Tips from a Pro
35+ years of experience distilled into practical advice for pool and spa owners!
Professional Tips from 35+ Years of Experience
These tips come from decades of hands-on experience maintaining and repairing pools and spas. Follow these guidelines to keep your pool and spa running efficiently and safely.
🧪 Water Chemistry Tips
- • Test your water weekly - pH should be 7.2-7.6, chlorine 1-3 ppm
- • Shock your pool monthly - especially after heavy use or rain
- • Keep alkalinity balanced - 80-120 ppm prevents pH swings
- • Calcium hardness matters - 200-400 ppm for plaster pools
- • Stabilizer (CYA) levels - 30-80 ppm protects chlorine from sun
🔧 Equipment Maintenance
- • Clean your filter regularly - backwash when pressure rises 8-10 psi
- • Check pump basket weekly - remove debris to prevent clogs
- • Lubricate o-rings annually - use silicone pool lube
- • Inspect for leaks monthly - around pump, filter, and valves
- • Winterize properly - drain equipment below freeze line
⚡ Energy Saving Tips
- • Run pump during off-peak hours - usually 8pm-6am cost is less
- • Use a variable speed pump - can save 50-80% on energy
- • Cover your pool/spa - reduces evaporation and heat loss
- • Solar heating works great - especially in Sonoma County - and its a free source of heat!
- • Maintain proper water level - prevents pump strain
- • Turn off any autofill devices in winter - this will reveal any hidden leaks!
🛠️ Common Problems & Solutions
- • Green water? - Shock with 2-3x normal chlorine, brush daily
- • Cloudy water? - Check filter, add clarifier, balance chemistry
- • Pump won't prime? - Check for air leaks, clean basket, check water level
- • High pressure? - Backwash filter, check for flow restrictions
- • Equipment noise? - Check bearings, alignment, and mounting
- • Leaks? - Check your autofill device, or turn off the water and see if the leak is still there!
♨️ Spa-Specific Tips
- • Test water after each use - spas need more frequent attention
- • Shock weekly - higher temperatures breed bacteria faster
- • Clean filters monthly - spa filters work harder than pool filters
- • Drain and refill quarterly - prevents chemical buildup
- • Check cover condition - good covers save energy and keep debris out