As soon as temperatures begin to get warmer, many pool owners bust out their swimsuits and sunscreen without giving their pool equipment a second thought. It’s a big mistake to open the pool, throw some chemicals in, and believe that all is well. You need to add your pool equipment to your spring cleaning checklist if you don’t want to deal with breakdowns in the middle of a backyard barbecue or some high repair bills.
Tending to the Pump and Motor
Your pool pump is the most important component of your system. After a long winter break, it might be a bit cranky when you flip the switch. Before you turn the power back on, you should open up the strainer basket and clear out any old, soggy leaves or debris that managed to sneak in during the off-season. Check the rubber O-ring on the lid to see if it’s cracked or flattened out. A leaky seal will suck in air and cause your motor to overheat. You can apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the O-ring to keep it supple and ensure a tight vacuum seal. If you hear a high-pitched screaming sound when the motor starts, that usually means the bearings are starting to fail. Catching that noise in April is much better than waiting for the motor to seize up in August.
Deep Cleaning the Filter System
No matter the type of filter setup you have, you must scrub it thoroughly, and spring is the perfect time to make that happen. Use a cleaner specifically designed for filters to remove any buildup. This ensures that the water flows freely so that your pool remains clean throughout the entire season. Plus, your electric bills won’t skyrocket. If you notice the pressure gauge stays high even after you clean, you probably still have a lot of oil, gunk, and debris clogging up the internal components. Depending on how bad the situation is, you may need to hire a professional to help with the cleaning process.
Checking the Heater and Salt Cell
If you have a heater or salt chlorine generator, these need professional servicing before heavy pool use begins. Spiders and mice love to build nests inside the warm cabinets of pool heaters over the winter. Those nests can easily catch fire or clog up the burners. Take a peek inside the cabinet and clear out any webs or leaves so that the airflow stays clear and the pilot light can stay lit. For salt systems, you should pull the salt cell out and look for white, crusty calcium deposits on the metal plates. A quick soak in a mild acid solution will eat away that scale and make sure the cell can actually produce chlorine once the water warms up.
Pool equipment lasts longer when you give it the TLC it needs. After you get all of these chores out of the way, you can relax in the sun and enjoy your pool all summer long. When you need pool equipment services in Orlando, FL, contact Pooltek Pool Services.