New to forum- wife (pro diy) vs husband (pro hire pool store help)

[Cmurren]

The title says it all. I am sure I can do much of what it takes to manage our pool. The husband thinks we should hire "professionals" to do it. They are way too expensive!
We have a 27ft above ground with a full deck around it. Hoping to harness my diy pool care knowledge and ability.

 

[JohnT]

Welcome to TFP!

Even if the pros were free, they generally aren't worth it. They don't do a good job and often cause problems by using what's easy for them but not good for your pool.

 

[Newdude]

Hey C !!!! Don't you worry. We have just as many she's doing it themselves, as we do he's.

No matter who you are, it's stupid easy. Have a read. It's alot to process at first but we will help fill in any blanks. ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry

 

[kimkats]

Pros=run & throw to get to the next pool faster! They push the levels up so far it is not good for you or the pool in hopes it lasts until the next time they run through your yard.

You=water clearer than it has ever been before!! There was one time I looked out my window and about had a heart attack as there was NO water in the pool. I ran out there and had to laught at my self..............there was water. It was just so clear and still I could not see it from the house!

I take care of the pool. My husband enjoys using it after cutting the grass and such nasty, sweaty things!

 

[bertschb]

I am sure I can do much of what it takes to manage our pool.

I'm a new pool owner myself and I guarantee you can manage your pool yourself! It's stupid easy once you do some reading here to learn about water chemistry and pool care basics. I spend less than ten minutes a week on my pool and most of that is just testing the water - which I actually enjoy doing.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

A pool can be managed with weekly visits if the pool has a salt water chlorine generator or chlorine injection system. Pools need a daily dose of chlorine to stay sanitized.

With no SWG, pool guys rely on stabilized tablets (which dissolve slowly) to maintain that daily dose. The problem is these tablets leave behind chlorine stabilizer. When chlorine stabilizer (CYA) levels get too high, the pool is no longer manageable from a chemistry perspective. The pool guy will tell you you've got "chlorine lock" and it's time to drain the pool and start over. What he really means is the CYA level is too high.

So what do you get for $120 a month. A guy that stops by, pretends to brush the pool, drops tabs in your floater, drops a bit of acid, cleans out the skimmer basket and takes off. Filter cleanings are usually not included, so figure another $75+ for that when it's needed.

Invest the first month's pool guy payment in a test kit and DIY. Nobody will care for your pool like you.

 

[PointeTaken]

As is the case more than we care to admit, the wife is right.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I wonder who's gonna win the argument when hubby comes up with pages of support for his position from FB and Reddit.

 

[markayash]

Send him to the pool store ( without his wallet ) to get a water test and what they recommend.
Then tell him to hire you

 

[Mdragger88]

U got this! I take care of our pool & hot tub - the hubs swims/soaks occasionally but “he doesn’t do pools & pool stuff”
Although, he very much did the deck!
You’ll be enjoying easy to maintain TFP clear water in no time! Heck, u can even see my liner pattern from space!

 

[markayash]

A pool can be managed with weekly visits if the pool has a salt water chlorine generator or chlorine injection system. Pools need a daily dose of chlorine to stay sanitized.

With no SWG, pool guys rely on stabilized tablets (which dissolve slowly) to maintain that daily dose. The problem is these tablets leave behind chlorine stabilizer. When chlorine stabilizer (CYA) levels get too high, the pool is no longer manageable from a chemistry perspective. The pool guy will tell you you've got "chlorine lock" and it's time to drain the pool and start over. What he really means is the CYA level is too high.

So what do you get for $120 a month. A guy that stops by, pretends to brush the pool, drops tabs in your floater, drops a bit of acid, cleans out the skimmer basket and takes off. Filter cleanings are usually not included, so figure another $75+ for that when it's needed.

Invest the first month's pool guy payment in a test kit and DIY. Nobody will care for your pool like you.

It’s closer to $200 a month in Georgia. I debated hiring a company then decided for $2400 a year I could buy a SWG and a robot. Other then adding a little acid every 2 weeks ( or longer ) it’s self service.