Your pool water is constantly changing year-round and in the heat of the summer, your pool is more susceptible to algae buildup. There is no reason why you should have to deal with the frustration of a green pool in the summer.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

How are you adding chlorine? Chlorine brakes down over time when exposed to sunlight and decreases its effectiveness against bacteria and algae. Chlorine is a corrosive chemical, so it’s important to deploy with a healthy level of respect. Kids can easily stick their hands in skimmers and without proper precautions, this can result in chemical burns. A floating chlorinator with a cute duck on top might look cool, but this is not an effective way to distribute chlorine throughout your pool. Typically, a floating chlorinator will only cover about six inches of the top of your pool water. An automatic chlorine feeder can help maintain correct levels in a safe manner. They also distribute chlorine more consistently and allow you to increase or decrease dosing. Another option is a salt-chlorine generator. These units produce their own chlorine by adding the only salt to the pool water. They are much safer than handling chlorine tabs and do a great job maintaining chlorine levels.

Are you using too much of the wrong product? When CYA (Cyanuric Acid) levels are high, chlorine is not as efficient. This is when pool owners might buy shock to relieve their pool from algae buildup. Shocking a pool will only kill the algae but the algae still need to be removed from the pool. This process could take days and adding more shock could be an overload for your pool.

Have you tested your water for phosphates? If you are having a problem with algae or cloudy water, remember to test your pool water for phosphates with a phosphate test kit. There are always phosphates in your water, but when levels are too high it can be difficult to keep a pool clear.

If you need help keeping your pool clear this summer, your local ASP - America's Swimming Pool Company can help save you time and money. Your locally owned and operated ASP can create a customized maintenance schedule for your pool. When you choose ASP you can have peace of mind knowing that your pool professional is CPO certified, locally owned and operated, and goes through comprehensive background checks. Not only does ASP specialize in swimming pool maintenance, but we also offer services in repairs and renovations. Find your local ASP - America's Swimming Pool Company pool professional here ASPPoolCo.com/Locations.