Swimming pool maintenance

With summer now well and truly upon us it is time to makes sure that swimming pools are in good working order.

This means checking on things like heaters and liners and the way that the filtration system is functioning.

Filtration can usually be sorted out by performing the usual checks to determine water quality. If there is a problem then the chemical balance can be adjusted and if the filtration is generating the difficulty now is the time to sort it out. This may mean backwashing, changing filters or replacing the sand depending upon the type of filtration being used. In most cases this is not a major task.

Heaters can be monitored for their effectiveness and efficiency by checking thermostats, heating up time and energy usage. If any of these variables seem to have changed significantly over time the boiler, condenser or heat exchanger etc may require routine maintenance or an overhaul. Pipe work can also be a frequently neglected feature in any heating systems so, in the event of a problem, make sure that flows are as they should be. Power flushes can sort out simple blockages and chemicals can often break down stubborn blocks.

Pool liners deteriorate over time just like anything else, so they need to be checked for their waterproofness and for any damage in the form of tears, abrasions and visible damage. Pool liners may also need periodic cleaning if bacteria starts to build up on their surface. Swimming pool liners also need to be monitored for ultra violet light damage. The refraction of light through water means that with some low quality and older liners this may be a problem.