Summer is just around the corner, and if you have neglected your swimming pool throughout the winter months it is now time to do something about it.
Pool maintenance is best done regularly, as keeping on top of it could save you hours of hard work when you really just want to jump in and go for a swim.
Remove any leaves and debris
Basic
pool maintenance should start with clearing any leaves or debris from the water. If you have a pool cover you are already ahead of the game. When you have children, the right style of pool cover may even help to offer you additional protection against accidental drowning.
There are a few options for removing any leaves depending on your budget. For example, you can purchase a specially designed leaf rake, or opt for something more advanced which works as an automatic vacuum cleaner.
This is a task which should be performed at least once a week and it is generally worth investing in something which doesn’t require too much manual labor.
Make sure the water is clean
Pool water maintenance will ensure the water is germ-free and safe for swimming. Bacteria can grow quickly and the most common solution is chlorine. Even saltwater pools will generally contain some amounts of chlorine.
There are three options for adding chlorine to your pool, whichever option you choose make sure the pump is running to distribute the product evenly:
- By hand using a variety of different products including liquid, tablets or granules
- Using a salt chlorinator for saltwater pools
- With an automatic feeder, this is the most expensive option but will save you time
Chlorine levels should be checked at least twice a week.
Maintain the balance
When you own a pool, you will quickly realize the importance of having the correct pH levels. Too much will see the alkaline levels spike and may cause skin irritation and burning of the eyes, while too little is going to be acidic.
The correct pH should be between 7.0 and 7.8 but the magic number to aim for is 7.4.
This should be checked at least twice a week and should be part of a swimming pool maintenance routine. In addition, cyanuric acid, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness should all be tested semi-regularly.
To test the levels of the water you will need testing strips, these are fairly easy to use and will allow you to add the right amount of stabilizing product to help keep things in balance.
Excess rain, sunlight, general pool use, and other factors can cause the water to become imbalanced. The circulation in the water also needs to be considered, you should be running the pump for at least 10 hours per day. Your pool will be cleaner, less prone to algae, and will make for a more enjoyable swimming experience.
Maintaining your swimming pool doesn’t need to be an overwhelming experience, there are plenty of tools and products to make the job easier.
Scheduling in regular maintenance is always the best option, as a little effort, each week will keep things running as they should. Start now, and you will be ready for a long hot summer of entertaining and splashing about in your own backyard.
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/swimming-pool-leaves-pool-swimming-2461422/
