Adding a swimming pool to your home can provide your family with hours of fun and relaxation during the hot summer months, but the key to ensuring that you make the most of it is proper maintenance. One of the most important aspects of pool cleaning is ensuring your pool is sparkling clean, dust-free, and ready for a dip. Without regular maintenance, your pool could fall apart, turn a relatively unsightly green color, or become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and algae. This is something that's often overlooked in many homes with busy schedules, and it can only take a second or two each day to head off bigger problems down the line. By adding a little pool cleaning routine or pool cleaning services to your daily life, you can guarantee your pool will be healthy with no need for a massive cleaning later in the year.
Adding the required pool chemicals should be one of the first things you do each day. One of the best, most effective chemicals for leaving your pool water-free and clean of bacteria is chlorine.
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It's best to add chlorine to the pool at night when the sun isn't directly on the water because sunlight can make chlorine dissipate quickly. Be sure also to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the amount of chlorine to use based on your size pool. Added with other chemicals, like algaecides or stabilizers also in the evening as per the balance of an ideal chemical, the pool should be ready for use on the other day.
The next household item on the list should be the pool filters, which play an important role in capturing dirt, debris, and impurities. Begin with the skimmer basket, which collects leaves, twigs, and, yes, even bugs. The skimmer, one of the first locations where debris makes its way into the filtration system, must be kept clean to prevent clogging. When improperly maintained, a clogged skimmer will decrease the efficiency of your pool's filtration system, making it difficult to keep your pool water clean.
Backwash the pool filter after clearing the skimmer. For sand and DE (diatomaceous earth) filters, brilliant theory is imperative. Backwashing also eliminates all accumulated dirt and algae trapped in the filter to make sure it is operating efficiently. Depending on the type of filter, it's usually necessary to backwash once a week at the minimum, more often during the height of pool season. Monitor the pressure gauge on the filter to know when to backwash. A pressure reading higher than normal means your filter is blocked and must be cleaned.
Vacuuming the pool is also a key part of your daily pool cleaning routine. Debris like leaves, dirt, and sand can quickly accumulate at the bottom of the pool. Though it is possible to manually vacuum your pool using a pool hose with an attached pool vacuum head, this process can easily be made easier with an automatic pool vacuum cleaner. These robotic or suction-style cleaners navigate around the pool, collecting debris without requiring you to lift a finger. If, like me, you don't use an automatic vacuum, take a few minutes and vacuum the pool by hand, doing so carefully. Ensure you get in all the corners and edges where debris likes to pile up.
Brushing your pool's walls and floor regularly is also beneficial. Algae can thrive on the surfaces of the pool, especially in spots that get little water circulation. Brushing the walls, steps and other surfaces dislodges any algae or dirt that may have accumulated. Using a stiff-bristled pool brush will work better to scrub off stubborn algae spots. Use a brush for the type of pool surface you have, plaster, fiberglass, or vinyl, so that you don't mess up the finish.
Besides cleaning it every day, you need to check the water levels of your pool. This means that if the water level is too low, the pump can end up running dry and possibly damaging itself. But then again, a water level too high may cause ineffective skimming and compromise your pool's filtration system overall. The water level should be ideally at the middle point of your skimmer so that it keeps circulating and cleaning well.
One more vital component of pool cleansing is the pool's flow system. The pump circulates the water and keeps it clean, so you'll need to check it frequently for any signs of wear or malfunction. Listen for strange sounds, and if you hear anything unusual, call on a pool service professional to inspect and repair the pump. The skimmer and its return jets help in circulating the water too, so ensure these are free of debris and functioning properly.
Regular chemical testing is imperative if you want to keep your pool sparkling clean. Check the pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels with a pool water testing kit. A proper chemical balance will make sure your pool is safe to swim in and that algae won't grow or scale form. The pH ideally should be between 7.4 and 7.6, chlorine should be between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm, and alkalinity should range from 80 to 120 ppm. If your water chemistry is not right, alter the chemicals accordingly. Too much chlorine or algaecide can damage your pool's surface or even irritate the skin, so always follow the suggested amounts.
When the pool is not in use, put a cover on it to avoid large debris from falling in. By using a pool cover, you can keep your swimming pool protected from falling leaves, dirt, and several other environmental pollutants. They also hold the water temperature more constant, requiring less constant temperature adjusting. If trees and plants are near your pool, consider buying a leaf net that captures larger leaves and debris before they touch the water.
And finally, don't forget to check on the condition of the area surrounding your pool. Cleaning the pool will only be possible with the deck and landscaping area around. Prune overhanging trees, shrubs, and plants to limit pooping debris. If the area is clear on deck, debris gets blown around, making it easier to identify, too. Bottom Line: For safety and to increase enjoyment, also, confirm that the pool's lighting system works properly.
With a commitment to daily pool cleaning, your pool is ready for the season, free of deep cleaning stress. Adding pool chemicals, cleaning filters, and vacuuming, each takes only a couple of minutes but helps your swimming pool stay in the best possible shape. These minor jobs will become second nature over time and, as a result, you'll worry less about pool maintenance and more time simply enjoying your backyard oasis.
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