Whether you have just purchased a swimming pool or spa, or are looking to refresh your memory, knowing how to use your equipment and knowing how to maintain it will allow you to get the most out of it. and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Whether above-ground, in-ground or semi-inground, your pool includes at least a water filtration system, which you will need to maintain in good condition through regular maintenance.
In addition, to ensure the quality of the water, the maintenance of your equipment must be combined with a sanitation system. Each system includes advantages and disadvantages to consider before making your choice.
The opening of the pool or spa
With the arrival of fine weather comes spring cleaning, the first barbecues… and the opening of the swimming pool. Depending on whether you have an above-ground, in-ground, semi-in-ground pool or a spa, the steps to follow for opening and closing may vary. If you want to do it yourself, refer to the manufacturer’s manual, and plan a good day’s work. If in doubt, call a qualified professional .
Generally, opening the pool can be detailed in six steps. First, if it is not a new installation but you closed your pool in the fall, check the general condition of your pool and its components: piping, liner, joints, filtration…
Then remove the drop cloth and remove the larger accumulated debris. Once the basin has been cleaned, fill it up to three-quarters of the skimmer. Connect the filtration system and clean your pool using the “drain” function. Take an inventory of the cleaning products you have, taking note of the expiration dates.
In the case of a spa, cleaning is done by running the pumps for one to two hours with a special cleaner, after which all the water must be drained and the basin refilled. Make sure the water level is above the higher jets to avoid getting too much air into the system. You will then add the first doses of maintenance products recommended for your spa.
Pool or spa, once the opening is complete, you can take a sample of your water to a specialist in order to be able to better balance your chemical parameters, and to top up with disinfection products if necessary. Take care to store your products safely. Once the opening is done, it is important to regularly check the quality of the water.
Water sanitation
There are two main methods for maintaining the quality of the water in your swimming pool: chlorine, and the generation of chlorine in salt water, commonly known as a “salt pool”. Both have a cost and an environmental impact, but their strengths and weaknesses differ in some ways.
Traditional chlorination, in liquid, granular or tablet form, does not require the purchase of additional equipment, making it the most economical option. This method remains popular because of its effectiveness in quickly destroying bacteria and preventing the formation of algae. However, if you choose this method, you will need to obtain, handle and store pure chlorine, a chemical that can be dangerous.
Possibly irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, chlorine has a stronger odor and requires daily checking to ensure its maximum effectiveness. In addition, chlorine affects the pH of the water, which will occasionally need to be readjusted using additional products. In total, you will need to plan a budget of $ 60 and $ 120 per year depending on the volume of water in your pool to maintain it with chlorine.
Salt, on the other hand, naturally contains chlorine. Using an electric current, the chlorine can be extracted from the salt, after which it will only be necessary to add salt in the event of water loss. The stability offered by this method allows ease of maintenance and greater peace of mind since it avoids having to handle hazardous products. In addition to eliminating odors, the cleansed water is also gentler on the skin and textiles.