Taking Care of Your Pool In The Spring

Have you noticed anything different in the Las Vegas air? Have you noticed that the temperatures are starting to increase? If you’re like many when this happens it means we are that much closer to spring and swim season. If you own a residential swimming pool in the Las Vegas area that means changes and prepping your swimming pool for swim season is extremely important. That is why we wrote this blog post and we hope it helps to answer any questions you might have on changes you need to make when the water starts to warm up. The specific changes are centered around water chemistry and filter run times.

With springtime temperatures just around the corner, who is ready for swim parties, relaxing by the pool, and barbecues? With that said, Clark County Pool & Lawn would like to make sure your swimming pool is ready for the upcoming season. We understand that taking care of a swimming pool can be challenging and that it’s extremely important to keep it blue, clean, and clear. Ultimately, hiring a reputable swimming pool service and repair company (like Clark County Pool & Lawn) should be at the forefront of your mind but we know that some people might not have the financial capabilities and would prefer to do it on their own. First and foremost, your water chemistry is extremely important and we recommend using the reliable Taylor Test Kits to check for adequate amounts of chlorine, pH, Total Alkalinity (TA), Cyanuric Acid (CYA), and Calcium Hardness (CH). That also means that checking chlorine, pH, CYA and TA should be done weekly along with brushing the water tile line, the interior finish, steps, and benches. Skimming out all debris with a net as soon as possible when bushes and trees bloom is also extremely important to prevent chlorine loss in the pool. Typically in Las Vegas, the wind does pick up during spring so keeping on top of the debris is extremely important. Please note, the dirt and debris effect water chemistry that is why it’s such a priority. You will also want to make sure to empty out the skimmer and pump baskets to allow for proper filtration in and out of the filter.

Spring/Summertime Water Chemistry Suggestions:

Chlorine – 3 – 5 ppm

pH – 7.4 – 7.8

TA – 80 – 120 ppm

CYA – 30 – 50 ppm

You will want to make sure you follow the above suggestions because your water is warming up and that means the potential for algae.  Please note, the warmer the water the faster it will grow! If the pH climbs above 7.8 the water can become cloudy and scaling can occur on the tile.  To prevent possible algae growth now is the time to increase your chlorine levels along with your filtration run times. Typically, depending on the size of your swimming pool your filter run times will be between 8 – 12 hours a day.

In conclusion, now is the time to get your water tested and to make sure you start making changes to the way you take care of your swimming pool. This is also a good time to have your filter checked as well for the increased amount of swimming that will occur. This means a potential sand change or cartridge/DE filter deep clean. If you should have any questions or are looking to hire a company that can take the stress away from you, please contact us today!