7 Useful Tips for Pool Maintenance
If you’re a pool owner, then you know that it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance in order to ensure your swimming pool is looking and functioning at its best. In this blog post, we will provide some useful tips on how to vacuum your pool, shocking the water, checking pH levels and more. By following these tips, you can rest assured your swimming pool is always clean and inviting for guests!
1. SKIMMING
One of the most important aspects of pool maintenance is skimming the surface of the water on a daily basis. This helps in removing any debris, such as leaves or bugs that may have fallen into the pool. Skimming also helps preventing stains from forming on the sides of the pool. To properly skim it, you will need a skimmer net and a long-handled pole. Start by moving around the perimeter of the pool, using your net to collect any debris on the surface of the water. Be sure to empty your net regularly, so that it doesn’t become overloaded and sink to the bottom of the pool! Once you have finished skimming around the entire perimeter of the pool, you can move to the middle and skim in a circular motion. Be sure to pay special attention to any areas where debris tends to accumulate, such as near the stairs or in the corners.
2. VACUUMING
In addition to skimming the surface of the water, you will also need to vacuum the bottom of the pool on a weekly basis. This helps in removing any dirt or debris that have settled on the floor of the pool. Vacuuming also helps preventing stains from forming on the sides of the pool. To vacuum it, you will need a vacuum head and a hose attachment. Start by attaching the vacuum head to your hose and then placing it in the water. Turn on the vacuum and slowly move it around the perimeter of the pool. After your pool is clean again, you can disassemble your vacuum, drain the hose, then rinse, dry, and store the equipment away safely.
3. CLEAN THE FILTER
Another important aspect of pool maintenance is cleaning the filter. The filter is what helps keeping the water in your pool clean and clear. It is important to clean the filter on a regular basis, as a dirty filter can cause the water in your pool to become cloudy. To clean your filter, you will need to remove it from the pool and then rinse it off with a hose. Once you have rinsed off the filter, you can then soak it in a bucket of soapy water for about an hour. After soaking, be sure to rinse off the soap before putting the filter back into the pool.
4. CHECK PH LEVELS
It is also important to check the pH levels in your pool on a regular basis. The pH level is what determines how acidic or basic the water in your pool is. It is important to keep the pH levels in your pool balanced, as too much acidity can cause skin and eye irritation. To check the pH levels in your pool, you will need a testing kit. These kits can be purchased at most hardware stores or online. Simply follow the instructions that come with the kit to test the pH levels of your pool water. If the levels are too high or low, you can then add chemicals to adjust them accordingly.
5. BRUSHING
Brushing the walls of your pool will remove some of the particles and buildup that sticks to the porous concrete or the fiberglass. Do this once a week, especially if you have not vacuumed in a while. Use a brush with stiff bristles and make sure it’s long enough to reach the bottom of the deepest part of your pool. Start at the top and work your way down in a back-and-forth motion. Don’t forget to brush around the ladders, steps and other obstacles.
6. WATER LEVEL
Pools lose water through evaporation and use. Check the water level at least once a week, especially if you live in a hot climate. If the water level drops below the skimmer box, it can cause damage to your pump. To top up your pool, use a hose or bucket to add fresh water.
7. SHOCKING THE POOL
Shocking your swimming pool is a way to remove organics in your water, kill off algae and ensure your pool stays clear. While the process may sound intense, it’s actually quite simple. All you need to do is add a high-dose of chlorine to your pool and let it circulate for about 24 hours. This will raise the chlorine levels in your pool significantly, so be sure to avoid swimming during this time. After 24 hours have passed, you can then vacuum the pool as the chlorine levels are already back to normal.
There you have it! These are just a few of the many things you need to do in order to maintain a swimming pool. By following these tips, you can help keep your pool clean and clear all season long! Don’t forget that at least once a year you need a pool service professional to come and inspect the mechanical equipment of your pool to make sure everything functions properly. At A Kool Pool Service we have years of experience in pool maintenance and repair, so don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us at (760) 409-6587!
