Are you a new pool owner or thinking of becoming one? Even for long-time owners who have the whole pool maintenance thing down, certain vital steps may slip the mind. As Pool Pro of Maui Country, Hawaii details, remembering these five often-overlooked tips will make swimming safer and equipment last longer.

• Clean Scum Buildup Off Lining: With your pool vacuum taking care of the day-to-day cleaning, it's easy to overlook the line of scum which tends to accumulate above the water line. It's organic matter, and it will take a little elbow grease to get that nasty gunk out of there. Buy some liquid pool cleaning supplies, strap on some eye and hand protection, and spray the cleaner directly onto the line. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then the scum should wipe off easily.
• Check Chlorine And Salt Levels Frequently: Adding chlorine or salt at the beginning of pool season is the first step toward healthy pool maintenance, but remember—those levels can fall quickly. For instance, intense sunlight will dilute the chlorine in as little as two days, leaving your pool vulnerable to algae. To avoid this, buy a testing kit from a swimming pool supplies store like Pool Pro and check chlorine and salt levels once or twice per week.
• Don't Forget The Calcium: Chlorine and pH levels get all of the attention, but don't forget your pool service provider's advice: measure the calcium levels. Why? If they climb too high, scales form on pool appliances, clog pipes, and irritate swimmers, and if they fall too low, the water becomes corrosive and begins to eat into the surface of the pool. So unless you feel like resurfacing next year, remember to test those calcium levels.
• Clean The Vacuum Trap: With your pool vacuum set on autopilot, it's easy to forget that your mechanical helper needs maintenance too. It has a leaf trap on the end which catches debris before it clogs up the skimmer—clean this out from time to time to keep the vacuum running smoothly and prevent it from losing suctioning power.

For pool maintenance, construction, and repairs on above-ground and in-ground pools in the Maui area, Pool Pro is your one-stop shop. They carry the full selection of supplies and testing kits necessary to keep your pool running smoothly year-round. To find out more about one of the only Maui companies that offers both planning and maintenance for your pool, give them a call at (808) 879-3294 or check out their website today.