Swimming pools provide countless hours of enjoyment and are the perfect excuse to bring family and friends together. However, it’s important to properly maintain them to ensure they’re clean, keep swimmers safe, and protect your investment by maximizing its life span. Here are some common mistakes many homeowners make when caring for their pools.

A Guide to Common Pool Maintenance Mistakes

1. Daytime Shocking

Shocking a pool is when you add chlorine to the water to sanitize it. The chlorination kills the living organisms in your pool, helping to avoid cloudy water and keeping out algae and bacteria. Many homeowners mistakenly shock their swimming pools during the day; however, the UV rays from the sun reduce its effectiveness by lowering chlorine levels. Shock your pool after the sun goes down to prolong the life of the chlorine, and don’t go swimming for at least eight hours after the treatment.

2. Forgetting to Test the Water

Many pool owners think that if they apply the right treatments, they don’t have to worry about water quality. However, conditions change, and testing is the only way to know that your chemical levels are correct. If the levels are off, your pool may not be safe to swim in. Test the water at least once a week, as well as every time you add chemicals, it rains, or the pool gets a lot of use.

3. Limited Filter Use

Many people try to save money on their electric bill by turning off the pool pump for much of the day. However, this pool part is designed to keep out debris that leads to algae. This growth can occur in just one day, especially if it’s sunny. Run your filter at least eight hours a day. If you’ve seen algae recently, run it constantly.

When you need help with your swimming pool maintenance, contact the professionals at Distinctive Swimming Pools in Connecticut. They offer a range of supplies for your maintenance plan, so you can stock up on everything you need in one place. They also provide professional pool cleaning services to the residents of Fairfield and Litchfield counties. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (860) 868-3622 to discuss your swimming pool needs with an expert.