How To Significantly Lower Your Pool Maintenance Costs
You have decided to construct a swimming pool in your backyard. You are well aware of the benefits of swimming. But the thought of swimming pool maintenance costs still worries you. We will give you some tips to reduce maintenance costs.
1. Size and material.
You may be tempted to construct a large swimming pool in your backyard. After all, constructing a swimming pool is a once in a lifetime activity, right? Wrong. A large swimming pool will involve more maintenance and heating costs. Large pool requires more water, more chemicals and more disinfectants. Heating a large pool involves more energy expenses. Remember that these are recurring expenses. Choose the size of the pool according to your needs.
Similarly, concrete pools are more difficult to maintain as compared to fibreglass pools. Concrete pools require regular labor-intensive brushing, acid washing and resurfacing after some years. Fibreglass pools do not need all this. Choose your pool size and materials wisely to avoid regrets and avoidable expenses at a later stage.
2. The correct filtration pump size and speed.
Single-speed pumps consume more energy as compared to variable speed pumps. Variable speed pumps can be set at separate speeds. The pumps speed can be reduced when your pool is not in use. This brings down the energy costs. If your climate and backyard area permit you can choose a solar pump. They cost more initially but you can recover the amount in 5-6 years.
Install a larger filter which has more surface area. This enables the water to be pumped at a lower pressure. This will reduce your monthly electricity bills. Focus on the plumbing design of your filtration system. A faulty plumbing design with inappropriately sized pipes can make your pump ineffective. Electricity charges are less at night and running your pump during the night can lead to reduction in electricity costs. In summer months reduce your filtration cycles during the day to cut electricity costs.
3. Invest in a pool cover.
A pool cover has a lot of advantages. It prevents water evaporation. It also prevents dust and debris from falling into the water. This makes pool cleaning easier. Keeping the pool covered can also keep it warm. When water evaporates there is an increased need for chlorine and filtration. Preventing water from evaporating will save your money spent on refilling the water and adding more chlorine.
4. Save on heating expenses.
If you live in a cold climate then pool heating expenses can drain you considerably. Traditional gas heaters involve considerable fuel bills. Buy an electric heater. If possible invest in a solar pool heater. Heat the pool only when you are using it.
5. Choose a proper sanitation system.
There are newer methods like saltwater chlorinators which reduce the need for using chemicals. Ozone and UV Ozone systems are also good methods for water sanitization.
6. Add chlorine during the night.
Sunlight leads to the breakdown of chlorine. When you add chlorine during the daytime you will have to use more quantity to get the desired effect. Adding chlorine at night will allow the product to do its job. Use pool stabilizers to support chlorine.
7. Maintain water chemistry levels.
This is extremely important. An imbalance in water chemistry levels can lead to various problems. It can cause algae growth. It can even damage your filter and heating equipment. Rectification of these problems involves considerable expenditure. The pH level of your pool water should be in the range of 7.4 and 7.6. Calcium level should be between 100 and 200 ppm. Alkalinity should be in the range of 100-150 ppm. If the water chemistry levels are proper your pool water will look clear.
8. Efficient LED lights.
Use LED lights for energy saving. They last longer and have less operating costs. Turn off the lights in the pool when you are not using it. This will reduce your energy costs and keep insects away from the pool. Switch off your water features when you are not using them.
9. Clean the pool regularly.
During the swimming season brush your pool at least once daily. Brushing will dislodge any dirt or dust from the surface of the pool. They will then be carried out by the filtration system. Remove large leaves and debris from the pool. Decaying leaves can upset the chlorine levels in the water. They also attract insects. Skim the surface. Skimming the surface can remove any dead insects floating on the surface. Dropping a couple of tennis balls into the pool is a good idea to soak up all the sunscreen and oil floating in the pool. Purchase a robotic cleaner. They run independently without depending on your pump or filter. They may be expensive initially but their efficiency will be worth the expense.
10. Clean your filter regularly.
A clogged filter won’t be able to keep your pool water clean. It will have to work harder to do its job. It will consume more electricity for all the hard work. Clean your filter and skimmer basket regularly. Check your filtration equipment and hoses for any leaks or holes. Inspect if your return jets are working properly. A malfunction in your filtration system will adversely affect water quality. Regularly cleaning your filters will save them from long term damage and increase their lifespan.
Store all your cleaning tools and equipment properly. Don’t leave them outside in the sun. Store the brushes and vacuum cleaners with their business side pointing upwards.
11. Design a windbreaker.
If you leave in a windy area it would be a good idea to build fences or hedges around your pool. Winds can cause significant water evaporation. Water evaporation means loss of filtered chemically treated pool water. Replenishing this water will involve additional costs.
12. Keep plants away from your pool.
If plants are part of your pool landscaping then place them away from the pool. Trim any branches hanging over your pool. They may drop leaves, fruits or insects into the pool. Choose plants which do not shed leaves for your pool landscaping. Leaves can get stuck in the filter and clog your system.
Planning your pool efficiently can reduce the maintenance costs considerably. Your pool builder will help you to select a proper Fibreglass Pool suited to your needs.
