A Simple Guide to Above Ground Pool Care

Owning and maintaining a pool requires a certain level of responsibility and upkeep from every homeowner, and this is especially true for above ground pools. It is true that spending your weekends poolside is a great way to unwind from the week; however, your day off can become not so relaxing if your pool is not properly kept or maintained. A well-kept above ground pool means that your pool will have healthy, clean, and clear swimming water as well as longer lasting equipment. Check out this easy guide for above ground pool care so you can make the most out of your time spent at the pool this summer.

Water Balance

The first thing to be sure of when maintaining an above ground pool is the water pH level. You want to make sure that the water's pH is not too acidic (low pH) or too alkaline (high pH). Your pool water should also have the right calcium hardness and total alkalinity levels. By ensuring these levels are correct, your pool's water will be properly balanced. The right balance levels will ensure proper functioning of your sanitizer system which keeps bacteria at bay. This will also lower the risk of corrosion or scale buildup on your pool and equipment. And for your comfort, balanced pool water also makes the water feel smoother and more comfortable to swim in and prevents skin and eye irritation.

Water Sanitation

The next step for a healthy above ground pool and proper care is having and maintaining a well functioning sanitizing system. Sanitizer systems prevent algae buildup and destroy bacteria. To sanitize your pool, you can either go with traditional chlorine products or other alternatives that are just as effective. These alternative products are becoming a lot more popular as people are preferring less chlorine exposure. Whichever you choose, it is still necessary to ensure proper pool water sanitation for yourself and your family.

Pool Shocking

If you have a chlorine pool, periodic shock treatments are necessary for maintaining pool water health. When a pool with chlorine is used, compounds called chloramines are formed when the pool's chlorine mixes with outside contaminants. When combined, the chlorine no longer has its sanitizing ability and actually causes a strong chlorine odor, red eyes, cloudy water, and algae and bacteria growth. Shock treatments break down the chloramine compounds and oxidizes the outside contaminants which will keep your pool safe and healthy.

Periodic Pool Cleaning

Last and definitely not least, the best and most obvious way to keep your above ground pool healthy and ready for use is with periodic cleanings. Making sure your pool is clear of dirt, debris, and other unwanted materials is vital to maintaining proper water quality. Keeping your pool clean also means taking good care of the filtration system.

Burton Pools and Spas

A clean pool is a safe pool, so be sure to keep safe this summer by properly maintaining your above ground pool. Find out how Burton Pools and Spas can help you have fun and be safe this summer with a new above ground pool and regular pool maintenance.

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Preparing Your Pool for Summer Swim Season

For many of us in Fort Smith and Springdale, it already feels like pool season is underway. With increasingly longer and warmer days ahead, it's about time to get your home pool in shape before everyday use becomes a necessity. Since it's likely been a while since your last dip, there are a few things you should do to prepare a pool for summer. Even if you had it covered all winter, it's likely not ready for swimmers just yet. Here are some of our top ways to prep your Arkansas pool for summer use.

Basic Cleaning

 Spring is a great time to make sure your Arkansas pool cleaning process is up to snuff. After removing your winter pool cover, give it a once-over; if there's any debris in your pool, clear it out with a skimming net. This will help you get rid of any visible debris, such as leaves, twigs and bugs. Remove everything from the pool that you possibly can. Then, go over the sides and floor of your pool with a pool brush to loosen up any algae or other dirt and buildup.

Skimming and brushing will prepare your pool for the underwater vacuum, which cannot remove any large items. However, running a pool vacuum is a very low maintenance way to keep your pool in shape, and you should run it once per day. Also, be sure to clean out the straining baskets whenever any debris has built up. The more often you clean your pool, the less time each cleaning session will take.

 

Maintain Water Levels

 Your pool's water level naturally fluctuates, but it's important to keep the pool full of water at all times. During particularly hot stretches of the day or when the pool is being used frequently, your Arkansas pool will continue losing water. Keep the water level above the skimmer line by refilling your pool with a hose if necessary.

 

Regularly Check the Filter

 In addition to regularly cleaning your pool, you should also be regularly cleaning your pool's filter. Do this by switching the filter to “backwash” mode as often as your manufacturer's guide says to (which may not be too often and depends on the type of filter you use-consult the manual before running!).

 

Check Chemical Levels

 We use chlorine in pools to keep bacteria from surviving and reproducing. However, too much chlorine can be harmful and affect the color in your family's hair and swimsuits. Checking the pH balance on a frequent basis-at least once a week-is an essential part of being a responsible pool owner. Regularly go over the pool rules with family members or anyone else using the pool; these rules include only swimming in pools that have been recently chlorine-tested.

At Burton Pools, we're luckily offering specials on many must-have pool chemicals. Starting May 7^th and lasting through the 31^st, you'll find the following deals:

• 20% Off MPT Extra™ Tablet Sanitizer (Limit one with card)


• 20% Off Stabilizer & Conditioner (Limit one with card)


• 20% Off BAQUACIL® Sanitizer & Algistat (Limit two with card)


• Buy 3 Get 1 Free TurboShock® Shock Treatment (Limit 3 free bags with card)

At Burton Pools, we proudly service the Western Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma and Southwest Missouri areas with top-quality custom pools. We're passionate about bringing family and friends together in the comfort of your own backyard by offering a great space to host a pool party or spend an evening relaxing with an old friend. Stop by our Fort Smith or Springdale locations to get the best chemicals for your pool today!

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