DIY pool maintenance can lead to significant cost savings over time. By eliminating the need for professional services, you can allocate your budget towards other aspects of pool ownership, such as upgrades or enhancements. However, it's important to weigh these savings against the time and effort required for proper maintenance.

• Reduced Costs: By handling maintenance tasks yourself, you save on the costs associated with hiring a professional pool service.
• Budget Allocation: Money saved on professional services can be redirected towards purchasing high-quality chemicals, equipment upgrades, aesthetic improvements, or even to offset additional expenses during your initial learning process.
• Long-Term Savings: Regular (proper) maintenance can extend the life of your pool equipment and surfaces, reducing the need for costly repairs.

DIY pool maintenance gives you the power to choose a maintenance strategy that fits your personal preferences, and with practice, you can even outperform some of the pros. Believe it or not, while pool chemistry can get in depth (read all about pool chemistry here), with a bit of time and commitment, you can master it. When you take the DIY pool route, you can enjoy:

• Higher Quality Chemistry: You can focus on chemistry balances that meet your standards. One valuable metric in particular, which is often overlooked by lower quality services, is the Langelier Saturation Index. While quality companies invest substantial training into their chemistry techniques, others can leave you holding the bill when poor water chemistry damages your pool. This concern can be eliminated as an informed and proactive DIYer.
• Personal Preferences: You have the freedom to select the products and methods that work best for you, tailoring your approach to meet your specific needs and preferences. Some folks have allergic reactions with chlorine, while others want to try alternative methods of sanitation for other reasons. Whatever the case, the DIY approach gives you full control over what goes into your water.
• Immediate Response: Direct involvement in pool maintenance allows you to make immediate adjustments and improvements when things go wrong. Reacting quickly to storms can give you a huge advantage, especially if your pool service company is already struggling to maintain adequate sanitizer levels in the pool. 
• Cyanuric Acid: The biggest secret of the pool industry. No, really, a lot of companies hide this unfortunate truth. Unless you're operating a saltwater pool, it's likely your service company is forced to resort to chlorine tablets as a primary means of maintaining sanitation in between visits. The byproduct of these tablets is cyanuric acid. While it's actually a good thing, there's such a thing as too much of a good thing, and this can lead to maintenance issues as time goes on. As a DIYer, you can add small doses of chlorine daily to offset the need for tablets, giving you even more control over your pool's water chemistry.

One of the biggest advantages of DIY pool maintenance is the ability to catch issues early. As a DIYer, you're naturally going to be more in tune with your pool than someone who pays for weekly pool service. By making a habit of briefly inspecting your pool, you can identify and address minor problems before they escalate into major repairs. For example, spotting a small leak or noticing a drop in water level can prevent significant water loss and potential damage to the pool structure and equipment.

• Early Detection: Don't hope and wait for the pool guy to notice it. Regular inspections allow you to notice small issues like leaks, air bubbles, priming issues, and strange noises before they become major problems.
• Preventative Maintenance: Performing routine tasks such as filter cleanings, replacing o-rings, skimming, brushing, and vacuuming helps keep your pool clean and running correctly while reducing the risk of long-term damage.

For many pool owners, maintaining their pool becomes an engaging and rewarding hobby. It offers a sense of accomplishment and hands-on involvement in keeping their property in top condition. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to learn new skills and deepen your understanding of pool care.

• Sense of Achievement: Successfully maintaining your pool gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. It can be quite the challenge to maintain your own pool, and it can be especially rewarding when you see it go from green to clean.
• Educational Experience: Pool maintenance involves continuous learning about chemistry and engaging in problem-solving, which can be intellectually stimulating.
• Physical Activity: The physical aspect of pool maintenance, such as skimming and brushing, provides a moderate workout and many people enjoy the opportunity to stay active.

Taking on the responsibility of pool maintenance helps you develop a deeper understanding of how your pool systems work. This knowledge can be incredibly valuable in the long run, as it allows you to make informed decisions about repairs, upgrades, and overall pool management. It helps to be able to notice when something doesn't seem quite right. Your knowledge and experience can come in handy when trying to recall how to turn a water feature on, or how to turn a drain off.

• Informed Decision-Making: Understanding your pool systems helps you make better decisions regarding repairs and upgrades, ensuring that you invest in the right equipment for your pool. After all, only you know what you would like, and upgrades can be expensive. Not all automation systems offer the same user experience, and this first-hand experience can help you choose right the first time.
• Troubleshooting Skills: It's not unusual for each pool to have its own "unique" issue depending on the plumbing configuration and equipment layout. As you become more familiar with your pool’s systems, you'll be better equipped to troubleshoot and resolve simple issues quickly.
• Knowledgeable Owner: A deeper understanding of pool equipment allows you to have more control over your water features, pump schedule, and electric bill. You may learn how to control your variable speed pump's speed to maximize power savings, or how to adjust the valves just right to make the fountain look perfect.

Chemical Handling Risks

One of the most significant risks associated with DIY pool maintenance is improper handling of pool chemicals. Mishandling these substances can lead to chemical burns, respiratory issues, serious eye injuries, and other potentially life-threatening injuries. There is also a strong possibility that improper chemical additions can damage plaster permanently. Never underestimate the danger of pool chemicals. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use appropriate protective gear when handling chemicals. Always test the water before you swim for excessive or insufficient chlorine levels. Never mix chemicals, not even in the pool. Safe chemical handling is the single most important thing you need to be informed on, do your research on any chemical you plan to use or store in or around your home.

