QUESTION: The plastic brackets that hold my pool pole and brush are drying out from the sun. Now that swim season is here, what should I consider replacing?ANSWER: There are a number of pool accessories that should be inspected every year and some that should be changed out, as well.Let's start with replacing those brackets. New ones are inexpensive and easily changed with a screwdriver. Move the bracket to the shade to prolong this part's life.A new test kit or at least new reagents will ensure proper and accurate readings of your pool water chemistry. Store your test kit indoors in a controlled environment because sunlight and temperature variations will affect not only the accuracy, but also the shelf life of the reagents and test strips.Don't be lured into substitutions. Stay with reagents and containers that are made to match your test kit. Don't swap with other test kits, because drop size, concentration and color variation will produce inaccurate readings.An alternative to drops and reagents is a simple paper test. "Dip and read" strips of paper turn color to indicate the levels of pH, alkalinity and chlorine in your pool. You compare the strips with a chart for results.A licensed pool professional can further check the water for metal, cyanuric acid level and total dissolved solids. If you have a biguanide water treatment system or a chlorine generator, you'll need special test kits from these dealers.Buy a well-ventilated and lockable storage area for your chemicals. This keeps them in top shape, ready for use and away from inquisitive children. A plastic garbage can also is a good investment for storing your pool hose and brushes. This will help to ensure that the sun doesn't dry them out.Don't assume your equipment is in proper working order; inspect the vacuum hose and manual vacuum head along with the brush. An old hose may be cracked or have small holes. Check the hose by holding one end tightly against your arm while you blow into the other end of the hose. If you don't feel the air pressure, repair or replace the hose.Spring is a good time to clean the filter. Think about buying a new cartridge element for a cartridge filter, disassemble and clean a diatomaceous earth filter and backwash a sand filter. You should recharge a sand filter if it has not been done in three years.Check the pressure gauge on your filter to see if it is running higher than normal. An 8-pound increase in pressure indicates it is time to clean your filter.Backwashing sand and DE filters eliminates dirt from the filtering material by reversing the water flow and allowing water from the pool to flush out the filtering material.When backwashing the filter, turn off the pool filtration system and open the backwash valve. Then turn on the system and watch as the brown, murky water from the discharge hose begins to run clear. Turn off the backwashing valve and run the pool for about a minute.Turn off the system, reopen the backwash valve and repeat the discharge cycle. After the second time, recharge the filter by adding DE powder or sand; then just turn off the backwash valve and turn on the system.Discharge your backwashed water into the yard away from play areas.

Questions are answered by Paul Roth of Roll-A-Way Protective Pool Fence in Orlando. He is a member of the Florida Swimming Pool Association, Central Florida Chapter, an industry trade group. Address questions to In the Swim, Orlando Sentinel, MP-240, P.O. Box 2833, Orlando, FL 32802 or send e-mail to Homes Editor Terri Winefordner at twinefordnerorlandosentinel.com.