It’s a common misconception that it’s cheaper to do your own pool maintenance. Trying to DIY pool chemistry testing and pool balancing could actually pose major safety hazards. Beyond just changes in water quality and clarity, you could risk dangerous bacterial growth and the spread of viruses and illnesses. In the end, you’ll end up spending more time and money fixing problems than you would if you had hired a professional in the first place.
At Valley Oasis Pools, our pool technicians have decades of experience maintaining the safety of home pools. We offer professional pool and water testing and balancing, as well as ongoing pool care and maintenance in Tucson, AZ. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of DIY pool water chemistry, and why your pool may look clean but pose health and safety risks for your family and guests.
Focusing Only on Chlorine
Maintaining proper water chemistry can be tricky, especially if you don’t have the time needed to regularly test your pool. Many homeowners think chlorine is enough to properly sanitize and maintain the pool. However, if the pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness is not properly balanced, sediment or scale can build up on pool equipment and render it unsafe or ineffective. If there is too much or too little cyanuric acid in the pool, the imbalance can also affect the potency of pool sanitizers and result in false results from pool testing kits and higher levels of dangerous bacteria and microbes. If you use your pool regularly or if it is open to contamination from animals and debris, the water chemistry can get unbalanced and dangerous very quickly.
Not Considering Pool Location and Usage
Another issue that could cause challenges for homeowners trying to manage their own pool chemistry is not taking into account the pool’s location and usage. If a pool is located under trees or in a heavily landscaped area, it may be more vulnerable to outside contamination. If it is mostly in the shade, it may be more likely to develop algae or mold problems. Pools that get heavy use from family and guests require more frequent testing and more aggressive applications of pool chemicals. If a pool isn’t used very often and isn’t properly closed or covered when not in use, it may be more exposed to contamination from wildlife or animals.
Being Unaware of the Presence of Invisible Microbes
Even if your pool and water look clean, they could contain invisible microbes that affect safety. Low chlorine levels or the presence of contaminating materials could introduce bacteria to the water. Bacteria, algae, and viruses can multiply quickly, increasing the risk of skin and eye infections and other illnesses.
Overlooking Damaged Equipment and Poor Circulation
Poor water quality can corrode or damage equipment. This could result in filters, pumps, vacuums, and sanitizers not working properly. Your pool water may become stagnant, creating an environment in which dangerous contaminants thrive. The risk is even higher if you rarely inspect equipment or don’t use a pool cover when the pool isn’t in use.
Limitations or Failures of Home Testing Kits
Home pool testing kits are not as complex and effective as professional-grade equipment. They may miss subtle imbalances that can quickly get worse over time. The depth of your pool can also affect the results you get. If you only test surface-level pool water, you could be missing problems occurring in deeper water or on lower pool surfaces.
Ignoring Overall Pool Conditions
The condition of your pool also plays a role in how safe it is. If your pool has damaged or rough surfaces, they may harbor algae and dangerous bacteria. Even manual or automatic pool cleaning won’t necessarily remove these contaminants. Over time, the interior finish of the pool and exterior pool decking could facilitate the growth and spread of viruses and bacteria that threaten swimmer health. It’s important to schedule regular pool inspections and timely pool repair services to maintain a safe, holistic swimming environment.
At Valley Oasis Pools, we have the expertise and equipment needed to keep your pool working safely and properly year-round. Our professional pool technicians offer high-quality swimming pool services, including regular chemistry testing and water balancing, pool cleaning, and pool maintenance. We also offer specialized services like pool equipment repairs and upgrades and seasonal pool opening and closing services. If you have been Googling, “pool care near me in Tucson, AZ,” call us now or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation.
