say it depends on how "correct" you want things done.

When I was living at my parents house, my dad would take care of the pool and just put a couple chlorine tablets in each week and do a shock treatment every couple weeks or so plus brush the sides and clean out the filter. It probably took 15 minutes a week and it was always nice, clear, and blue...but I don't know if the pH balance and all that were really where they needed to be.

We pay a pool guy $75 a month and he comes out once a week and takes care of everything, measures the pH...adds chemicals needed etc and the pool looks awesome, crystal clear.

Does your pool guy clean too or just manage the chemicals?

To the OP: it's not a huge pain like mowing and taking care of your own yard which requires much more labor. It's easy work BUT you have to be consistent. You can't forget because you could have problems with your pump if you forget to empty the leaves from the baskets and if you don't backwash your pool. That is why I think it's worth using a pool service especially if you travel or are away from your home and if you are like me and don't work consistent hours. If you have an 8-5 job and have the weekends off then I would just do it myself.