Debris

• When preparing to open your pool for the season, clean all leaves and other debris off the cover before removing it.
• By emptying your skimmer baskets frequently, you'll help minimize the amount of leaves that end up on the bottom of your pool.
• When cleaning the surface of your pool with a leaf net, work your way around the sides first, then clean from the middle of the pool to the sides.
• Be sure to empty your leaf net occasionally when cleaning your pool's surface. Otherwise, the net's contents may accidentally end up back in the pool.
• Keep the trees and shrubs around your pool trimmed back to minimize the amount of leaves and debris that end up in the pool.

Water Clarity

• When opening your pool at the beginning of the season, run your filter around the clock until the water is completely clear.
• If your pool water appears green or has an unpleasant odor, the problem is probably caused by algae. Test for proper chlorine level, and consult a pool professional if the problem persists.
• Keeping your filter, pump, lint trap and skimmer baskets clean and in proper working condition will help ensure that your pool water stays sparkling clear.
• Pool inlets should be adjusted so the surface water is moving in a circular direction.
• Make a habit of checking and emptying skimmer and pump baskets regularly.

Energy Conservation

• To conserve energy, run your pool's filtration system only during off-peak hours.
• When leaving for vacation for more than a week, turn off the pool heater, including the pilot light.
• If you use your pool only on weekends, reduce your heater thermostats settings by eight to ten degrees during the week.
• Use fencing, hedges or other landscaping, or cabanas to shelter your pool from prevailing winds.
• According to the National Swimming Pool Institute and the American Red Cross, the most healthful swimming temperature is 78 degrees. Reducing your heater thermostat to maintain a 78 degree or lower temperature will also help conserve energy.
• When reopening your pool for a new season, make sure your pump and filter are working properly before adding chemicals to the water.
• If your pool heater is more than five years old, chances are a new high efficiency gas heater such as the MiniMax could quickly pay for itself in utility bill savings.
• To obtain maximum filtration and energy efficiency, backwash or clean your filter regularly, as required.

Cleaners

• An automatic pool cleaner will dramatically reduce the time spent on weekly maintenance.
• If you fill your pool with well water, you'll need to add a metal remover.

Filters

• When cleaning cartridge filters, soak them in a cleaning solution for 24 hours, then hose them off before reinstalling.
• D.E. filters should be disassembled and cleaned at least once per season.
• Is your sand filter 3-5 years old? If so, ask your pool professional if it's time to replace the sand.
• If your filter pressure gauge indicates that pressure has dropped below the normal reading for a clean filter, check to see if you have a clogged pump or skimmer basket.
• Cleaning your sand or D.E. filters when you close your pool for the season will ensure that they are ready for action when you open your pool the following summer.
• To obtain maximum filtration and energy efficiency, backwash or clean your filter regularly, as required.

Gaskets, O-Rings & Rubber Fittings

• If your pool has a deck-mounted junction box, check the condition of the gaskets regularly--and replace as needed--to make sure the box cannot be penetrated by water.
• When closing your pool for the season, coat all accessible o-rings, rubber fittings, and gaskets with a silicone O-ring lube to keep them from drying out.

Heaters

• To maintain your heater's heating efficiency, follow a regular program of preventive maintenance, including annual inspection and de-liming of the heat exchanger when necessary.

Lighting

• The addition of fiber optic or automated color changing lighting can dramatically enhance your nighttime pool enjoyment.

Pumps

• Turn the pool pump off before operating the multiport valve.
• If your pump starts running louder or making unusual noises, shut it off and contact your pool professional.
• If your pump motor hums but will not start, turn off the power and check to see if the impeller is clogged with debris.
• Make a habit of checking and emptying skimmer and pump baskets regularly.

Skimmers

• To prevent your skimmer basket from tipping over when the pump switches on or off, place a small weight or rock in the bottom (the weight must be larger than the suction pipe below the basket).
• Check to make sure the skimmer weir is in place and is moving freely.
• Make a habit of checking and emptying skimmer and pump baskets regularly.

Water Levels

• Maintain your pool water level halfway up the skimmer box opening.
• Normally, a pool should lose no more than 1/4 inch of water per day. If you notice a greater loss, suspect a leak.
• Loose tiles or cracks in the pool deck may be an indication of a leaking pool.
• Cracks and gaps in the bond beam may be an indication that your pool is leaking.
• If you notice water-saturated soils in the area around the pool, pool pumps or plumbing, your pool may be leaking.
• If you see bubbles in the return water when the pool's pump is running, it's likely there's a leak in the suction side of the filtration system.