Orlando pools see a lot of use, and the frequency of that use can quickly add up. Your pool may be the primary hub for everything from big family gatherings to solitary night swims to shake off the stress of a long day. But the more well-loved it is, the more stress the pool equipment will be under.
The pool is there for you to enjoy, so there’s nothing wrong with using it more than the average homeowner. Still, to keep your Orlando pool in good condition, you’ll need to understand and meet your equipment needs.
Here are some hard truths about how pool usage impacts the machinery and how you can keep your system in good shape to maximize its lifespan.
What Greater Pool Usage in Orlando Does to Equipment
Every person who enters your pool brings something new into the water.
One person might introduce a new sunscreen, while another might have unseen microscopic contaminants on their skin. A single swimmer rarely makes a noticeable difference — it’s more the cumulative usage that affects your pool equipment’s performance.
In Orlando, pools tend to get even more use. The warm weather keeps them open most of the year, and between holiday parties, neighborhood get-togethers, and even vacation rentals, it’s not unusual for a backyard pool to see big crowds. That extra activity puts more pressure on your pool pump, filter, and heater to keep the water clean and comfortable.
The busier your pool is, the harder your system has to work to keep up. Without regular maintenance, that constant demand on the equipment can wear it down faster than you’d expect.
Let’s take a closer look at each piece of equipment and see how constant use without maintenance can affect it.
The Pump
The pool pump is the engine that keeps your pool running smoothly. Those who don’t use their pools often or rarely throw get-togethers can generally get away with the standard daily pump run time. However, those who frequently invite family and friends over for a dip will cause their pumps to work overtime to move a higher volume of dirty water.
This kind of demand results in constant wear and tear on the motor and seals. Overworked pumps consume more energy, leaving you dealing with higher utility bills. At worst, they can break down prematurely and require replacement.
The Filter
The filter works in tandem with the pump, trapping debris and contaminants to ensure that the fresh water the pump pushes out is as clean as possible. The more you use your pool, the faster the filter will become clogged with body oils, debris, and other materials from the outside world and will need more frequent changing.
Clogged filters also directly impact the pump’s performance. They force the pump to work even harder, creating a vicious cycle of inefficiency that’s hard to manage. Pool owners who use their pools once a day or more should backwash and clean more frequently to keep their pool equipment functional and efficient.
The Heater
All those bodies swimming around impact your pool heater more than you might realize. New, cooler water comes in to replace the water lost from splashing and evaporation. In response, the heater must work harder to maintain a steady, comfortable temperature.
Poor water chemistry is also a direct result of high usage without adequate sanitation, which can affect not only your heater but also every other component of your pool cleaning and efficiency system. It can corrode and damage internal components, such as the heat exchanger, forcing you to call for costly (and preventable) repairs.
Taking Proactive Measures to Keep Your Equipment Healthy
Now that you have a better idea of the relationship between pool usage and equipment strain, it’s important to understand that no two pools require the same approach to maintenance.
A pool that sees a great deal of use will always require more attention and care than one that doesn’t. Fortunately, there are many strategies to mitigate the possible damage to your pool equipment and keep everything in good working order.
Step Up Your Cleaning Pool Schedule
One of the easiest ways to protect your equipment is to rethink your care schedule. The gold-star standard of cleaning once a week is bronze at best for those with high-traffic pools.
If you use a professional cleaning service, consider creating a routine and having them come out twice a week. You can create a weekly checklist to ensure that you’re keeping up with vital maintenance tasks, like skimming and checking the water chemistry.
Invest in Upgrades for Improved Energy Costs
It doesn’t matter how much you clean and maintain a pool if the equipment isn’t suitable for the volume of usage.
If your existing pool equipment is under-spec for the job, now is a good time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient pump or a larger filter. These investments can significantly improve performance and reduce strain on the overall system.
Even a single minor upgrade can have a ripple effect, since many of the components rely on each other. That means you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to see better results.
Install Smart Technology for Automated Systems
Pool maintenance is a lot of work, even if you aren’t swimming every day. Make life easier for yourself by installing smart technology that allows you to control your pool from your phone. When you can automate important tasks with just a few taps, you won’t have to worry about finding the time or energy to carry them out yourself.
Smart technology can even take the guesswork out of some of the trickiest parts of pool maintenance, like balancing pH levels, ensuring that the water’s chemical composition isn’t making your equipment work any harder than it should.
Call in Local Orlando Professionals
If you aren’t sure what changes to make, your best bet is to contact a Orlando based pool equipment company.
Professional technicians will clean and optimize each component of your pool during a maintenance visit. More importantly, you’ll have a chance to ask for recommendations to improve your pool equipment’s performance.
You can trust the experts to be honest about whether you need to make a few small adjustments or invest in entirely new components to keep up with your pool usage.
Upgrade Your Pool Equipment Today
If this information has helped you realize that it’s time for a change, the pros at Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf can steer you toward the right equipment to keep your pool clean and efficient all year round. Contact us today to learn more about the products we offer and schedule a consultation.