By MARTHA SPEARS

Rising prices of gas, food and just about everything else may be a cause for concern in many households. People are looking for ways to cut costs in expendable areas. Businesses are increasing costs to meet the increase in operating costs.

How can your pool survive in this economy? Should you take over the responsibilities yourself instead of hiring a service company?

First, if you need to cut corners, many pool owners can take care of their own pool. The trick is knowing whether it's in your best interest to do it yourself.

First, if the time you spend taking care of the pool takes up time that you could be making money, then decide which is most beneficial. If you can make the money to support the services (and it's a job you don't enjoy), you'll actually be saving money if you hire the right service company.

Look for a company or individual that is certified through the National Swimming Pool Foundation. This means they have training in all aspects of operating a commercial or residential pool.

Find out what experience they have. Being certified without experience does not guarantee quality service.

Can they troubleshoot, repair and replace equipment? This can save money if you work with one company because many times they can pass savings on to you.

If they deliver chemicals, this saves you gas, another cost savings. Keeping pool water “balanced” is a cost savings in and of itself. Balanced water is better for equipment, pool shells or liners, and sanitation.

Qualified service personnel that visit a pool on a regular basis can most times keep pools from being overcome with algae. An exception to this would be a dramatic change in phosphate levels from one visit to next, equipment failure or improper filtering cycles, or untreated contamination.

One bad algae can easily cost $300to $500 to treat. A good service and repair company is worth the money if it's in your budget.

What do you do if it's not in your budget? Educate yourself on proper water balance, equipment troubleshooting, and water testing. Chemical tests strips are easy and very accurate for residential pools.

Have a chlorinator or salt system installed to aid in consistent sanitation. Add a timer to your system. Test your pool water daily and balance your pool water weekly. Keep skimmer baskets emptied daily (even if you have a service company you should do this).

Sweep or rinse and treat (if necessary) your pool deck weekly. Skim your water daily or as needed. Brush your pool walls weekly. Vacuum as needed. Empty Polaris bags and skimmers frequently. In floor cleaners should be emptied as needed but at least weekly. Backwash filter or clean cartridges as needed.

Listen for sound changes in your equipment. Repair or call a service to keep equipment running properly.