As temperatures continue to climb nationwide, extreme heat is creating new challenges for homeowners and their pools. Higher temperatures can impact pool water chemistry, strain equipment, accelerate algae growth, and increase maintenance demands, which can be a lot to handle.
To help homeowners prepare for the hot days ahead, America’s Swimming Pool Co. (ASP), a leading swimming pool service franchise, is sharing its Heatwave Handbook with practical maintenance tips to keep pools clean, safe and swim-ready all summer.
“Extreme heat can put added stress on pools and equipment in the summertime, making proper maintenance more important than ever,” says Jimmie Meece, brand president of America’s Swimming Pool Co. (ASP). “We hope our Heatwave Handbook will help homeowners feel at ease and allow them to enjoy a worry-free pool season.”
ASP’s Heatwave Handbook: 6 Ways to Keep Pools Safe & Swim-Ready
- Increase Pump Runtime: Run your pump and filter at least 12 hours a day during heat waves. The constant circulation helps to stop “hot spots” and prevent stagnant water from turning green.
- Maintain Water Levels: On average, pools lose about an inch of water on hot days due to evaporation. Make sure you’re proactively replenishing water and keeping levels about halfway up the skimmer opening. This can help prevent your pump from burning out or becoming damaged.
- Routinely Test & Monitor Water: Warm temperatures can quickly throw water chemistry out of balance and increase the likelihood of algae growth. If you’re having problems with algae or cloudy water, test your water regularly, monitor phosphate levels with a test kit, and consider using a phosphate remover to help maintain water clarity.
- Protect Chlorine Levels: Increased sunlight can break down chlorine faster, decreasing its effectiveness against bacteria and algae. As a way to shield your chlorine and keep it active longer, maintain cyanuric acid (CYA) levels between 30 to 50 ppm. Since chlorine is a corrosive chemical, it’s important to use it safely and according to the instructions. You may want to consider an automatic chlorine feeder for more consistent water treatment compared to a floating chlorinator, which only covers about six inches of the pool’s top water.
- Shock During or After a Severe Heat: Extreme heat requires weekly shocking. When a heat wave is on the horizon, stock up on your shock supply. Then add those treatments during cooler temperatures, after the sun goes down, to maximize effectiveness. Otherwise, they may burn off during the middle of the day.
- Establish & Stick to a Cleaning Schedule: Weekly pool maintenance is ideal for maintaining cleanliness and the best water chemistry. This may include regular brushing, skimming, and water testing to help prevent algae, bacteria, and repairs.
As families spend more time outdoors this summer, proactive pool maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and keep pools crystal clear.
America’s Swimming Pool Co. is one of the nation’s largest swimming pool franchises, providing maintenance, inspections, repairs, renovations and construction.
