What do you think of when someone says “pool inspection”? Is it something that has to be done regularly? Let’s be honest, who wants to think about the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of your pool? Perhaps it is something that only needs to be done when you buy a new home or before you open up your pool for the season. Who even thinks about having a pool inspection in their backyard? But, not so fast. It turns out that getting your pool inspected every year is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe while using it. Here are some reasons why this is so.
The Importance of Pool Inspections
It’s true that having your pool inspected once a year is important, but do you really know why? Well, they help to ensure that your swimming pool is clean, bacteria-free, and safe to use. Additionally, they can catch small problems before they become big problems, keep your pool water balanced, and help you to make sure that the equipment is working properly. When you have an annual inspection, the tech will check for the obvious signs of problems, such as algae or sediment, but will also check for anything that might be a sign of future issues, such as cracks or spots on the equipment that should not be there. When you have a tech come out to inspect your pool, they will be able to tell you if there are any problems and what needs to be done to make the pool safe and clean again.
Chlorine, Chlorine, and More Chlorine
You might be surprised to learn that chlorine is the number one thing that helps to keep your pool water clean. It is used in most pools to kill bacteria, germs, and other harmful substances that might be lurking in the water. It is recommended that you keep the levels of chlorine in the water between 0.5 ppm and 2.0 ppm, which is easy to do when you have a pool pump that is working properly. However, you need to be careful not to over-chlorinate, because then it can become harmful to swimmers. It is also important to remember that chlorine in the water does not mean that your pool walls and equipment will still be clean. If you have algae growing on the walls, you will want to add a chemical algaecide to kill it.
Safety Equipment is a Must
One thing that you will definitely want to do when you have a swimming pool is to make sure that you have the proper safety equipment. You should have at least one life jacket for each child, preferably more, and you should have a hook and ladder in the shallow end. The life jacket should fit the child properly so that they cannot slip out of it, and there should be a hook and ladder in the deepest part of the pool so that everyone can reach it. It is also a good idea to have a net in the pool to help children or anyone who cannot swim get out again or to help them when they are fatigued. You also want to make sure that there are no loose items in the pool that someone could trip over or become tangled up in. Items like toys and towels can be a hazard if not put away properly.
Identifying Problems Early Is Important
When a pool tech comes out to do an inspection, they will check the water and find any issues that need to be addressed now or in the near future. However, there are also some things that you can do to check your pool yourself to make sure there are no hidden dangers. First, you should always make sure that the water level is appropriate, and you want it to be deep enough for everyone to be able to swim in it comfortably. Next, take a close look at all of the equipment to make sure that nothing looks damaged or broken. You also want to make sure that all of the filters are clean and that the pump is running smoothly. Finally, you want to check the walls of the pool for algae or any other substances that should not be there. You might also want to test the water to make sure that it is balanced and that the chlorine levels are where they need to be. If you find any issues, you can call the company that services your pool to make sure that they get taken care of right away. Identifying problems early can help you to avoid expensive repairs and keep everyone safe.
Conclusion
You may assume that you need to have your pool inspected when you first install it or when you buy a new home, but it is best to have an annual inspection as well. During the inspection, a tech will check the water, the filters, and all of the equipment to make sure that everything is working properly. They will also check for signs of trouble, such as algae or sediment, and let you know what can be done to make the pool safe and clean again. Having your annual inspection is important for keeping your pool clean and safe for both you and your family.
