It’s good practice to check your pool and its equipment regularly, even during the pool season. But the off-season is when you and your swimming pool technician can really concentrate on making sure the equipment that makes your pool safe and fun is in good shape. Here is a maintenance checklist for your pool equipment.

Clean Out Your Pool Filter

There are at least three kinds of pool filters. Most use cartridges, diatomaceous earth (DE), or sand.

Filter Cartridges

If your pressure gauge reads between 8 and 10 pounds per square inch above whatever your system’s clean starting pressure is, it’s time to clean your cartridge filter. If the filter is damaged, simply replace it. This is why it’s a good idea to keep extra cartridges on hand.

Diatomaceous Earth Filter

As with filter cartridges, a DE filter needs attention when the pressure gauge is high. This type of filter is cleaned by backwashing, or bumping. This just means reversing the flow of water, which will flush out any remaining debris. DE filters also use grids, so clean them or replace them if they’re damaged. Then, add DE powder to recharge the filter.

Sand Filter

Like DE filters, sand filters also need to be backwashed when the pressure gets too high. The sand in this kind of filter is good for about three to five years, depending on how much you use your pool. After that amount of time, it’s time to replace the old sand with new.

Attend to the O-Rings

Another important task on the maintenance checklist is to make sure that gaskets and O-rings are sound. These components are found on the lid of your pump and on your backwash valves and filters. Lubricate them if they’re still in good shape, and replace them if they’re warped or are otherwise damaged. Some pool experts recommend that o-rings be replaced every year anyway.

Find and Fix Leaks

As with your indoor plumbing, small leaks that affect your pool can worsen and cause problems that can be expensive to repair. If you find a leak anywhere in your pool equipment, call for a pool professional and have the leak fixed as soon as possible.

Check the Baskets

Make sure to clear the pump basket and the skimmer basket of debris, and replace them if they’re broken. This maintenance task may be especially important during the fall and winter as leaves and acorns fall and accumulate in the baskets.

Your swimming pool’s equipment lets you enjoy the pool season in safety. If you ever need pool equipment service, don’t hesitate to call our professionals at Hydrocare of Torrington, CT.