As we get closer and closer to summer, we need to think about pool maintenance. Swimming pools don’t need to be hard work.
So, here are some tips on the basics of pool maintenance for you. You can follow your checklist every week to provide the best care and cover for your swimming pool. It’s not as hard as you think – we promise!
Useful tools and supplies
Here are some handy tools and supplies to have on hand to help you maintain your pool.
- water testing kit or testing strips (you can buy them easily online)
- pool brushes and nets to clear away the debris you can see
- a telescopic pole for those hard-to-reach places
- a pool cover to keep out leaves, mown grass, insects, wildlife, pets and children when you aren’t using your pool
- chemicals (like chlorine) to keep things topped up
- pool vacuum or automatic pool cleaner to speed things up (but remember to clean them regularly)
- a pool pump timer.
Check the water
As you probably know, swimming pools are a collecting ground for debris including wildlife and nature (if you have a cover, not so much). This means it’s important to get all the debris out before cleaning the water. Vacuuming your pool can quickly remove debris and algae in the same way you clean up inside your home. We’d also recommend you brush your pool’s walls and steps to remove debris at least once a week.
Pool circulation
You’ll want to know you’re circulating water at the correct rate for your size of pool. Pumping your pool water through filters removes debris and contaminants, returning clean water to the main body of the pool. Circulating the water helps minimise bacterial growth.
If your pool pump doesn’t generate the right power there’s no guarantee the water will be properly clean. You could end up with contaminated water and that won’t be good for the people using it. Running the pump for eight to 12 hours a day is ideal to make sure your water is fully circulated.
PH levels
PH levels, as mentioned in last month’s blog, are extremely important to maintain the health of your swimming pool and the people who use it. The ideal range for a swimming pool is between 7.0 and 7.8 and the chlorine levels should be around 3ppm (parts per million) as an essential sanitiser for your swimming pool.
Shocking!
No, we don’t mean anything to do with electricity. The term ‘shocking’ means dealing with by-products called chloramines. These are formed when outside contaminants like sweat attach themselves to the chlorine in your pool water. They can irritate your skin, eyes and nose and also increase metal corrosion. All in all, not good things to have in your pool. Shocking your pool means adding extra disinfectants to stabilise the water and flush out all the bad stuff.
Getting your pool summer ready
To round up, it’s very straightforward to maintain your swimming pool so you can enjoy it all summer long. A weekly routine will make the workload seem less and will probably save you money in the long run. You’ll soon know if there are any problems with your swimming pool before they hurt your bank account.
Get in touch with Mosaic Swimming Pools and Spas for advice about swimming pool maintenance this summer.
