Managing Swimming Pool Water Like a Pro

The big day has come – your pool construction is finished and it’s time to start swimming! And to get the most out of your pool, there are some important things you should know about managing the water in your pool.

Filling your pool for the first time

One of the first mistakes people make may be a costly one. When it’s time to fill the pool, we recommend having a soft cloth tied to the end of the hose to diffuse the water pressure as your pool fills. Why? This prevents having too much water pressure on a particular spot in the plaster and risking a crack!

The hose end should be placed on the main drain grate in the deep end of your pool. This hose should not be moved for the first 12 hours of the filling process. The water should be added continuously to the pool or you will develop a “bathtub ring” or line in the plaster that cannot be removed.

If you are afraid that the pool might overflow at night while you are asleep, reduce the flow to the pool to a trickle. Do not place a second hose in the pool, or move the first hose until the second day of filling.

Leaks and Water Loss

New pool owners often complain about water loss that end up being only “splash-out” due to use, or natural evaporation. However it is not unusual for your pool to “lose” up to ¼” of water per day!

The amount of water your pool loses is dependent upon the temperature of the air, the temperature of your water, the relative humidity, wind direction and velocity, etc. The rate is variable, so it is understandable if you become concerned that your pool suddenly “loses” a large quantity of water.

If you suspect that you have unexplainable water loss, it is a good idea to document it over a 24 hour period, and then call your pool builder to check it out. If the suspected leak is not obvious, they may turn the problem over to a professional leak detection service.

Generally speaking, if the service determines where the loss is occurring, your pool builder should make the appropriate repair. However, if the service determines that your pool, contrary to your report, does not leak, you may be expected to pay for the leak detection service.

Water Chemistry

Maintaining a healthy and enjoyable balance in swimming pool water chemistry is not always as easy as it seems. The type of water your have (salt or chlorinated), the PH and calcium levels and the type of plaster you have will all play a role. We recommend you discuss this with your pool builder in detail to make sure you have the right formula in mind for your pool.