Hi , welcome to The Deep End .

Everybody should be able to swim carefree, however, for many

people their experience is one of hassle, frustration and expense

followed by more expense. It doesn't' have to be this way. Of course

a pool is a luxury item and it needs maintaining, but it is possible to

enjoy caring for your pool without pulling out your hair and spending

all your money!

Your pool water should be of good quality. It should be safe to

swim in with the approved amounts of disinfectant to kill bacteria,

but contain the minimum amount of chemicals. It should also be fil-

tered by an effective and reliable system and be maintained in a

non-corrosive state to protect your pool's structure. Every issue we

will take one facet of pool care and try to advise the best and most

economical approach.

Spring is an ideal time to check out the fundamental bits and

pieces of your pool. For our first visit Lets take a look at the pool

itself. If your pool is an 'in ground' type it's probably tiled. Take a

close look at the grout between the tiles, especially on the floor of

the pool. Grouting can deteriorate quite quickly, sometimes lasting

only a couple of years. The first visible signs are dirty or discoloured

patches. On closer inspection you'll notice eroded or missing grout.

Neglect these areas and tiles can start to lift. What causes this?

Incorrect 'water balance' ,this is the consideration of the water's

chemistry, in this case chiefly the 'PH' and 'Calcium Hardness'.

BOYS` TOYS & LEISURE STUFF

Acidic and 'soft' water will dissolve the plaster in your cement pool!

Unchecked , the gaps between the tiles will worsen. As well as the

Advertise your car, caravan, boat, tent or any

physical damage, the gaps will start to harbour algae. Algae, usually

other leisure item here. Just 20 euros for a

non toxic, won't harm you, but the damage it can do to the plaster of

picture and up to 30 words

your pool is irreversible. Combating algae is complex and expen-

sive, but as always prevention is better than cure. Consider draining

the pool to repair the problem areas of grout. Your pool builder will

be interested in coming back to carry out this work, but it's not usu-

ally covered by the guarantee. Most builders will provide you with a

price if you don't fancy having a go at re-grouting yourself. Once

sorted and refilled, 'balance' the pool water and use an algaecide for

the summer. The water chemistry is the key, keep this correct and

you'll not have any more problems. In this case it's easier to treat

the cause of the problem than the problem itself.

Have you any questions about pool care? That niggly problem may

A TOP TIP..... Rappers - avoid having to say 'know what I'm

have a simple and inexpensive solution. Get in touch and we will

sayin' all the time by actually speaking clearly in the first place.

feature you next time. Billie.