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A family swimming pool can be a hub for summertime fun, or a relaxing way to cool off on a long hot day. Aside from professional maintenance, there are several things you can do to make your pool a clean, safe and fun environment. Get the basics on pool care and maintenance, and you’ll be set for a cool summer.

Care and Maintenance

Follow these care and maintenance suggestions for your home’s swimming pool.

Initialization

You’ve received a kit that includes full operating instructions, a broom, a vacuum and hose, and a chemical test kit. Please refer to your pool pamphlets for instructions.

It’s possible that your pool hasn’t reached its initial chemical balance yet because it was completed recently. Don’t add any chemicals to your pool until it’s time to begin the routine maintenance program per the manufacturer’s instructions. Adding chemicals too early could damage the pool finish.

Don’t put floating tablets in the skimmer basket as a way of adding chemicals to your pool. They might damage the finish when the pump isn’t running.

Child Barrier

The fabric child barrier is an important safety device. Use it whenever there’s a risk of a person or pet accidentally falling into the pool. Also, don’t dispose of this barrier, since it could be required if you sell your home.

Make sure your family and guests are aware that your pool is shallow and unsuitable for diving.

Professional Maintenance

You can hire a pool service company to maintain your pool. A pool supply company can help guide you in choosing the appropriate chemicals to balance your pool water and in servicing the pool.

Chemical Balance

Test the pool water with your chemical test kit. Then, add just the chemicals necessary to bring the water up to the optimum test levels.

Replace the testing chemicals, called reagents, in your test kit periodically to ensure accurate test results. You might wish to purchase a more elaborate test kit than the starter kit.

Add chemicals to your pool carefully and evenly throughout the pool while the pump is running. Don’t pour chemicals in only one place.

Pump Clock

Keep the pump clock set to run at least six hours a day in the winter and at least eight hours a day during the warmest part of the day in the summer.

Warranty

Keep all testing results with your records so you can refer to them if you need to make a warranty claim. Your pool’s warranty doesn’t cover the following: discoloring or staining due to local water conditions, rust, oxidation, or staining caused by debris in the pool, improper chemicals or chemical balance, and failure to maintain the pool.

Have your pool water professionally tested periodically. If you feel that you need more assistance, contact your local pool supply company.

If Your Home Is Part of a Homeowners Association (HOA)

Check with your HOA regarding maintenance, and be familiar with all HOA documentation.