If you're a new pool owner, you may have received some tips and tricks from the contracting company you chose or the previous home owners. They'll inform you about the chemistry of keeping your pool safe and clean, but there's so much more to know. As you move forward with recreation and pool parties, you may discover things that only the pool ownership experience can show you.

Get to Know Your Pool

First and foremost, understand your pool. Think of the Rifleman's Creed... but in terms of your pool. " This is my pool, there are many like it, but this one is mine. My pool is my best friend, it is my life. I must master it as I master it as I master my life". Okay, so owning a pool isn't nearly as serious as owning a rifle and training for the USMC... but you get the point. It's imperative to know and understand your pool. Spend quality time learning where the drains and filters reside. Understand the edges, ladders, and how much room you have for games. Familiarize yourself with the necessary equipment and chemistry for keeping your pool clear and properly balanced.

Schedule Maintenance & Stick to It

Create a routine maintenance plan based on a day that works for you. For most of us, it will be a weekend day. Make sure you can commit to testing the water weekly. This is important because, without the proper chemistry, your pool can create slippery, unsightly algae (among other issues). Make sure that you stick to this regimen strictly. If you can't make it on your regular day, try your best to do it immediately before or after your engagement.

Consider Pool Usage with Chemistry

The more often you use your pool, the more chemical product you'll need. As we stated before, algae may develop if the pH is unbalanced. This section pairs with “getting to know your pool”. If you're having pool parties or multiple guests more than once a week... you may want to test and treat two or three times per week.

Understand Crucial Safety Rules

Never swim alone! It's okay to be in the pool alone, as long as a family member, friend, or neighbor looks out for you. Even experienced swimmers should do this. It's unlikely anything will happen, but in the event of an accident... you should have someone to help. Along with never swimming alone, you should know the swimming limits of your guests. While many children learn the basics of swimming by the first or second grade, not all of them grasp important swimming and safety fundamentals. Know where they stand and enforce rules accordingly.

Know CPR

To ensure security in the event of an emergency, make sure someone in the home knows CPR and is readily available during swim parties and games. We hope you never need this, but it's ideal for every pool owner to know the adult, child, and infant CPR tactics. You can even take an online CPR course if you’re very busy.

Fences, Fences and More Fences!

It’s not only a legal requirement to fence in your pool, but it’s also necessary for most insurance policies as well. Your fence should be modern and durable, keeping animals and young children out of the unsupervised water. You can keep your pool safe for guests, but you MUST have protection for when you’re not home.

Get Ready to Party!

Once you’re familiar with your new pool, make your own list of safety rules and display them for all guests to see. If you have a pool party with kids, make sure you direct them to the sign before permitting them in the water. Once you have your safety plan and your bases covered, have fun!