Equipment Maintenance Hazards

Maintaining pool equipment, such as filters and pumps, can be hazardous if not done correctly. Assembling a pool filter incorrectly after routine cleaning can lead to tank separation, causing severe injury. This is serious and believe it or not, we've seen it multiple times. Similarly, handling electrical equipment without proper knowledge can result in electric shock or fire hazards, especially in the context of pools, where bonding is a very serious yet very infrequently discussed topic among DIY homeowners. Some maintenance tasks may require you to reach into the pump, an incredibly dangerous task if not done with the correct precautions put in place. It's essential to prioritize safety and seek professional help when necessary. If you plan to rely on YouTube videos, make sure you pair this with the owner's manual or maintenance manual for your specific equipment; don't cut corners on safety.

Property Damage Risks

Mistakes in pool maintenance can lead to significant property damage. Here are some of the common risks:

• Incorrect Winterizing: Can cause pipes to burst, leading to extensive repair costs.
• Improper Use or Handling of Chemicals: Can permanently damage pool surfaces, decking, and clothing.
• Dry Prime: Running your pump dry due to low water levels or improper valve configurations can permanently damage the pumps and potentially increase the fire risk from an overheating pump. The water inside a pump that has been running "dry" for an extended period of time can also present a serious burn risk.
• Incorrect Repairs: Can lead to fires or flood damage, exposing you to potential property damage and injury.
• Draining the Pool Incorrectly: Draining the pool at the wrong time can increase the chance of experiencing a "pop up," where the pool can actually come out of the ground.
• Improper Chemistry: Can lead to corrosive water, destroying your equipment and pool surfacing. This mistake is both very expensive and unfortunately not as uncommon as you may think.

Thorough Research

Thorough research is crucial to avoid common pitfalls and ensure success. Utilize online resources, instructional videos, and pool care guides to expand your understanding. Once you have a comprehensive understanding of chemistry and equipment from multiple sources, it's best to choose one source and adopt their maintenance strategy. Trying to combine maintenance strategies from multiple sources as a beginner can be a recipe for failure.

Learning Environment

While pool professionals often learn in controlled environments with instructors, DIYers are typically left to their own backyard and the internet. Online forums, instructional videos, and pool care blogs can be valuable sources of information. Continuously expand your knowledge base to handle new challenges that may arise. While you can often recover quickly and completely from simple mistakes, there are some that can stain your pool and others that can be downright dangerous. Be proactive about your learning, not reactive!

Safety Precautions

Always prioritize safety in your pool maintenance routine. Use proper protective gear, handle chemicals with care, and be mindful of potential hazards around the pool area. Following safety guidelines can prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for you and your family. It would be best to avoid purchasing any chemical unless you're fully aware of what it is, what it does, the risks of improper use, how to handle it safely, and how to store it properly.

Periodic Professional Checkups

Consider at least scheduling periodic professional checkups to ensure your pool remains in optimal condition. These checkups can catch issues you might miss and provide peace of mind, knowing that your pool is being maintained to the highest standards. If your local pool store provides free water testing, this can be an excellent resource, as it can help you catch issues with your test kit and avoid the damage that can come with poor water balance. After all, you are buying your chemicals from somewhere, just remember to bring your water sample. Just don't rely on them too much; you should be testing your own water regularly as a DIYer.

Convenience

Ultimately, most people don't want to DIY. While we support our local DIYers, not everyone has the time or energy to do this. Hiring a weekly service is a way to buy some of your time back. At the end of the day, depending on your specific circumstances and your pool's needs, pool maintenance can range from being a simple task akin to doing the dishes, or it can be an absolute nightmare. While the learning curve isn't exactly "steep," it certainly comes with some time commitment and consistency.

Complex Issues and Repairs

Even if you manage your pool day-to-day, it's valuable to establish a relationship with a trustworthy pool company for complex issues and repairs. Problems such as a malfunctioning pump, unidentified water loss, or a faulty heater can often require professional expertise to diagnose and resolve effectively.

Expert Advice and Support

Having access to expert advice can mean the difference between an expensive replacement and a simple fix. Professionals can provide guidance on best practices, help you avoid common mistakes, and improve your DIY efforts. Their support can be invaluable in maintaining your pool's surfacing and equipment longevity. You might be surprised how often calling a professional would have actually been cheaper than a DIY approach.

Emergency Support

In case of emergencies, having a trusted pool company on speed dial can save you time and prevent further damage. Building a relationship with a pool company ensures you have support when you need it most, providing a safety net for unexpected situations. It is very common for companies to prioritize their existing customer base during widespread issues, such as the 2021 Texas "Snowmageddon".

Range of Credibility

Some DIYers have a negative perception of pool companies, comparing them to mechanics with varying levels of credibility. While some pool companies offer exceptional service with integrity, others may prey on uninformed customers. This variability in service quality is why it's crucial to choose your pool company carefully.

Importance of Choosing the Right Company

Given the range of service quality, it's important to thoroughly research and choose a reputable pool company. Look for reviews, certifications, and ask for recommendations from trusted sources. Building a relationship with a transparent and trustworthy pool company can alleviate many concerns that lead DIYers to take on pool maintenance themselves.

In conclusion, DIY pool maintenance can be an excellent choice for those with the time, interest, and willingness to learn. However, it comes with its own set of challenges, responsibilities, and costs. At SplashWerx, serving the Flower Mound area, we support you whether you choose to DIY or prefer professional maintenance. Our expertise and commitment to quality ensure your pool remains a safe and enjoyable part of your home. Remember, whether you choose to maintain your pool yourself or hire a professional, the key is to stay informed, prioritize safety, and enjoy your pool!