A swimming pool is an enjoyable addition to any backyard or property, but it comes with the responsibility of keeping it clean and well-maintained. Maintaining a clean pool can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to pool ownership. Here are some pool cleaning tips that will make your pool maintenance easy and hassle-free.
- Skim the pool regularly
Skimming the pool regularly is one of the most important pool cleaning tips. The surface of your pool water is exposed to the outside environment, which means it accumulates debris such as leaves, twigs, insects, and other pollutants. Skimming the pool regularly will remove the debris, preventing it from sinking to the bottom and making the pool harder to clean. A leaf skimmer net is a handy tool for this task.
- Vacuum the pool
Vacuuming your pool is another important pool cleaning tip. It removes the dirt and debris that sinks to the bottom of the pool. The frequency of vacuuming your pool depends on how frequently you use it and the surrounding environment. For instance, if you live in an area with many trees, you will need to vacuum your pool more frequently than someone living in an open space.
- Brush the walls and floor
Brushing the walls and floor of your pool is an effective way of preventing algae growth and buildup of dirt and debris. Brushing the pool walls and floor will loosen any stubborn dirt and grime that may have adhered to the surface, making it easier to vacuum. Brushing should be done at least once a week.
- Test the water
Testing the water in your pool regularly is another essential pool cleaning tip. It helps to maintain the proper pH balance, chlorine level, and calcium hardness. The pH balance should be between 7.2 and 7.8, while the chlorine level should be between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm). Testing should be done at least once a week, or more frequently during heavy usage periods or after a heavy rain.
- Add chemicals
Adding chemicals to your pool is an important step in maintaining the water quality. Chlorine is the most commonly used chemical for keeping the pool water clean and free of bacteria. Other chemicals such as algaecides and clarifiers may also be necessary depending on the condition of the water. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when adding chemicals to the pool.
- Clean the filter
Cleaning the filter is another important pool cleaning tip. The filter removes debris, dirt, and other contaminants from the pool water. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with debris and needs to be cleaned. The frequency of cleaning depends on the type of filter you have and how frequently you use the pool. Generally, it is recommended to clean the filter once every two weeks.
- Maintain proper water level
Maintaining the proper water level in your pool is an important aspect of pool maintenance. The water level should be high enough to cover the skimmer, but not so high that it overflows. The water level should be checked regularly and topped up if necessary.
- Shock the pool
Shocking the pool is an important step in maintaining water quality. Shocking involves adding a large amount of chlorine to the pool to kill any bacteria or algae that may be present. Shocking should be done at least once a month, or more frequently if the pool has been heavily used or after heavy rain.
- Drain and refill the pool
Draining and refilling the pool is an extreme measure that should be taken only if the pool water is extremely dirty or contaminated. Draining and refilling should be done at least once every two years to prevent the buildup of minerals and chemicals in the water.
- Hire a professional
If maintaining your pool seems too much to maintain for your daily schedule, let the Pool Cleaning pros at PAR Pool Service do the dirty work for you.
