A Day in the Life of Your Pool
What happens to your pool in those 24 hours that comprises a day? Just like us, it goes through phases, encounters different situations, adjusts to outside factors, and even has some fun! Knowing what is going on during the day with your pool will give you better understanding of how it operates, and when it needs some attention. Listen to what your pool has to say!
Good Morning Sunshine
It’s a brand-new day and time to get started! With residential pools, pumps generally operate anywhere between 8 and 12 hours a day, and this typically starts in the AM. While this may be considered peak hours with your electric company and cost more, neighbors tend to get irritated when you run your pump at night. You may want to consider a variable speed pump sooner rather than later. In July 2021, it was federally enacted that variable speed pumps replaced single speed pool and spa pumps that did not meet the minimum efficiency requirements outlined by the Department of Energy (DOE). If you don’t have one yet, you likely will at some point. Manufacturers are not able to produce single speed pumps any longer and finding a single speed motor now is next to impossible. A variable speed motor can save you between 40 and 80 percent on your energy bill, based on how long you run it, when you run it, and piping considerations. In addition to pump operating during this time, if you like your pool water toasty, you can consider now the time to heat your water to give it a jump start prior the summers strongest rays between 10 am – 2 pm. Also, if you are doing any cleaning yourself, whether it be skimming or putting in your robot, the AM is when your pool sees the least use and is a great time to clean.
Afternoon Delight
Now, that your pool is clean and warm, let’s go for a swim! Did you know that the hottest time of the day is around 3 p.m.? Heat will continue to build up after noon, when the sun is highest in the sky, as long as more heat is arriving at the earth than leaving. It is likely in the afternoon that you have already tackled your to do list for the day and now have time for some fun and relaxation. It would be recommended to test the pool water before you get in to make sure the water is safe and balanced for bather use.
Nighty Night
Now that you have cleaned the pool, heated the pool, tested the pool, and used the pool, it is time to shut it down for the night. You do want to remove any stuff that may clog or block the skimmer and prevent proper circulation. This can include pool rafts and toys, as well as any environmental debris that may have entered the pool. If you want to maintain some the heat you acquired during the day, you will want to consider covering the pool. Pool covers for summer use come as a solar cover or automatic cover. Automatic covers will require professional installation as they are electronically operated and designed and sized specifically for your pool. Solar covers are more stock ready that you can buy off the shelf and come in various forms, shapes, and sizes. If you happened to have a party during the day, you may also consider shocking at night to help replace the depleted chlorine as a result of many bathers using the pool. Also, you can run the pump overnight to give the filtration more time to filter waste and debris.
Save the Day
By being attentive to your pool all day long, you will help to prolong its lifespan and get the most use out of it every day. And isn’t that what you want as a pool owner?
