Biggest Swimming Pool Mistakes To Avoid
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Biggest Swimming Pool Mistakes To Avoid
March 15/2020

We’ve all made mistakes in the past, we are only human, but let’s debunk the top reasons why our pool ends up a mess and causing us headaches. Summer should be fun and taking care of a pool should be easy, let us show you how!

Mistake 4 – Don’t Over Backwash
More is always better right? Not in the case of keeping your pool the cleanest! Your sand filter system works best when it is able to gather debris and build up the pressure before backwashing it. It is important to know at the start of each spring what your normal pressure is on your swimming pool filter (normally ranges between 10-15 lbs, but will vary between year to year). Once your pressure has increased 5-7 lbs over your normal level, it is time to backwash. This usually occurs once per week under normal circumstances. Make sure your pressure gauge is working properly – if there is water in it or it does not move, it is time to replace it.

Do Not:
  • Backwash after each time you vacuum the pool, unless pressure has increased 5-7 lbs.
  • Backwash for any other reason other than your pressure has increased 5-7 lbs over your normal limit.
Mistake 5 – Do Not Add Shock Down Skimmer
It seems like the most logical place to add your pool shock in order for it to dissolve the quickest and get pushed throughout the pool faster, however it is not. Pouring shock down your pool skimmer can quickly deteriorate your pump, pump seals, pool hoses, salt systems and heaters as it is far too concentrated. The best way to distribute your pool shock is to go around the perimeter of the pool and spread a little bit of the bag around the entire pool surface. This will allow for the quickest and most even distribution. Remember to shock your pool once per week and only shock the pool at night!

Mistake 6 – Do NOT use Bleach
We all try to save money in any area that we can these days, however using bleach in your pool instead of traditional pool chlorine is a big no-no. In the long run, it will not save you more money as you will have to purchase other products to fix some of the issues bleach can cause. Adding bleach to the pool will do the following:
  • Burn children's eyes
  • Add additional soap and detergents from the inert ingredients to your pool water
  • Cause your pH to shift
  • Water will become cloudy and foamy
  • Algae can still grow
Bleach is only made up of 3-7% chlorine, meaning the other 93-97% is inert ingredients. The reason you use bleach on your clothes in the washing machine is due to the detergents that are in them, which help to get your clothes white again – we DO NOT want detergents in your swimming pool.

Simple question – Would you let your kids swim in the washing machine? Then why would you put bleach in your pool!?

There are several different methods available for sanitizing your pool with chlorine properly. Read our blog on “How to properly add chlorine to your pool” for more tips!


Call Aqua Palace Today (712) 329-4180!
Want more information? Contact us. Aqua Palace is family owned and operated, offering above ground and in-ground pools, hot tubs, spas and saunas specializing in pool design, installation and repair to local (Omaha and Council Bluffs) and long distance residents (within the US). We are the only Marquis dealer in the Omaha Metro Area with the largest showroom east of the continental divide. Not located in Omaha? No worries, check out our online store for pool and spa chemicals, supplies and accessories.