Swimming
pools are fun. Whether you are swimming with the kids or sitting
on your favorite float it's fun to be in the pool. At Woodstock
Hardware we know how much time and effort goes into making that
fun, sparkling water. So although we are all about the fun, we
are here to help the folks who care for and maintain all those
pools!
Woodstock
Hardware knows there is a lot to know about properly taking
care of your spa or pool. There are many different types
of spas and pools and a variety of operating systems.
Following are a few tips on caring
for a simple above ground pool.
• The most
important aspect for keeping your above-ground pool in tip-top
swimming condition is to always check your chlorine level daily.
Algae can and will grow if your chlorine level drops dramatically,
and you definitely do not want that to happen. Algae are slimy
and difficult to clean.
• The floating
canisters of chlorine are the easiest means by which to ensure
adequate supplies of chlorine. They are maintenance-free.
All you do is poke a hole in the vent at the top, then look
for the hole next to the amount of gallons of water in your
pool. There are usually two holes, one on each side of the
canister. Poke a hole in these, using a nail or other sharp
object, and drop the canister in your pool. That's all there
is to it. No checking the filter daily or handling smelly chlorine.
The canister will normally last
three weeks to a month and floats on its side when the chlorine
runs out. All you do is remove it from your pool and put another
one in.
• Keep
your pool covered when not in use. This will help to
keep leaves and other debris from blowing in and make vacuuming
easier and quicker. Solar covers for above-ground pools are
sold through mail order catalogues and at department or pool
supply stores. The specially designed bubbles on these covers
attract the solar energy from the sun and heat the water in
your pool.
Once again, cover your pool during
the winter to help keep dirt out. Winter covers that attach to
the edges of the pool are sold at the same places that sell solar
covers.
• It is important to remove the solar
cover before covering the pool. Rinse
off with a hose, let air dry, then fold and put away until
the spring. Remember to check your chlorine canister at least
once a month during the winter and replace as necessary.
• Vacuuming dirt from
the bottom of the pool is quick and easy. Depending
upon the amount of use and how much debris gets blown
into the pool, you will have to vacuum at least once or twice
a week. Pool supply stores sell an attachment that connects
to your garden hose. Simply screw onto the hose, hook on a
pool-cleaning pole, and turn the water on. A vacuum is formed
and all you do is run the attachment over the bottom of the
pool.
Dirt and
leaves are sucked up into a "sock" which is easily
emptied when you are finished. Turn the water off, disconnect
from your hose, let sock dry, and put away until the next time.
It usually only takes
about a half an hour to vacuum (depending how dirty the pool
is) and you're ready to swim.
The newer filters only need to
be cleaned at the beginning of your swimming season. Block off
the intake valve (where the water enters the filter from your
pool), disconnect your electrical supply, remove the inside of
the filter, and hose off the paper with a hard spray of water.
Reinsert into filter, turn it on, and you're done.
We hope our tips are helpful.
And remember, delivery is available, so if you would like to
buy any of you pool supplies in bulk quantity, we will be very
happy to work to meet your spa and pool needs. So stop in, visit,
and let us help you find what you need.
