Swimming Pool Maintenance
Doesn't Have to be Difficult
Safety pool fencing
In any home or development with a swimming pool, it is important to keep the area safe for children. One easy way to assure that no child wanders into a pool area unattended is to fence the pool area and install a gate with a spring-loaded door closer.
Electrical and water
Electrical devices near water should always be protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter, a safety device that disconnects power from a circuit when a potentially dangerous electrical condition exists. A GFCI protects people while fuses or circuit breakers protect equipment.
Aging pool slide
A slide is a fun addition to a pool, but the surface of an aging slide can be coarse and may cause injuries if left unrepaired. Repairs can be done by a handy homeowner or by a pool supply company.
Broken pool gate spring
Fences or some other kind of barrier should always be installed around a pool accessible to the public in order to prevent unattended children from getting in. The gate on such a fence should be equipped with a spring so the gate will automatically close when opened.
Pool ladders
Swimming pool ladders should be regularly inspected for wear and safety. If the ladder is not securely fastened to the pool decking or lifts when in use, for example, it needs repair.
Replacing a pool liner
Most pool liners last between five to eight years, depending on what chemicals are used in the pool. When a liner begins to degrade, water begins seeping through the porous cement below, the deteriorating areas shown by darker colors on the pool bottom. When this occurs, the pool liner probably needs resurfacing. Check with a qualified pool company.
Automatic pool cleaning
Automatic pool-cleaning devices are a convenient way to keep a pool clear of debris, but they can get blocked up and stop working. Regular maintenance of the device will keep it working properly.
Inspecting pool ladders
Swimming pool ladders should be regularly inspected for wear and safety. If the ladder is not securely fastened to the pool decking or lifts when in use, for example, it needs repair.
Pool grading
The soil surrounding a swimming pool should be graded to drain away from the pool, not toward it. If the original contractor cannot be located to fix the problem, a qualified pool company or drainage specialist should be hired to do so.
Stopping a pool leak
Like other household equipment, swimming pool equipment requires regular maintenance to catch small leaks before they become large problems. A qualified pool service may have to be called in to make repairs.
See also
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