If you know how to properly maintain your pool you will never have a problem with green streaks on the walls, filters clogged with leaves and more. Keep in mind that waiting for a problem can end up costing you a lot more time and money than you would invest in maintenance. That’s why it’s important to establish a good maintenance routine. No matter how long you have been the owner of the pool, it is always good to have a clear idea about this business throughout the year.
This way, you will be able to enjoy carefree parties by the pool, good training, and everything else you enjoy. You will achieve this if you adopt some basic tips and tricks that save a lot of time and money. Pool maintenance is not as difficult as many people think, and you can read the basics of maintenance below.
1. Cleaning the strainer baskets
So, every few days it is necessary to clean the surface of the pool. You can use a net or brush for this purpose. This is the fastest and best way to keep it tidy every day. The advantages of this procedure are the efficiency of the pool circulation system as well as the lower need for chlorine. Of course, don’t forget that it is equally important to clean the item you used. You should do this at least once a week. You can compare this procedure to brushing your teeth, which you have to maintain every day in order to be healthy.
If you plan to spend a little more money, a great thing is a pool vacuum cleaner. With it, water is much easier to maintain, because the floor and walls are automatically cleaned. There are also suction-side and pressure-side cleaners that will cost you less money. Either way, it would be good to have the basic equipment in addition to the above.
2. Clean the filters
If you have experience, you know that the pump should run constantly throughout the season. Then you will achieve the best filtration results. The problem is that not all equipment is capable of such a thing, but neither are the budgets. However, the operation of the pump is eventually reduced to a few hours a day.
However, that is enough to accumulate a lot of dirt on it. And it should be removed regularly. So, another primary task would be to clean the filter basket so that your filters do not become clogged. In this way, they can last significantly shorter than the expected lifespan. You should do this at least once a month, but pay attention to the amount of waste. And act accordingly.
3. Use a water test kit
Many people are afraid of the fact that you should use chemicals, do not be one of them. Products that are intended for the pool cannot harm you and this chemistry is very simple. However, you must handle it carefully so as not to overdo it. In this case, you will need a proper water test kit. Based on it, you will easily determine the appropriate amount of chemicals that your pool needs. That way, you won’t waste time and money.
When we talk about testing, we mean the level of pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer. Remember that you should use this kit once a week and follow the instructions carefully. Of course, you can take a sample of your water and take it to experts for testing. They will give you even more accurate information about the chemical composition in your pool.
4. Avoid DIY repairs
If you notice new cracks in the pool or notice any other changes, call a professional. A leak or something else is not as naive as it may seem to you. However, do not jump to conclusions. Sometimes the water level can be reduced due to evaporation or accidental discharge of water due to swimming, splashing, etc.
Try to fix the thing by adding a little more water, but that’s all you need to do. The problem can easily get out of control faster than you can imagine, and that will cost you a lot of money. Such a major repair can be prevented if you hire experts once a year to check it.
This way you will make sure that it is in good condition and you will be carefree. It will also give you some important tips to help you maintain your pool even better. However, if you suspect a problem due to a low point level, perform a test. For this test, you need a bucket to fill and mark the water line on the outside. Let it float for a few days. If the water level decreases, it is evaporation.
5. Chlorinate the water
Don’t be afraid to add a huge amount of chlorine at some point. One of the most common reasons is that this procedure reminds people of public swimming pools and the like. Keep in mind that everything accumulates in your pool and all this creates an unpleasant odor after a certain time. Chlorine-free water quickly becomes cloudy and you want to get rid of bacteria as soon as possible. That is why you will need a little help with disinfectants. And especially if there was a lot of rain. So, when polluted water is mixed with chlorine, a sharp smell of chlorine is created.
This refers to a drastic increase in chlorine levels over a short period of time. This way you will not only get rid of the unpleasant smell, cloudy water but also bacteria. To do this better, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Our advice is to add chemicals only at night. Otherwise, the heat of the day will consume chlorine before it starts to work and does its job. So only do this at night, and then leave the pump running for a few hours to achieve even better results.
6. Stick to a maintenance schedule
It is not enough to know what to do when it comes to maintenance. It is important to be consistent in this, and you will achieve this if you make a schedule. In time, you will learn more and more about your pool and take better care of it. However, this schedule will make your organization much easier and you will be sure that important tasks have been completed.
This is a sure way to properly prepare for the season or pool closing. Our advice is to place it in a visible place, such as a refrigerator, a wall or near a swimming pool. It’s a sure way that you or other family members won’t forget about notes.
Don’t forget about resurfacing either if it’s been more than 5 years since the last time you did it or since you built the pool. You should learn more about the benefits of resurfacing in order to know why it is bad to skip it.
Conclusion:
Brilliantly clean water in the pool is the dream of every owner. However, it is not difficult at all if you know everything about its maintenance. Of course, hiring professionals is necessary for the proper operation of the pool. They are there to make it last longer, but there are a lot of things you can do yourself to keep it in good condition all the time.