For the homeowner, a swimming pool that will totally maintain itself is the Holy Grail. While no pool can be considered truly “maintenance free,” we are getting closer every year. Advancements in controls, sensors, and chemical feeders reduce the time required to a pool. To keep things simple, we will focus on three components to maintaining a clear pool and technologies available. These include: 1) sweeping/vacuuming, 2) balancing water chemistry, and 3) filtration. A properly designed/configured solution will definitely reduce the maintenance on your pool.

AUTOMATIC CLEANING

The latest development in automatic cleaning is “in-floor cleaning. hk pools” Somewhat similar to an automatic sprinkler system, these low profile fixtures will pop-up automatically to drive all debris down to the drain and out of the pool. This is not a cheap add-on for a new pool build and prices range from 4 to 10 thousand dollars.

Many are already familiar with the “robotic cleaning” systems which involve an automated cleaner/sweeper working its way around your pool during its cleaning cycle. There are several models available from Pentair, Hayward, and Polaris. They all have different features, benefits, and pricing. Keep in mind the size and weight. A common complaint with some of the newer systems is the weight and it is hard for some individuals to remove the system out of the pool.

Unfortunately, there is nothing in the market place that can replace the telescopic net. The good news is this item is not needed all of time for most of us. But if you do have floating leaves or pollen, remove it as soon as possible or you will be dealing with an organic stain at the bottom of your pool.

BALANCING WATER CHMISTRY

Sanitation These options have not changed much over the past couple of decades. However, the delivery systems have made major changers. Chemical treatments would include traditional chlorine (calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, dichlor, and trichlor), bromine (less common), biguanide (Baquacil and AquaSilk), and Copper Sulfate (Pristine Blue). You are probably familiar with a “salt pool,” or a salt water generator (SWG) which converts sodium chloride salt into chlorine. When the water chemistry is properly maintained, SWGs can drastically reduce the need to shock your swimming pool.

Non-chemical treatment would include ionization (copper, copper/silver, copper/zinc), mineralizers (Pool Frog), ozonation, and U/V Light. The last 3 items do not provide a “residual” for sanitation and the biocide component is short lived making it a poor choice as a primary sanitizer. Do not get me wrong, they do offer wonderful benefits. They all reduce the amount of chlorine that is necessary to maintain a pool. Ozone and U/V are becoming more popular with the combined use of chlorine to reduce the disinfection byproducts (DBP such as chloramines and thihalomethanes) and can reduce the frequency of using shock treatments. Of these non-chemical alternatives, only ionization has a long lasting disinfection which makes it the most attractive option. Ionization can be used with anything listed above including chlorine or be used in a “chlorine free” pool.