Serving Fort Lauderdale Since 1987
First-Time Pool Owner Guide
Pool Care 101: A Guide for First-Time Pool Owners in Fort Lauderdale
Use Your Pool Pump Every Day
Your pool pump is an unsung hero. It circulates the water to keep it fresh, inviting, and pristine. Running your pool pump daily isn’t just a recommendation but a cornerstone of proper pool care. Especially in the Fort Lauderdale mid-summer heat where stagnation can lead to algae before you blink, operating your pool pump daily is absolutely essential.
Aim to circulate the water for about 8–10 hours a day during peak usage and in the summer (4–6 should be fine for cooler temperatures and lower usage). If you have a variable-speed pump, you should aim to circulate the water as much as 18 hrs in the heat of the summer or up to 12-14 hours in hot climates. Your pump will help remove debris as water passes through the filter and will help ensure chemicals are evenly distributed. With routine pool pump usage, your pool will always be crystal clear and ready for a splash whenever family and friends need some relief from the Fort Lauderdale sun.
Pro pool tip: If you are concerned about the electric bill, consider investing in a variable-speed pump. By reducing the RPMs of the pump when you don’t need it, you can save 75 percent or more on your electric bill.
Keep Your Pool Chemicals Balanced
Balancing your pool’s chemicals can be a challenge, but with some attention, precision, and care, you can get the science down. Here are some ideal levels to keep your pool water safe and sparkling:
- pH: 7.4–7.6
- Alkalinity: 100–150 ppm (parts per million)
- Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
You’ll want to test your water at least once a week to stay ahead of any imbalances that could turn your pool into a breeding ground for bacteria or an irritant for the skin and eyes. Adjusting levels gradually and keeping a close eye on the effect of your tweaks will ensure your pool remains a haven of relaxation all season long.
Maintain a Pool Cleaning Schedule
A consistent, regular cleaning schedule is essential for your pool’s health. You’ll want to make sure you set aside to skim, brush, and vacuum your pool every single week, especially in Fort Lauderdale, where the sun is relentless and pool use is high.
- Skimming removes leaves and other debris that collect and that may not filter well.
- Brushing prevents algae buildup and other residues from accumulating on walls and tiles.
- Vacuuming captures dirt that has settled at the bottom of the pool and that won’t be easily filtered out.
Checking and cleaning your filter system regularly ensures that it continues to work efficiently and helps you minimize the amount of manual labor needed to maintain your pool. Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your pool looking great and save you costly repairs down the line!
Pick the Right Pool Heater & Filter
Selecting the right pool heater and filter for your Fort Lauderdale pool is crucial for ensuring comfort, cleanliness, and safety. The heater you choose should align with your usage and budget.
- Gas heaters have a lot of heating power but can prove costly to operate.
- Electric heat pumps are efficient and have lower operating costs but heat the pool more slowly.
- Solar heaters require upfront investment but can over savings over time, especially in sunny Fort Lauderdale.
For filters, the three most common types are sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE).
- Sand filters are low maintenance but least effective in trapping small particles.
- Cartridge filters capture more debris and are easier to maintain than DE filters.
- Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters are more difficult to maintain but also provide the best filtration.
Like the chemicals, it’s all something to balance: weigh your needs and budget against your desired outcome and choose the heater and filter that’s right for your situation. Remember, though, that a pool isn’t just an outdoor feature but a backyard oasis that will help you and your loved ones make cherished memories for years to come.
The Three C’s for a Clean Pool in Fort Lauderdale
Circulation
Cleaning
Chemistry
A balanced chemical balance is important for swimmer safety and water quality in general. Monitoring pH levels, chlorine levels, alkalinity levels, and calcium hardness levels in the pool water should be done using a reliable testing kit.
Ideally, your pool should have a pH level between 7.4 and 7.6 to be maintained. Adjust these levels as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Pool Issues
Dealing with these pool issues can be a hassle. Hiring a professional pool cleaner can help relieve stress. When these symptoms become out of your control, contact a Dallas pool company you can rely on.
Issues | Signs | Reason | Solution |
Odor in the chlorine |
|
|
Correct the pH balance by pool shocking |
Cloudy water |
|
|
Inspect the pool Pool shocking |
Algae |
|
|
Adjust pH |
How a Professional Fort Lauderdale Pool Cleaning Company Can Help
Many people who own pools only have a certain level of knowledge when it comes to properly taking care of them. However, the hassle of making repairs on your own can be stressful. Rather than doing this yourself, you should hire an expert pool cleaning company. A deeper look is performed when you hire a technician, such as checking the pumps and filters to make sure nothing has burned out. Additionally, professionals are trained to spot small issues that might eventually lead to bigger problems.
What is Expected During a Pool Cleaning Service?
A pool cleaning service will depend on your pool’s needs and the condition it’s in. For example, if you have a green pool, that will need more time and care. Typically, however, you can expect the following from a basic pool cleaning service:
- Water testing, equipment checks, skimming, vacuuming, brushing, emptying baskets
With the help of our licensed professionals, you can rest assured that the job will be done right the first time. If you are looking to experience all the benefits of our pool and spa maintenance approach, with easy, safe, and effortless results, contact us today.
Pool Upgrades That Will Make Your Fort Lauderdale Pool Stand Out
Owning a pool is great, but what’s even better? Making it better. Your pool can have all the luxury features you desire.
Here are just a few ideas to upgrade your pool:
- Adding pool automation: Automating your pool can let you set schedules, adjust settings, and monitor your spa from anywhere.
- Installing a variable speed pump: Using variable speed pumps, pool owners don’t need to worry about a pump that’s constantly consuming power. A range of speed settings enables the system to handle everything from light overnight circulation to heavy duty algae removal.
- Investing in a salt water chlorine generator: A gentler, higher quality salt-based chlorine balances your chlorine levels automatically without producing harsh chemicals.
- An automatic pool cleaner: With these robotic pool cleaners, you can cut the time it takes to maintain your pool by a huge margin. There is nothing better than saving money and saving time.
- Adding LED lighting: With LEDs, you can upgrade your pool easily and effectively. You can easily adjust the mood of your swimming pool with LED pool lights, from an elegant glow to a colorful display.
Safety for Your Pool
Supervising Children
Learn CPR
Your Pool Service Experts at Patriot Pool & Spa in Fort Lauderdale
Patriot Pool & Spa in Fort Lauderdale treats business as if it were personal. You should feel comfortable knowing who is in your yard. Therefore, all of our candidates are background checked. We only put people in your yard that we would feel comfortable inviting into our own home. Contact us today for all your pool service needs. We can’t wait to help!