Angie's List: Easy Pool Maintenance

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Nearly 9 million Americans use backyard swimming pools as the centerpiece of their summertime fun, but sickly green water that burns your eyes is no fun at all.

Angie's List explains how to save time, trouble and expense maintaining your pool so the cannon balls keep coming all summer long.

There's nothing like a dip in the pool on a hot summer day. Maintaining your chemical levels is the key to making sure your pool is ready when you are.

"Customers don't realize how important the PH is, your alkalinity, and your chlorine levels in your swimming pool for your sanitizers, because chlorine will not work properly unless the PH is right between a 7-2 and 7-6," said pool cleaner Elden Foltz.

John Willey maintains his own pool, but says it can be complicated - and costly - if you don't take the time to educate yourself.

"I would certainly recommend taking a class, making sure that you understand the functionality of not only the equipment, but more importantly the chemical and the chemical balance of the pool and how it should be maintained on a regular basis," said Willey.

Regular chores include skimming daily, vacuuming weekly and scrubbing down the walls as often as needed.

"It's very important to brush your swimming pool," said Foltz. "It helps prevent any problems, especially algae that's growing on the walls. You can get it before it actually goes on there."

"Many people think about their pool cover as a safety issue, but it can actually help you maintain your pool better," said Angie's list founder Angie Hicks. "By keeping your pool covered, it can keep your pool temperature from dropping at night. Additionally, it can reduce the evaporation from the pool, which can extend the life of the chemicals."

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