Some Fun Facts on Pool Maintenance in a Central Florida Climate

The summer heat and your pool water turning green in short order – ever put two and together? Or perhaps you find yourself putting chemicals in the water weekly just to stay ahead of it. Then there is the question of why tending to a pool in Florida is more of an ordeal than in other places.

It is no figment of the imagination. The climate here in Central Florida presents its own set of problems for the pool owner, ones that PoolTek Pool Services has been putting right for our customers for over 20 years. Should you have any queries about your pool, (407) 553-9429 is the number to put us on the phone with.

We will get to some of the facts of keeping a pool in good shape in this part of the state.

How the Sunshine in Florida is Hard on Your Chlorine

You would be hard pressed to find someone who can tell you this: the very sunshine that is so nice when you are in the water is also what degrades your chlorine. In a matter of time, ultraviolet rays will burn off free chlorine at a pace that would not be seen in a cooler or cloudier locale, so the pool demands more of you.

Then again, the warmth that swimmers like in Central Florida is also what extends the growing season for algae; we are warm enough for it most of the year.

But there are simple habits that go a long way:

• Be more diligent with water tests in the height of summer
• Put in the proper amount of stabilizer to counteract the UV
• Let the pump run its course to ensure circulation
• A regular brushing of the walls nips algae in the bud
• Skim away debris every day when pollen is thick or after a storm

Don’t Underestimate Our Afternoon Storms

If you have been around these parts in the summer you know how it goes. One minute it is all blue sky, the next you have a downpour in the mid-afternoon. They are entertaining but do nothing for your pool.

A good rain will dilute the chemicals and upset the pH. What is more, the storms put leaves and dirt in the water that will cloud it up and give algae something to feed on. All your efforts can be for naught after one big afternoon shower. You cannot simply balance the pool once a week and be done with it in the rainy season; testing in the wake of a storm is important.

Your Pool Will Tell on Pollen Season

Newcomers to the area should be aware of this: for weeks on end Central Florida pollen will put a yellow-green film on everything. Oak pollen in particular is fond of making itself at home on the surface of the water. It is enough to clog a filter and make the pool look hazy despite good chemistry.

You will find you have to skim and clean the filter with greater frequency. It is a seasonal idiosyncrasy that takes many by surprise.

The Case for a Steady Hand with Cleaning

In our climate you can count on a routine to see you through. Put off a couple of weeks and the issues will mount. Add in some storm runoff and sun and a clear pool can be cloudy before you know it.

PoolTek applies a branded 10-Step Cleaning Process come what may, with all the standard chemicals part of the service. We see a lot of owners who only pay their pool any mind once it is in trouble and the water is green or equipment has given out. Regular care is the best way to avoid such headaches.

Other Things to Ponder

These tidbits tend to come as a bit of a shock to some:

• Chemicals will react quicker in hot water, altering the balance by nightfall
• You put more on the pump in summer, but not running it is pricier in the end
• Left alone, storm debris is hard on your equipment
• An inspection of the equipment will head off costly repairs
• Even pools on the same block will not behave alike

Given the climate, we have an in-house repair department at PoolTek for any fixes or upgrades needed. Every technician in your home has been background checked and is a bona fide employee.

When the weather in Central Florida makes things difficult, we are on hand to help. Trey runs the show here at PoolTek Pool Services and we are locally operated with no strings attached in the way of contracts. Free estimates are provided. From Orlando to Windermere, Winter Garden and Clermont and beyond, we are at your service Monday to Friday from 8:00am until 5:00pm. For water that is clear all year round, call (407) 553-9429.