Owning a pool can be pretty glamorous. But besides the fitness routines and the wild weekend parties that we all love to host, there’s always that crucial element that pool owners tend to forget: Cleaning and maintenance. Failing to clean your pool can lead to algae build up, green water and other non-desirable conditions that can disrupt your swimming experience.
Cleaning and maintaining your pool should be pretty easy if you have the right tools and advice. For example, knowing how often you should clean and using only the best pool vacuums is very essential. The following are 5 cleaning and maintenance tips that will help keep your swimming pool in perfect condition all year long.
1. Vacuum the pool regularly
You should vacuum your pool at least once every week. That will not only help get rid of the debris but will also reduce the need to use chemicals. If you’re going to vacuum the pool manually, move along straight lines like you are mowing a lawn. But if you would rather relax and let a machine do all the heavy lifting for you, there are automatic cleaners that can handle this type of job.
2. Scrub the pool often
Scrub the sides of your pool at least once every week to reduce calcium deposits and prevent algae build-up, which could lead to bigger problems in the future if left to accumulate. They usually accumulate above the water line.
The cleaning tool you use will depend on the material of your pool walls. Use a stiff brush if your walls are plaster-lined and a softer one if they’re lined with fiberglass or vinyl. If the walls are lined with tiles, opt for a soft brush to avoid scratching. The dirt you remove will settle on your pool’s floor, and you can use a vacuum to remove it at a later time.
3. Maintain the correct water level
It is important to know the optimum water level required for your swimming pool. Maintaining the correct water level will help keep a proper balance of chemicals. It will also ensure that the filter, pump, and other equipment are operating correctly.
Although the water level will vary especially when there is active swimming, the variation should only be minimal. If you notice any significant drop, try using a solar pool cover to prevent evaporation. If the situation gets out of control, you should consult a pool maintenance professional for assistance.
4. Adjust the chlorine and PH levels accordingly
Maintaining a proper balance of chemicals and minerals will ensure that the water remains clean and healthy. The PH scale indicates the level of acidity or alkalinity. A simple PH testing kit from your local store can help you determine the PH level of the water in your swimming pool. Anywhere between 7.2 and 7.8 is safe for the swimmers and ideal for the sanitizers.
Chlorine is one of the best sanitizers for destroying algae and killing germs. You should use it frequently and in the amount recommended by a pool maintenance expert. The amount of chlorine you use will depend on a variety of factors including the size of your pool, the temperature of the water, the filter’s cycle and how often you actually use the pool.
5. Clean the filter
The filter works in the same way as your kidneys. It removes impurities ( dirt, leaves, etc) from the pool water. You should turn it off, take out the filter basket and clear away the debris before putting everything back in place. Do this at least one in a week to avoid breakdowns. A well functioning filter will reduce the amount of floating debris and eliminate the need for constant vacuuming.
However, cleaning the filter more times than recommended can actually be counterproductive. A filter with mild dirt is more efficient since the dirt will assist in trapping other particles. Also, avoid turning the filter on and off unless necessary since its mechanics might malfunction.
In conclusion
Keeping your pool in good condition will require you to put in a great deal of effort. But cleaning and maintenance don’t need to be difficult. If you formulate a routine that incorporates the tips offered above, you can spend most of your time enjoying yourself rather than worrying about how clean your pool is. If any tasks appear too difficult to do on your own, always feel free to consult a pool maintenance professional.
This is a guest blog
Published: 2018-04-03 08:25:05
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