Neglecting Your Pool Over Winter Could Cost Thousands

April 8, 2009 - PRLog -- Swimart warns that pools not correctly maintained over winter could costs thousands during economically-challenging times.

The franchise group's Merchansise Manager,  John Harding, said that pool owners need to be aware of how to correctly maintain their pools during the winter months when their pool was not being used, especially if they are not heated.

'Don’t simply turn the filter off and forget about your pool for three or four months. The time, effort and money needed to get the pool's water correctly adjusted come next summer will be far more than the cost of maintain it during winter,' Mr Harding said.

Mr Harding advised pool owners to regularly ensure that the skimmer box, as well as the hair and lint box, is free of debris, and to lubricate all “O” rings with a silicone based lubricant. He said that if there is not a strong flow of water returning to the pool when the filter is turned on, the pool owner should contact a Swimart store.

'Turn on the pool lights for 30 minutes at least weekly to prevent a build-up of moisture within the light and wiring. I also suggest you check the water level occasionally to ensure it is half way up the skimmer box opening and that the pressure gauge on the filter is not indicating backwash,' Mr Harding said.

Mr Harding encouraged pool owners to take advantage of their free water test to enable his qualified service technicians to give advice about chemical treatment and water balance.

The types of things that may be required following a water test are an adjustment of the alkalinity level; adjustment of the pH level; adding Aqua Health Pool Shock or Aqua Health Instant Pool Pellets to achieve the correct chlorine level; and adding a long life algaecide especially designed for winter.

Finally, Mr Harding advised pool owners let their pool water “breathe” occasionally if a pool blanket was in use by rolling it back, and adjusting the timer to allow the filter to operate on average for two to four hours every day, depending on the size of your pool.

Swimart stores are open seven days a week and operates a mobile poolside service. The store also offers free sample testing of water using a complete digital computer analysis program.



Background information

Swimart is an Australian and New Zealand franchise network of swimming pools and spa equipment and chemicals retail outlets. With currently 58 stores across Australia, Swimart is the largest swimming pool retail franchise in the country.



For Further Information

John Harding, Merchandise Manager, Swimart, tel: 02 9898 8672

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