New and experienced swimming pool owners can seek assistance and find answers to common questions as they prepare to open their at-home pools ahead of the season.
Patio Pool and Fireside will host Pool School at VFW Philip Billard Post #1650 at 3110 S.W. Huntoon St. at 6 p.m. April 8. The event is free of charge to the public, but store manager Cathi Buckley said those who plan to attend do need to RSVP.
“People need to call the store to RSVP because we provide snacks,” said Buckley.
While Pool School is geared toward those who have recently installed a swimming pool, Buckley said it can also be helpful for anyone interested in a refresher course in pool maintenance.
Pool School will include understanding mechanics of a pool
Topics cover the mechanics of a swimming pool, including how pool filter systems operate, and a chemical company will be on hand to answer questions about the chemicals required for both salt and chlorine pool systems.
“Quite a few people have salt water pools, and many think salt is the end all be all, but you still have to have a sanitizer with salt,” said Buckley. “Chlorine gets a bad rap because people end up with dry, itchy skin, but that’s due to the acidity of the pool, not the chlorine.”
Buckley said Patio Pool and Fireside, located at 3109 S.W. Huntoon St., is gearing up for an increase in business as the weather warms up. They offer several services to their regular customers, including pool opening and free water testing.
“The month of May is probably busiest, but the earlier you open your pool, the better off you are in terms of algae growth,” said Buckley.
Once warmer temperatures take hold, Buckley said swimming pools become giant petri dishes if they aren’t properly treated with chemicals. To prepare to open an at-home pool, she recommends removing the cover and assessing any debris that may have fallen in over the winter, including dead animals and leaves.
Buckley suggests filling the pool with extra water prior to debris removal, or hiring a company to do it for you. All debris must be removed or vacuumed out of the pool before the water can be treated with chemicals.
“It’s important to get the debris out of the body of water before proceeding,” said Buckley.
Swimming pool business opens more than 300 pools each season
She estimates that Patio Pool and Fireside opens more than 300 pools each season, with the capacity to open up to 10 pools per day. After a pool has been opened and cleaned, Buckley said three local pool companies, including Patio Pool and Fireside, Swims & Sweeps, and DeVader’s Pools & Spas offer water testing at no cost to their customers.