Most people would love to have a swimming pool in their backyard in the summer, but few want to deal with the maintenance that comes with having one. It doesn't have to be that hard, though. Maintaining your pool is easiest when your chemical treatment program and filtration system work together. Here are the basics.

Maintaining Your Pool

Sanitize your pool with a stabilized chlorine product to provide protection against bacteria. These generally come in stick or tablet form and are fed into a distribution container (or Chlorinator) near the pump and filter system.

Use an algae preventive or inhibitor to help keep the more than 15,000 kinds of algae from ever getting started. This liquid (or Granular) product is simply poured into the water near the skimmer intake so that the pump system can distribute it to all areas of the pool.

Shock your pool on a regular basis - about every two weeks - to get rid of water-soluble bather waste

Find a pool professional or supply dealership that has a water test facility (or access to one) and that offers computer analysis of samples you bring in. Many of the larger companies offer this service free of charge if you bought your pool from them.

Troubleshooting Your Pool

Listen for excessive pump noise as a warning of possible problems in that area. Today's newer pumps are sealed units that don't require any maintenance, but rubber or composition pump seals can go bad and result in bearing failure or electrical shorts.

Replace any pump that's more than 7 or 8 years old and is in need of repair. The newer models are more efficient at moving larger volumes of water with less energy, saving you money on many fronts: You'll need a smaller, less expensive pump; you'll have lower monthly utility bills; and better circulation means better filtration and fewer chemical requirements.

Keep a close eye on the pressure gauge. An inoperative pressure gauge means you can't tell when water pressure begins to build from the normal levels indicated by a clean, efficient filter and the higher pressure of a filter in need of cleaning. High pressure means unnecessary strain on the pool pump and a less efficient filtering system.

Know what kind of filter you have and keep it clean. Well Detail some filters and best cleaning practices in the weeks to come.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are a way to add style and design to a pool, adding a focal point as well as a functional part to the pool. The flow of water can act as a pool pump, keeping water clean and flowing, and can also offer swimmers a place to interact physically with the fall of water. Pool waterfalls come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs, and can be custom-made according to the pool owner's specifications.

Function
Pool waterfalls are used in pools for as an additional scenic water feature to provide a flow of water that drops onto the pool from above. Some waterfalls have LED lighting that shines through the waterfall at night. Pool waterfalls can be used throughout the summer season as well as in warmer climates in which pools are used year-round. Typically built on one side of a pool, the waterfall becomes the main focal point of the pool area. Most rock or fiberglass foundations conceal the water pump and other plumbing behind or underneath the rock, making the waterfall appear natural.

Types
Pool waterfalls generally come in three types: modular, structural and custom. Modular units are made out of fiberglass or foam, making them lightweight and easy to implement into designs. Although they are secured by concrete foundations, they are less expensive than custom concrete designs and come in a variety of affordable design options. Structural pool waterfalls are made into working parts of the pool such as grottos, bars and caves, and combine both modular units with custom units. Custom pool waterfalls can consist of elaborate designs such as slides combined with the waterfall or custom-layered walls created from real concrete and stone.

Features
Some of the features of pool waterfalls are the color variations in the rock structure. Shades of gray, white, blue, black or natural stone are popular in many custom built designs. Tiered rock formations teamed up with pump speed make for a variety of water flow amongst the falls, with everything from a strong, steady flow to a minimal, tranquil trickle effect. Lighting can also appear in different locations behind or nearby the falls so the pool and the waterfall can be enjoyed at night. Some waterfalls have small nooks for plants in order to create a tropical atmosphere. Artificial Plants tend to work best as they won't be affected by Pool Chemicals

Size
Pool waterfalls can vary in size from 3 feet across all the way to 24 or more feet. The height is typically1 to 3 feet. Some pool waterfalls are tiered on different-sized platforms that gradually decrease in size as they get taller. Pool waterfalls generally pump around 200 to 250 gallons per hour and also have adjustable settings to increase or decrease the water flow, making them very energy efficient. Most Sizes and Features are limited only by budget.

Considerations
Consider the type of pool that you have before you decide to purchase or build a waterfall. Above-ground pools as well as some smaller fiberglass pools are not suitable for waterfalls due to their size and shape. In-ground gunite or concrete pools are the perfect foundation for waterfalls, since the waterfalls can be strategically placed to blend into the sides of the pool for a more conforming and natural look.

Some folks will baulk at the cost of their dream Waterfall when all they are really looking for is a water fountain to add ascetics to their pool.