Adding chemicals

Posted on

 

It’s important to follow the chemical manufacturers instructions to the letter when handling chemicals and adding them to your pool. When you purchase your pool, the pool professionals will set you up with a system to keep the water clean and healthy, so you can rely on them to help you along the way. They want to be a partner in the health of your pool so you will keep coming back to purchase products.

Without a doubt, if you are doing the water testing yourself, then you will have to add chemicals as well based on your findings. If you are using granular products, there are generally two ways to add them to the water. The first is to add the powders directly to the water. The best way to be sure the powders are evenly dispersed is to slowly pour them in various areas of the pool. Don’t just toss them in from a standing position as the wind may blow the powder back on you. Instead, bend down and gently pour small amounts in the water. The problem with this method is that the powders may take time to dissolve.

Another way to add powdered chemicals is to mix them in pool water drawn directly from the pool in a bucket you designate to be used for this purpose. This way, the powder has time to dissolve before adding it to the water. If you are using liquid chemicals, pour the solution directly into the pool water but avoid splashing. Tablets that are placed in a floating dispenser are another way of adding chemicals. You simply place them in the device that floats around the pool dispersing the chemicals. Whichever method you use, never add the chemicals directly to the skimmer because they could be filtered out in the filter system before they get a chance to circulate in to the pool.

Shocking the pool

After a heavy rainfall, in extreme heat or after a large party where lots of people have been using the pool, you may find it necessary to shock or super-chlorinate the water. This will help eliminate any contaminants. You might notice a strong chlorine odor that is an indicator that you need to shock the water. By shocking, you are adding a larger-than-normal dose of chlorine, which will help balance the water; the odor will dissipate.

Your pool professional can help you determine if your pool needs to be shocked. Testing the water first will also help you decide if you need to super-chlorinate the pool. It will take some time for the water to return to normal chlorinated levels, so it’s best to shock the pool at night after everyone is done swimming so it has time to stabilize.

 

Test the water in your pool

Posted on

 

You must test the water regularly, at least once a week. But don’t worry, you do not need a degree in chemical engineering to do this. When you buy your pool, you must get a test kit that generally includes color-coded strips to dip in the water and compare the results to the colors on the container.

Another type of testing kit requires that you fill a vial with pool water and add a few drops of liquid reagent or tablets that will color the water. You then compare the color to the colors on the container. With either kit, the colors will give you a reading indicating how much sanitizer, pH or alkalinity your water requires to bring it up to a healthy level.

There are some basic rules when it comes to testing your pool water. First, you should always use a fresh kit every season and rinse the testing materials with pool water after testing. Always be sure that the filter is running for about a half hour before testing. Use the test kit in an area of the pool that is not near the skimmer or in a corner of the pool where the water may not be fully filtered. Dip the strip in the water or collect the vial of water at least a foot or more below the surface.

Do not pour the test materials into the pool water after testing and store the kit in a dry place out of direct sunlight as the testing agents can be altered by direct sun. “If you don’t do this religiously, then hire someone to do it,” says Chris Polito, co-owner, Pool Environments.

 

Pool maintenance

Posted on

 

You can hire a pool maintenance company to monitor your pool water so it’s clean and healthy for swimming, but much of the work can be done by yourself.

During Swim Season

Water maintenance

Pool water should be clean enough that you can clearly see a coin sitting on the bottom of the pool. It should be free of cloudiness, organic matter and bacteria. Pool water evaporates and in the process, a chemical change occurs. When you add water to bring the water level up to meet the skimmers for filtering, another change occurs in the balance of chemicals. You need to consistently monitor the pH levels to keep up with these chemical changes. Maintaining a proper pH in your pool helps avoid things like stinging eyes and aids sanitizers that help to keep the water clean.

 

Pop of Color

Posted on

 

When you have a beautiful backyard, there’s no need to go overboard with color. But sometimes a pop of color in small doses, like the orange used on this multi-level patio’s chairs and umbrellas, is a nice touch.

 

Strip of Succulents

Posted on

 

Break up a stretch of patio with beds of plantings. Next to this southwestern home’s pool, succulents are the perfect choice. Succulents thrive in harsh, dry climates. If you don’t live in this climate but love the look of succulents, consider planting them in containers that can easily be brought inside in the fall.

 

Fountain Focal Point

Posted on

 

Create a focal point and add some height to your backyard decor by creating a simple structure using a pair of columns and wood beams. A classic fountain underneath completes the look and adds the relaxing sound of trickling water near the seating area. Potted plants complete the look.

 

Gather ‘Round the Fire

Posted on

 

An above-ground fire pit is perfect for a small group to gather around to roast marshmallows or have a conversation. Soft outdoor furniture and a matching patio umbrella make the space even more inviting. Be sure to research local ordinances before installing a fire pit in your backyard.

 

Rudbeckia Tips

Posted on

 

(Black Eyed Susan)
The Rudbeckia flower can be grown in almost every state. These bright yellow, daisy-like flowers can grow 24”-36” high and are excellent to use for indoor flower arrangements. These flowers can be started indoors or out. Its best to start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date of your location. Cover with 1/4” of moist soil and water occasionally. When starting or transplanting outside choose a location that receives full sun. Rudbeckias are very hardy and can survive in almost any soil conditions. If direct sowing into your flower garden sow 2 weeks before the last frost date. The best way to extend the flower blooms is to remove the dead flowers which will help direct more nutrient to healthy blooms. Most Reudbeckias are perennials that will come back every year. Be sure to plant where they have adequate room to grow for years.
Suggested Varieties:
Goldstrum – Popular flower with bright yellow petals and black center.
Black Eyed Susan – A beautiful, upright flower that grabs your eye.
Indian Summer – Golden-yellow single and semi-double large blooms.