Last Updated on May 9, 2021
Owning a swimming pool is a lot of fun but it comes with big responsibility too. In the same way that your car needs regular upkeep to be at its best, so does the pool. Having a solid understanding of how all components work and how to best care for it, will keep it in the best shape all year. Regular maintenance is as simple as three C’s: Circulation, Cleaning, and Chemistry. Setting a schedule around these three concepts is the best way to care for your pool.
How to Properly Maintain Your Swimming Pool?
Circulation
Water that is stagnant collects algae and turns cloudy, moving water is clean. To keep everything safe and health, proper circulation is essential. Ideally, run the pump continuously. But, we understand this may not work for your budget. If possible, aim to run the filter and pump for 10 to 12 hours a day. Doing this will turn the water over a few times to maintain safety and cleanliness. Try to backwash your filter as well, which involves reversing the water flow to push out dirty water.
Cleaning
This task is much easier when there is good circulation. With a little elbow grease and the right tools, it will not be as big of a chore as you might think. Make sure there is:
- A net skimmer
- A brush
- A vacuum
It will get dirty naturally from people using it and from leaves and debris blowing in. Then consider the dangers of algae and it is clear how important cleaning is. Plan on brushing, skimming, and vacuuming weekly to remove debris and keep the walls sparkling. For stubborn stains or algae, use baking soda paste as a basic scouring agent that is delicate on vinyl liners and tiles. Note that with an in-ground pool, the drains will help pull water to the filter and this makes everything easier. Above-ground pools do not have these so a vacuum is the best tool for getting all surfaces thoroughly clean. Just make sure the vacuum is upside down before turning it on to better clear out the cloudy water.
Chemistry
A must-have tool for maintenance is a water testing kit. Pool owners are aware that chemicals are necessary for keeping the water clean but before reaching for the chemicals, test the water first. The three most important parts of water chemistry are:
- Alkalinity works as a pH buffer to prevent acidity or basicity spikes. Aim for a range between 100 and 150 ppm.
- pH levels which indicate if the water is basic (high numbers) or acidic (low numbers). Ideally, the water needs to be between 7.4 and 7.6.
Conclusion
Sanitizer levels refer to the amount of chlorine or bromine and the level will depend on which type of agent is being used. Reach out to us if there are any concerns on chemical levels. All of this may take time, but by following this routine you will make sure your pool is clean and safe, so everyone can focus on fun.
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