Though they might not be as common in the Windy City as they are in Miami or San Diego, swimming pools still make an appearance in many backyards in and around the metro-area. While much of the weather in Illinois might be better suited to snow suits than swim suits, throughout the summer (as well as late spring and early fall) homeowners with pools are bound to get a good amount of use from their investments. When the weather starts inching its way into the 80s, friends and family will find that a trip to the backyard is almost as exciting as a trip to Wrigley, but if your pool has been neglected, that excitement might quickly turn to apprehension. In a setting like Chicago, swimming pool maintenance is particularly important if you want your pool to last a long time and function properly. Opening and closing a pool in a climate that annually sees plenty of freezing temperatures is especially important.
DIY Swimming Pool Maintenance in Chicago
With a very diverse population, there are bound to be a few do-it-yourselfers in and around Chicago. Swimming pool maintenance is, thankfully, something that most DIYs will have little trouble with. Though it can be somewhat time consuming, taking care of a pool is also something that many homeowners find satisfying, or even relaxing. Skimming off noticeable debris like insects and leaves should be done often; you should also test and balance the chemicals in your pool once or twice a week when it is in use. Scrubbing or vacuuming the floor and walls of your pool should be done as needed, and it?s also a good idea to inspect and clean your filter a few times a season if you want efficient performance.
Opening and Closing a Pool
While there are some areas of the country where temperatures are mild enough that closing a pool for the winter is not a huge concern, this is one part of Chicago swimming pool maintenance that needs to be taken seriously. Failing to properly winterize your pool can spell disaster in a place where freezing temperatures are common for months at a time, and if mistakes are made, they can result in hefty repair bills. Different pool systems require different winterization techniques, so if you don?t have access to the recommended procedure for your pool, it is a good idea to consult with a professional to make sure that no harm comes to your investment over the long, cold winter.
Professional Chicago Swimming Pool Maintenance
Just because you can do a job yourself doesn?t necessarily meant that you have to! Though some might enjoy taking care of their own pools, for others, there are simply too many other things to worry about to keep up with swimming pool maintenance. Chicago pool professionals are also helpful because they take the guesswork out of adding chemicals and monitoring the mechanical aspects of your system.
Due to the incredible care that needs to be taken when closing a pool in Chicago, many people who don?t particularly mind performing their own pool maintenance during the swimming season opt for hiring a professional to open and close their pools. Most pool maintenance companies will offer several different levels of service ranging from once or twice a season to once or twice a week. For most, balancing DIY pool maintenance with a little professional attention from time to time is an ideal situation for having a clean, attractive, and healthy place to swim!

Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.