Philadelphia Swimming Pool Maintenance

A swimming pool is one of the most popular backyard additions in the country. It makes a great place to gather and socialize, and, when the weather gets hot, there's nothing like having your own pool to cool off in. There are many things, however, that need to be done on a regular basis to keep a pool in prime condition. As is the case in other northeastern cities, Philadelphia swimming pool maintenance is further concerned with issues caused by annual temperature changes and seasonal environmental factors.

Philadelphia Swimming Pool Maintenance in the Summer
Since Pennsylvania swimming pools can't be used all year round, people tend to get as much swimming time in as they can during the summer months. When a pool is seeing a lot of traffic, maintenance is primarily concerned with water quality.

Daily pool maintenance includes checking the filter pressure and skimming off any visible debris. If your water is not clear, you should clean the filter, as well. Every week you should test your water and add any necessary chemicals. A quick brush of the inside of the pool and giving any surrounding deck a spray down (always aiming water away from the pool) should also be done on a weekly basis.

Philadelphia Swimming Pool Maintenance in the Fall
In the northeast, autumn is the most important season for swimming pool maintenance; Philadelphia residents need to close their pools properly to keep them clean and functional over the long, cold winter. To prepare your pool for hibernation, the first step is to balance all the chemicals one last time, and add a winterizer to the water to keep it in good condition during its inactivity.

The biggest issue when preparing your pool for the winter is that of water freezing where it could do damage; the most susceptible parts of the pool are its mechanics and plumbing. You should lower the water level enough that it won't enter the skimmer. The mechanical elements of your pool system need to be cleared of water completely and the pool should be sealed so that water doesn't accidentally leak back into these elements or into your plumbing. In some cases, pillows or tubes can be placed in the pool to prevent damage from water freezing in the basin. You can then cover your pool to keep out any falling debris and wait for spring, when you can uncover it, balance the chemicals, and restart the mechanical equipment.

Professional Swimming Pool Maintenance in Philadelphia
When a pool is being used regularly, proper maintenance can sometimes take up to 8 hours a week. Because of this, many people choose to hire a weekly pool service to keep the water clean, clear and comfortable. Even those who prefer to do their own day-to-day maintenance often hire a professional to open or close their pool. A pool is a huge investment, and many homeowners feel that it is worth the extra money to rid themselves of the hassle that comes with a pool's opening or closing. The peace of mind that comes with having a professional prepare your pool for the winter and bring it up to speed for the summer isn't too bad, either!

Prices for Philadelphia Pool Maintenance
Opening or closing a pool can usually be done in a day. Cost will vary slightly in some instances, but most households can expect a bill of around $250 or $300. Pool maintenance can be scheduled on a monthly or weekly basis, or you can have it done as needed. You may want to shop around for a package deal, though, as it will provide you with opening, closing, and weekly or monthly maintenance at a lower price than purchasing them all separately.