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Mar 29, 2007:
Water balance is not such a complicated exercise. It is simply the relationships of different chemical parameters to each other. Your water is constantly changing. Anything and everything directly and indirectly affects water balance - from sunlight, wind and rain to the oil, dirt and cosmetics which may enter the water.
Swimming Pool Maintenance
In ensuring a clean, clear swimming pool, our efforts are concentrated in two areas: maintaining or adjusting the chemical balance of the pool water, and removing the dirt and foreign particles from the swimming pool. The chemical balance of the swimming pool water cannot be maintained by adding pool chemicals when we remember to. We need to test the pool water regularly and adjust the levels, by adding pool chemicals, according to the results of the pool water tests. In order to remove unwanted substances, we rely on a water circulation and a filtration system. Of course we also need to clean the filter itself and replace the filtration sand or filters when necessary. A regular swimming pool maintenance program can help to prevent swimming pool water problems. Prevention is better than cure, and much easier. Of course a lot of this is not needed with a salt chlorine generator.
More maintenance info about aboveground pools...
Cleaning Liner at Waterline
Clean the liner at the water line of scum and suntan oil, dust, dirt etc. that will accumulate from people using the pool. Clean any area at the water surface where the sun hits for a long period of the day. Use a dealer-approved vinyl cleaner and apply it with a sponge.
DO NOT USE ABRASIVE PADS OR ANY ABRASIVE CLEANER.
Pool water level
Do not lower the water any more than the bottom of the skimmer for winterizing. The pool liner is held in place by the weight of the water and if the water is removed the liner can shrink and pull away from the pool corners and staircase if one is installed, or rip away from the skimmer and inlet. Serious liner damage can occur in this situation
Patching holes in linerThere is a chance that your liner could be punctured or torn, if you have pre-teens and teens you know what I mean. In times like those , a vinyl liner repair kit will enable you to make any necessary repairs. It is a good idea to use a good pair of goggles for any underwater patches. Kits are available for both underwater and above water repairs.
Chemical Use
Allow each chemical to circulate through the filter (i.e.: once in the morning and evening a twelve hour time difference) before adding a second chemical. Certain combinations of chemicals at a high concentration can cause the liner to be bleached. You should test for dissolved metals, because they stain the vinyl liner or combined with calcium hardness to form coloured deposits. The use of floating chemical dispensers is not recommended. They can bleach out the liner at water level..
Automatic Chemical Dispensers
Inquire about the many automatic chemical dispensing units on the market. When installed and filled properly, these dispensers will minimize the amount of time you spend maintaining the chemical balance of your pool water. These units are not required with a good salt chlorine generator.
Another picture of my deck with a shot of the cabana (right hand corner)
