Please don't flame me as a heretic, this system is new to me and I am trying decide if I want to take it on.
Currently building a new pool. This is my second pool, but my entire life has been lived in homes with a pool.
As as a kid my mom managed the pool, and from what I recall did it very well. I never remember a green pool or some other unsuitable condition. When I got out in my own the homes I rented had pools with a service. Again I don't recall any issues other than debris accumulating periodically between the weekly service, but I was renter who didn't dare touch the pool.
2005 I built my first house and pool. I self managed this pool for 4 1/2 years. In the beginning it was easy, then got more difficult to keep clean and clear. In spring 2010 I developed an algae bloom that I battled for several weeks and finally gave up and called a service. The service is owner operated, and he came to my house and fixed the pool in about 48 hours. I was impressed and hired him to take over at $90 month for full service. This was easily justified because quicken told me I was spending ~$500 a year on chemicals to self manage, so for another $500 a year I never had to think about it again.
Same guy has managed that pool since. Once in 2011, 6 years after build, he told me it was time to drain/fill because TDS were getting to high. It now 2016 and again he is recommending we consider a drain/fill, but that house is for sale so I decided to pass that task to the next owner. The pool is still very clear so it not like I'm passing a bad pool.
We we are currently building a new pool in our new house, so I'm thinking maybe now is the time to try, but I'm not sure I am convinced.
Is is the primary reason folks use this method to save money? Are there other benefits I'm over looking?
If it's just $, and I am already comfortable spending $1340 a year, $95 per month plus twice annual filter tear down cleanings @ $100 each, should I just keep with the service?
What else am I missing?
It might be worth noting I travel a lot for work, so daily checking is not possible. Best I could manage would 2-3 a week, but likely not on consistent days. Maybe my work schedule would prevent me from using this method.
Currently building a new pool. This is my second pool, but my entire life has been lived in homes with a pool.
As as a kid my mom managed the pool, and from what I recall did it very well. I never remember a green pool or some other unsuitable condition. When I got out in my own the homes I rented had pools with a service. Again I don't recall any issues other than debris accumulating periodically between the weekly service, but I was renter who didn't dare touch the pool.
2005 I built my first house and pool. I self managed this pool for 4 1/2 years. In the beginning it was easy, then got more difficult to keep clean and clear. In spring 2010 I developed an algae bloom that I battled for several weeks and finally gave up and called a service. The service is owner operated, and he came to my house and fixed the pool in about 48 hours. I was impressed and hired him to take over at $90 month for full service. This was easily justified because quicken told me I was spending ~$500 a year on chemicals to self manage, so for another $500 a year I never had to think about it again.
Same guy has managed that pool since. Once in 2011, 6 years after build, he told me it was time to drain/fill because TDS were getting to high. It now 2016 and again he is recommending we consider a drain/fill, but that house is for sale so I decided to pass that task to the next owner. The pool is still very clear so it not like I'm passing a bad pool.
We we are currently building a new pool in our new house, so I'm thinking maybe now is the time to try, but I'm not sure I am convinced.
Is is the primary reason folks use this method to save money? Are there other benefits I'm over looking?
If it's just $, and I am already comfortable spending $1340 a year, $95 per month plus twice annual filter tear down cleanings @ $100 each, should I just keep with the service?
What else am I missing?
It might be worth noting I travel a lot for work, so daily checking is not possible. Best I could manage would 2-3 a week, but likely not on consistent days. Maybe my work schedule would prevent me from using this method.