Swimming pools offer a number of benefits. They add value to any property and provide relief from the hot Arizona sun. Moreover, pools help with physical exercise and add elegance and beauty to any property.
However, there's also the issue of maintenance. Cleaning a pool can seem like hard work. Plus, providing the kind of swimming pool care different types of pools require is no easy task. Fortunately, expert help is available.
E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies is committed to helping Arizona pool owners keep their pools in peak condition. Our team has been in the pool maintenance business for over 60 years, so we definitely know what we're doing! We are happy to assist with questions like What does pool maintenance include?
Arizona's Harsh Climate Presents a Number of Challenges for Homeowners
Unfortunately, maintaining a swimming pool in Arizona is often harder than it is in many other parts of the country. That's because of the state's unique climate.
Extreme Temperatures
Summers in Arizona can be gruesome. The intense heat can cause trouble for a backyard pool for a number of reasons.
Firstly, it causes moisture to evaporate, reducing the pool's water level. This means that more water will be required to maintain the pool, and since this amenity isn't free, utility costs will increase.
Moreover, high temperatures alter the water chemistry. Because the sun's rays cause pool chemicals like chlorine to dissipate, it can promote the growth of algae and bacteria. This means that more additives must be added to ensure pool safety.
Dust Storms
Arizona is also prone to dust storms, which can move dirt and debris into a swimming pool. This means that more frequent cleaning will be required to maintain the pool. Greater effort equals higher labor costs.
Low Humidity
The Grand Canyon state is also notorious for its low humidity. This is a problem for pool owners because it causes the water in their pools to evaporate more quickly. To rectify this issue, more water must be added to the pool, increasing the associated utility costs.
Other Factors That Influence Pool Maintenance
In addition to Arizona's climate, there are a number of other factors that can make maintaining a pool more complex. This is when questions like What is the easiest pool to maintain? may come into play.
The Type of Swimming Pool
It's important for homeowners to remember that each pool type comes with its own challenges. Maintaining a saltwater pool can be a lot harder than taking care of a regular above-ground or indoor pool, for example. The unique qualities of certain pools make them harder to maintain.
Pool Material
In addition to the type of pool, the material it is made from can also play a role. If a swimming pool is made from vinyl, for example, the owner may spend more to repair it because it tends to develop leaks over time. Concrete, on the other hand, is a hardy material, but it is prone to algae infestation.
The Size of the Pool
Bigger pools are undoubtedly harder to maintain than smaller ones. That's because they may require specialized equipment and more chemical additives, increasing the overall cost and maintenance difficulty.
Understanding Essential Pool Maintenance Practices
Maintaining a backyard oasis involves so much more than just removing debris. In the section below, we provide an overview of the tasks involved.
1. Testing the Water and Balancing the Chemicals
Arizona pool owners must spend more time testing and adjusting the chemicals in their pools. Because the heat increases the rate at which additives dissipate, regular testing and chemical balancing are required.
The minimum recommended frequency is one to two times per week. It's also important to conduct water quality checks after heavy use, such as after a pool party.
That's because when people use the pool, they add bacteria and remove chemical additives. This can have a major effect on pool chemistry.
Testing the water quality regularly will ensure the safety of the pool and prevent family and friends from suffering nasty health problems because of exposure to bacteria and other microorganisms.
2. Removing Dust and Debris
Next, pool owners must ensure that the pool is free of leaves, sand, insects, and other things that may have found their way into the pool. This is particularly important after a dust storm, as a dirty pool is the perfect breeding ground for algae and bacteria.
Prolonged exposure to dust will reduce the quality of the water, requiring more effort (and money!) to fix later on. It can also overwhelm the filter. To remove dust and debris effectively, daily skimming and regular vacuuming are recommended.
3. Maintaining the Filter
A pool filter is an essential component and acts as the first line of defense. Its job is to remove dirt from the swimming pool to keep it clean. There are various types of filters, and each one will require the replacement of various components. Some examples include dichotomous earth, sand, and cartridges.
Filters must be cleaned every one to two weeks, depending on the season or climate. They should also be repaired or replaced when necessary to ensure that your water is kept clean. When checking the filters, pool owners must also look at the condition of their pool pump.
This critical piece of pool equipment is designed to allow water to flow into the filter.
4. Managing the Water Level
In order to ensure the proper functioning of the pool filter, the water level must be maintained. Because Arizona enjoys high temperatures and low humidity, homeowners must check that there is enough water in their pools regularly. Automatic water levelers may also be used to prevent the need for manual checks.
5. Brushing Down the Sides of the Pool
High temperatures encourage the buildup of algae in swimming pools, so it is important for owners to gently dislodge it from the walls and floors of their pools using a pool brush. Physically removing algae from pool surfaces disrupts its growth cycle and ensures that the chemicals are able to effectively kill this invader.
6. Checking Other Components
Other parts, such as the pool heater (if applicable), should also be checked regularly to ensure that they are in excellent working condition.
DIY vs. Professional Pool Maintenance
The reality is that pool maintenance can be costly. It's also hard work, so deciding whether to hire a professional or do the work independently is an important consideration for new pool owners. Below are some facts for homeowners to consider regarding DIY and professional pool upkeep.
DIY Efforts
To many, it seems like a DIY approach is the best. However, before deciding to go this route, here are a few important points that owners must pay attention to:
Maintaining a pool without professional help can be costly. In many cases, there isn't much cost-saving because pumps, filters, and other components are more expensive. Contractors often get them at wholesale prices, allowing them to offer their clients competitive rates.
There's no guarantee that it will be done right. Ensuring that a pool is in good condition is hard work. Pool owners must have a good knowledge of water chemistry and understand how the various parts of the pool system work. A lack of knowledge could lead to self-maintenance, offering poor results.
It's time-consuming. Maintaining a pool can be incredibly time-consuming, especially in Arizona. Many simply do not have the time or the patience to test water quality or clean filters as often as is required.
Hiring a Professional
Here are some noteworthy points about hiring a professional:
Labor costs apply. Unlike the DIY approach, pool companies charge for their services. This may increase the overall cost of pool maintenance.
Contractors get materials at affordable prices. As mentioned already, service providers often buy filters and other components in bulk.
Expertise. Contractors have many years of experience and will stand a better chance of ensuring that a pool is in tip-top shape. They can offer cost-saving advice and help with repairs and upgrades.
Convenience. There's no doubt that hiring a specialist offers more convenience. Instead of homeowners having to worry about their pools every week, they will have the assurance that a professional will take care of them instead.
So, Is It Hard to Maintain a Pool in Arizona?
The answer to this question is yes. Because of the intense climate that causes water levels to drop and promotes the growth of microorganisms, maintaining a swimming pool in the Grand Canyon state is far from child's play.
Pool owners must have a good understanding of water chemistry and have enough time and effort to ensure that the pool is properly maintained.
Moreover, other factors, such as the size of the pool, the material it's made from, and more, also influence the complexity of pool maintenance. For more help, consider swimming pool repair in Tucson AZ.
E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies Is Here to Help!
Although it's challenging, maintenance is a crucial part of pool ownership. In order to ensure that the water is safe enough for family and friends, owners must ensure that it receives proper care.
Instead of having to navigate the complexities of pool maintenance by themselves, owners can count on our team of seasoned professionals.
At E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies, we understand that ensuring that a pool is properly maintained is no easy task, especially in Arizona, where the hot climate makes maintaining excellent water quality harder.
For expert advice and assistance, homeowners can contact us and we will gladly assist!
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