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Top 5 Pool Maintenance Tips Pool Owners in Florida Need to Know

Residents of the Boca Raton area know that pool maintenance is constant and time-consuming. The hot weather with sometimes varying cooler temperatures at night, and fluctuating precipitation levels, can result in chemical imbalances leaving you with a messy pool to figure out. Here are the top 5 pool maintenance tips to know as a pool owner in Boca Raton, so that you’re prepared for different situations that may come up.

1. Tanning lotion and sprays clog the filter system

Pool filter for a Florida pool

 

 

Almost every commercial aquatic facility has a sign “Shower before entering the water.” This is to help limit the amount of oil introduced to the swimming pool.  Oil and water don’t mix.  A solution to help in breaking down the oils in the pool is the regular use of enzymes.  This will help prolong the filter life as well.

 

Pool tech cleaning a pool with a screen protector2. Heaters need protection

Many pools in Florida are equipped with gas heaters or heat pumps for when the weather cools off a bit. Either system needs to be protected from metal staining that can occur as water circulates through the internal heater components. A metal sequestrant can be used weekly to prevent metals from staining your pool surface.

 

3. There is more to water chemistry than Chlorine and pH

Corrosion buildup on the edge of a pool

Calcium hardness is a key measurable component in a well-balanced pool. The performance of calcium can fluctuate greatly with warmer/cooler water swings and pH.  Scaling can occur when calcium hardness is too high.  This could result in cloudy water, rough surfaces, and heater inefficiency.  Corrosive water can occur when calcium hardness is too low.  You may notice etching of plaster, grout dissolving or pitting of concrete surfaces.

 

Pool Scouts ball floating in clear pool in Florida4. Test your source water

With the high temperatures in Florida and sometimes cooler nights, your pool water is more likely to evaporate at a fast rate.  Be prepared to know the quality of the water that you refill the pool with.  Knowing the new chemistry that you’re adding to the pool may save you on balancing chemicals.  If the water you add from the tap has a lower pH than the pool’s water, then you can reduce the amount of pH minus you would use to ensure a balanced pool.

 

5. Prepare for cooler weather

Pool Scouts tech testing the water of a Florida pool

 

Towards the end of the year, it is important to maintain proper filtration time and chlorine levels. Most of the pools in Florida will stay warm enough to promote algae growth.  If your pool has a chlorine feeder or salt system, Chlorine is only produced when the pump is running.  Be sure to adjust your timeclocks and automation to the proper run time for sanitizing.

 

 

If you still have questions about maintaining and caring for your Florida pool, give Pool Scouts of West Boca Raton a call at 561-465-0141 and we can answer your questions! We look forward to hearing from you.