It is glamorous to have a swimming pool in one’s backyard. It helps in maintaining a good fitness routine even with busy schedules, increases the charm of the house during parties and get-togethers, and provides a private place for the family to relax, unwind, and even have a good tan. A lot of deliberations and discussions happen before the actual decision to buy a pool. This is understandable since a swimming pool is a huge monetary investment. But a really important element that one has to keep in mind before buying a pool and after installing it is its maintenance. Proper maintenance is necessary for a pool; otherwise, it can cause issues like algal buildup, contaminated water, and damaged structures, to name a few. Several maintenance tips and techniques are available to keep a pool clean and beautiful.

 

6 basic steps to ensure a clean pool

 

It takes immense dedication and hard work to keep your pool clean, but with a little bit of know-how, it will be easier to keep the pool clean throughout the year.

 

Cleaning dirt and debris 

 

Regular pool cleaning is essential to ensure your pool usage experience remains safe, healthy, and enjoyable. It is important to clean the dirt and debris not only to keep the pool sparkling but also to avoid health and hygiene-related issues. Fallen leaves and pollen clumps can be easily removed by skimming. This is a low-cost method in which long-handled nets are used to skim out leaves and other floating debris.

 

Pool vacuums can also be used to clean fallen leaves, algae deposits, and any other debris from the pool surface. The pool vacuum works in a way similar to indoor vacuums and is an easy and quick way to clean pools. If the pool is located near big trees, it is advisable to trim these trees to limit the number of leaves falling into the pool. It is also necessary to clean pools at least once a week. In addition to vacuuming, it is also important to scrub and brush the pool walls, floors, and steps to keep them clean and smooth as well. Scrubbing will clean out possible calcium and algal deposits. For fiberglass and vinyl pools, using a soft scrub is recommended, whereas using a hard scrub is advisable for concrete pools. Tennis balls can be used to absorb oils left behind by creams, lotions, and other products.

 

Along with cleaning the pool surface and walls, it is essential to clean the pool pump and filters as well. The pool pump runs for at least eight hours every day. This constant circulation, along with the help of filters, is a way to keep the pool clean. Since the pool is continuously running, it will keep on collecting debris. Unless properly cleaned, the filter will get clogged with debris, making the pump work harder and eventually reducing its life span. The debris collected in the filters can also clog the pool pipes, thereby hampering proper water circulation. The filter basket should be emptied and cleaned once a week.

 

Backwashing can be done once a month to clean out the pipes and drain any stagnant water. With this method, the water flows in the opposite direction than it normally does, helping to flush up built-up debris and wash those places that are not cleaned when the filter basket is emptied.

 

Maintaining water levels

 

The water level of the pool should always be maintained at suitable levels to avoid malfunctioning of the pool structures. If the pool water level is too low, the pump might run dry and get damaged. In this case, the water level can be brought up by manually filling up the pool using a garden hose.

 

If the water level is too high, the skimmer door can malfunction. A submersible pump can be used to drain out the excess water and resolve this issue.

 

After bringing the water to appropriate levels, it is important to check the level of chemicals and ensure that they are suitable. The variation in water levels can cause changes in the chemical levels that can create health hazards.

 

Checking pool chemical levels

 

Maintaining a consistent chemical level in the pool is an indispensable facet of pool maintenance. If the chemical levels and pH of the pool are not balanced, the water will start to become cloudy, irritating eyes and skin and sometimes causing severe allergic reactions. It can also make the pool a hotbed for harmful bacteria.

 

It is advisable to check the water quality at least once a week during the peak summer months. During the winter season, it can be done once every two weeks. The pH level of the pool should also be maintained at optimum levels, preferably between 7.4 and 7.6. Any pH imbalance can lead to calcium buildup in the pool and associated issues.

 

Shocking the pool 

 

Along with using the requisite pool chemicals as part of pool maintenance, it is also important to shock the pool whenever necessary. Shocking is a process in which the chlorine levels in the pool are raised for a short time to kill the bacteria. The pool should be shocked at least twice every season or whenever the water starts to appear cloudy. It is also important to do shocking the right way since it is easy to over chlorinate water and cause damage to the pool and the people swimming in it.

 

Winterising the pool

 

Pools are most frequently used in the summer season, during which they are easily maintained. But it is important to tend to the pool during the winter season if one wants to avoid the additional repair charges that come with neglecting the pool. Throughout the winter, the water level can be lowered while maintaining the pH balance of the remaining water. All the toys and pieces of equipment should be removed, and the pool should be kept covered at all times. The pool should be regularly cleaned and winterized with algaecide, which prevents algal growth. If the area can freeze during winter, it is preferable to drain all the water from the pool, leave it covered, and clean it at regular intervals.

 

Seeking professional help for pool maintenance 

 

Not all pool owners may know everything there is to know about pool maintenance. It would be prudent to seek professional help at least once a year to check the overall state of the pool and conduct minor repairs, if necessary. It will help in the long run by preventing major damage and repair costs.

 

Now that you know how to clean a pool, follow the above steps carefully and it won’t become a burden to keep your pool healthy and safe.