Summers are a lot more fun when pools are involved. This amenity has a way of turning a boring home into a fun center for family and friends to enjoy. From simply floating around to playing fun and exciting games, time spent in a pool is hardly ever a waste.
In summer, pools are especially useful and functional. This part of the year is the hottest and a great way to cool off is by taking a dive and soaking in the water. It even gets better if you can do this while playing fun games with loved ones.
While most pools are typically built to last for many years, their condition can quickly deteriorate if they are not being taken care of properly. If there’s anything about pools that many homeowners dread, it’s definitely maintenance. Maintaining a pool is compulsory whether it is in use or not. Click here to learn how to keep your pool clean.
Naturally, pools are mostly used in summer when the weather gets really hot. But during other seasons, rather than swimming, the time you’d be spending in or around your pool is most likely doing maintenance. Without a doubt, maintenance can be demanding, but, with the right equipment, it may become less stressful or maybe even fun.
Is Pool Equipment Really Necessary?
The answer is yes! They are absolutely necessary if you want your pool to stay in great shape and serve you for a long time. Of course, aside from the fact that to actually take care of pools, the right equipment is necessary, they make maintenance way more bearable and easier.
The range of equipment available for maintenance is bewildering but hopefully, in this article, you’ll learn about some of the most important ones. They can be purchased online and finding stores that sell this equipment shouldn’t be too stressful. Simply run a Google search on, say, online pool equipment to get started.
As for whether pools are to be cleaned and well taken care of, you most likely know the answer to that. But for emphasis’s sake, to eliminate the risk of picking up any skin infections or pool-related illnesses, you must clean your pool regularly.
There are several chemicals that are used to keep pools clean, clear, and free from any bacteria. A popular example is chlorine. Chlorine is the most common pool sanitizer because aside from the fact that it is effective in getting rid of contaminants, it lasts the longest under UV light from the sun.
With that out of the way, let us look at some equipment!
Pumps
Without pumps, swimming pools would be a mess and incredibly difficult to clean and maintain. They help to circulate the water and get rid of algae and other smaller contaminants. Without them, your pool is basically stagnant water which is unhealthy. Pumps also power the heating and filtration processes. In a nutshell, when it comes to pool maintenance, pumps aren’t up for debate.
There are three main types of pumps, which are single, dual, and variable speed pumps. The variable speed pump is considered the best option out of the three because it is more flexible and has better energy usage. As its name suggests you can switch between different speeds to suit your need. The primary function of this equipment is to keep your pool flowing through the system to keep it clean and fresh.
Filters
You’ve probably already guessed the function of this tool. They help to remove the millions of visible and invisible contaminants in the water. Without them working, the water will become cloudy, dirty, and ultimately unsafe for swimming. You can consider them the second most important equipment for pool maintenance.
There are different types of filters that you can choose from including DE filters, sand filters, and cartridge filters. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, but they all get the job done. Visit https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-a-de-pool-filter-2736553 to learn more about DE filters.
Heaters
Some people consider this equipment a luxury option, while for others, it is an absolute necessity. They help to heat up the water for use in cooler months or at night for longer use and a much more pleasant experience. Heaters can be added to the system at any time, so, if you didn’t install one when making your pool, you can have it done whenever you’re ready.
Skimmers
There will always be some debris and other contaminants that will escape your filter. To get rid of them, you’ll need a skimmer. Skimmers are basically nets with a handle and are great for clean up because they scoop up everything in their path including leaves, cups, bugs, and candy wrappers. To get the most out of this equipment, ensure the rod attached to the net is long enough to reach the center of the pool.
Brushes
Pool maintenance isn’t all automatic as pumps and filters may have you thinking. Like skimmers, brushes are meant to be used manually. Over time, thin layers of algae form and build up on the floor and walls of pools. They make the water dirty and unsafe for swimming. How fast they form, however, depends on the level of your maintenance. The only way to deal with this problem is by thoroughly scrubbing your pool with a brush.
Final Thoughts
Pools can be quite difficult to maintain and the thought of the work it takes may drain some of the fun of having them. That said, the reward of having them clean and safe for swimming easily outweighs the frustration that comes from all the maintenance work.