I've seen somewhere that there are 3 steps to maintaining a swimming pool? What are they exactly?

Question

What are the steps and how do they work? What do I need for each step? How long after completing a step before I move on to the next one?

3 steps to open a pool for the summer, I should say. I just moved into a home with a pool but I haven't owned one before.

Answer 1

first you have to maintain the chemical balance: alkalinity must be between 7.2 and 7.6 and it can be adjusted by using
soda ash and fresh water. then the clorine level should be
1.0 to 3.0 to maintain proper sanatizing qualities ( the use of tri-chlor with built-in stabablizers are recommended).
if the pool is not vinyl then it is important to maintain the calcium levels to prevent the pool water from leeching the
calcuim from the pool walls causing the to fail prematurely.
second you must maintain water clarity and cleanliness this is done by maintaining the chemical balance and physical
brushing of the pool , vacuuming and removing the debri
from the skimmers and filter basket at the pump.
third make sure there are saftey devices that are easily accesable at the pool area such as a life ring with enough rope to reach the whole witdh of the pool, a 16 foot pole that is not adjustable to less than 16 feet with a permantly afixed
life hook. make sure there are no trip hazzards, coping around the pool cracking, ladders in proper working order as well as any hand rails. make sure the equiptment for the filtration system is in proper working order and try to keep a
stache of spare parts in case the system fails because of a broken meter or a chlorinator tube.

this is just a condensed (very) recommened version of what to do to keep your pool season a happy one.
there are a lot of sites on the 'net that can provide a lot more in depth details such as www.diy.com , it is a forum based
Q and A that follows questions such as this and many other homeowners questions. please excuse any mis spellings,
it seems the spell checker isn't working right now.

Answer 2

You need to clean the pool to remove leaves and other debris. You need a long-handled flat net (available at any pool store).

You need to test and balance your chemicals. You can get a testing kit to measure the amount of chemicals in your water and add chemicals as needed (pool stores have all necessary supplies).

Run your pump for several hours a day (longer when it's very sunny) and be sure to replace the filter on a regular basis (again, pool stores have filters).

Better yet, hire a pool service. They're not very expensive and it's one less chore you have to worry about.

Answer 3

1.Skim pool surface, vacuum bottom, scrape sides with brush, etc. A clean pool is easier to maintain. And don't forget to maintain your filter too, backwash regularly etc.
2.Use your test kit and test water for chlorine, ph, alkalinity, hardness, etc, when opening and regularly throughout swimming season.
3.Use chemicals available through aquachem, hph, or whatever brand you decide to use to bring chemicals into acceptable range.
4. Use chlorine tablets in skimmer consistently and shock it weekly or after rain, wind or heavy use.
Pretty much it, and if you have a problem go to the website on the product to learn more.

Answer 4

3 steps??? If only. Swimming pools take constant maintanence. After it's clean and up and running you should take a water sample to your local pool store. They can tell you what chemicals to balance the water. Then you have to check the chemicals and add as necessary. It all depends on the weather and how much it's used. Also what kind of water you have in your area.

Answer 5

CLORINE, PH AND ALGAE