It’s no secret that swimming pools require regular cleaning and maintenance. Pools that are not cleaned and serviced on a routine basis are at risk for equipment malfunction. Moreover, a poorly maintained pool can pose a health hazard since outdoor debris, bacteria, and chemicals can build up in the water.
By following these key steps you can safeguard the service life of your pool and ensure optimal swimming conditions for your family and guests.
1) Skim debris off water’s surface
Leaves, twigs and should be removed every few days. This can be done by hand, or by using a long-handled skimmer net. There are also pool skimming robots that float in pools, detecting and removing bugs, leaves, and other debris.
2) Vacuum pool floor
Ideally, the floor of your pool needs to be vacuumed at least once a week to remove dirt and to prevent algae growth. Vacuuming a large swimming pool can be time-consuming and thus many people opt to purchase an automatic vacuuming system.
3) Scrub pool walls and steps
Over time, stains may form on the walls or steps of your pool due to pool ladder corrosion, a chemical imbalance in the water, or foreign objects in the pool (e.g. coins, leaves). Pools walls and stairs should be scrubbed regularly with a stiff nylon scrubbing brush, both to prevent and remove stains. You can use ascorbic acid or a pool stain removal product on stains that are particularly stubborn; you do not have to drain your pool to use these products.
4) Empty skimmer baskets
You should empty all the skimmer baskets weekly or as often as needed. Leaves, hair, and other debris get sucked into the skimmers and if not removed, can damage the pool’s pumping system. While you are emptying the skimmer baskets, check for cracks or holes in them since these can also damage the pump. Before you empty the skimmer basket, you should always turn off the pump.
5) Check all equipment
Inspect all pool equipment weekly or before each use to ensure that everything is in working order. This includes the pump, filters, motor, heater etc.
6) Balance chemicals in the pool
After you have skimmed and vacuumed the pool, use a water testing kit to measure the water pH level as well as the total alkalinity and calcium hardness of the water. Add balancing chemicals to the water (Alkalinity increaser/reducer, pH controller, sanitizer, or pool shock treatment) as needed.
7) Change pool filter (as needed)
Over time, pool filters can become clogged and get holes in them. Water discoloration and debris buildup are signs that the filter needs changing. Always turn of the pump before you open it up to replace the filter.
While the above steps are quite straightforward, cleaning and maintaining your pool can sometimes feel like a burden. In such times, there is always the option of calling a swimming pool maintenance service to do the job for you.
