Care & maintenance

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Pool Care & Maintenance: A Guide to Keep Your Pool Sparkling

Owning a pool is a dream come true, but keeping it in top-notch shape? Well, that’s where the real work (and a bit of fun) comes in! Whether you’re here to learn about basic pool maintenance or planning to upgrade with a new automation system or pool filtration system, Levi Miles Outdoors has you covered. Here’s our ultimate guide to pool care, from keeping the water crystal clear to tackling routine upkeep with a smile.

1. Circulation: The Heartbeat of Your Pool

You wouldn’t let your heart take a day off, right? The same goes for your pool’s circulation system, which keeps the water moving, clean, and free of unwanted green guests (algae, we're looking at you). To keep things flowing, run your pool pump for 8-12 hours each day, especially during the sweltering summer months.

If you’re new to pool ownership, consider a variable-speed pump, which not only keeps the water pristine but saves on energy costs too. And remember: circulating water is happy water.

2. Filtration: The Pool’s Bouncer

Filtration is the pool’s security system, keeping out everything from rogue leaves to smaller-than-microscopic particles. There are three main types of filters to know:

• Sand Filters: These are the workhorses of the pool world, low-cost and reliable. But keep up with backwashing to maintain flow.
• Cartridge Filters: If you’re looking for efficiency, cartridge filters trap finer debris and don’t require backwashing.
• Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters: The luxury filtration option, DE filters provide the finest filtration but require a little more TLC.

Not sure which filter to choose? Check out our pool filtration guide for the full scoop.

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3. Chemistry: Your Pool’s Secret Recipe

Water chemistry might sound like high school science all over again, but keeping your pool balanced is key to avoiding headaches. The essential players in pool chemistry include:

• pH Levels: Aim for a range between 7.2 and 7.6. Anything else and you’re risking eye irritation or corrosive water.
• Chlorine: This is your pool’s disinfectant superhero. Keep it at around 1-3 ppm (parts per million) to keep bacteria at bay.
• Alkalinity & Calcium Hardness: These two keep your water stable and prevent scaling or etching on your pool surfaces.

Need help mastering the art of pool chemistry? Reach out to us on our contact page, and our team of experts can guide you through balancing your water like a pro.

Pool cleaning might sound glamorous (okay, maybe not), but it’s a necessary part of owning a pristine pool. Here’s how to break it down:

• Skimming: Skim the surface every few days to remove leaves, bugs, and debris.
• Brushing: Brush the walls, steps, and other surfaces weekly to prevent algae and buildup.
• Vacuuming: A good vacuuming every week keeps debris out and prevents buildup on the pool floor.

Or, if you’d rather relax with a lemonade, look into automated cleaning options that make your life easier. Curious? Our pool equipment page has details on automated vacuums and skimmers.

7. Consider Automation: Make Life Easier

If all of this sounds like a lot, don’t worry. A pool automation system like the Pentair IntelliCenter takes over much of the work, letting you control everything from your phone. From running your pool pump to adjusting lights and temperature, automation saves time and energy so you can focus on enjoying your pool.