Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:28:48 -0800WeeblyThu, 11 Mar 2010 07:29:32 -0800http://www.larrythepoolguy.info/1/post/2010/03/first-post.htmlSaving $$$ Having a pool is a luxury. Because of this, everything pool-related is expensive–from chemicals, to parts, to electricity, to repairs.  There are ways to save money, though. 

First and foremost, fire your pool guy.  We are expensive.  This will require you to do some studying.  Go to the library and check out a book on swimming pool maintenance (don’t buy one, they’re all the same), and spend the time to learn about your pool–really learn about it.  It seems complicated (and I guess it can be in a way–which is why we get paid the big bucks???), but the knowledge you obtain will save you money and time, every month.  You paid $30,000+ for your pool–take the time to know how to care for it and you’ll save time actually caring for it!

Next, buy your swimming pool chemicals in bulk.  Usually the larger the quantity the cheaper the unit cost is.  Pool stores love it when you come in once a week and buy 2 one pound bags of shock and a five pound bucket of tablets.  That’s what keeps their lights on.  Buy what you are going to need for the season–save money and time (not having to make 50 trips to the pool store.)

Third, store your reagents in a cool place and replace them every season.  This will give you accurate readings so you are not puting the wrong amount of chemicals into your pool.

Also, buy the professional grade maintenance equipment.  It’s a little more expensive but it is made for guys who clean 8-12 pools a day, everyday.  It will last much longer and your job of cleaning your pool will be so much less frustrating.

In addition, make sure you are not running your pump all the time.  Set it to come on in the morning and run for 6-8 hours during the hottest part of the day (in the winter you can cut the time back to about 3-4 hours a day and runit during the coldest part of the day).

Lastly, make sure your equipment is working the way it is supposed to.  Keep your baskets empty so your pump can circulate the water.  Keep you filter clean so it can filter your water.  Your system is designed to take care of your pool, so take care of it and it will do it’s job making your job easier.]]>