Your pool must be well cared for, in and out of season. Without proper care, water can become a breeding ground for disease-causing organisms. A regular maintenance program will ensure that the pool remains clean and in good condition throughout all four seasons.
In addition to the usual maintenance procedures to ensure the water is chlorinated and refreshed, some “unusual” methods can be used to renovate the pool. These techniques will not only make your pool cleaner and safer to use, but they will also save you money, time, and energy.
1. Use some baking soda
Not only does it work magic when it comes to pool cleaning, it also helps maintain the correct pH levels in the pool. Some stores will offer you a substitute known as an “alkalinity booster,” but buying baking soda will save you money. Eventually both products give you the same results, but the baking soda does it more efficiently. The amount of baking soda needed depends on the size of the pool.
2. Tennis ball
You may be wondering what this has to do with pool maintenance, but you will be surprised at the effects. Throwing a tennis ball into the pool will clean the water by absorbing all the chemicals and oils that people bring into the pool in the form of sunblocks and tanning lotions. If you let the ball float from time to time, the difference will be hard to ignore.
3. Use a bucket to track water usage
Environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, dictate the rate at which the pool loses water. However, the average water loss should not exceed 25 percent of an inch per day. To measure the rate of water loss, place a weighted bucket on the stairs and mark the water levels at different intervals throughout the day. Significant margins are an indication of a pool leak, which should have been repaired. If the water levels are lower than you would like, simply use a hose to fill the pool to the required levels. Remember to check the chemical levels after each refill.
4. Use a line and a net to remove the dirt
Loose dirt that enters the pool can be removed with a skimmer, using a net attached to a line. However, dirt, debris, and contaminants can adhere along the tile area and water line, requiring proper cleaning. Dedicate yourself to cleaning this area at least once a week to reduce calcium build-up. While cleaning the tiles, also remember that the hallways should also be cleaned to minimize the chances of transferring dirt and grime to the pool.
5. The filter is the kidney of your pool
If you don’t take proper care of this small but crucial part of your pool, you can eventually end up with a dead pool. In the same way, the kidneys are responsible for removing impurities, which is why the filter is designed to remove contaminants such as leaves, dirt, and small debris from the water. Once a month, it is advisable to clean the pipes of the filter system. An easy way to do this is to backwash by removing the basket of leaves and turning on the pump and letting it run until the pipeline discharges clean water.
6. make sure you maintain consistent chemical levels
This is one of the most critical factors for proper pool maintenance. When water lacks the proper chemical balance, it appears cloudy, irritates the skin, and can harbor bacteria. It is recommended to test the chemical levels weekly. The chemical levels to be tested are cyanuric acid, free chlorine, total alkalinity, acidity / alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
Get a professional to do the tests for you. If you want to do it yourself, buy the test kit at your local pool store and follow the attached instructions. Well-balanced chemicals make the water very clear, odorless, and leave no residue on the skin.
It is also recommended to “electrocute” your pool. This refers to raising the pool’s chlorine levels suddenly but for a short time. The technique is useful for killing bacteria, and the way to do it is to dilute the usual amount of chlorine five times with water and then slowly pour it into the pool. A few minutes later, he refills the pool with water to restore normal chlorine levels. Shocks increase the risk of damaging the pool liner, so it is advisable to limit the process to no more than twice per season.
7. Check the condition of the skimmer lid
From time to time it is necessary to replace the skimmer cover in case it cracks or breaks. It plays an important role in preventing people or pets from falling into the skimmer pit, so it is important to ensure that it is in good condition and firmly fixed in position. During replacement, make sure the pump power is off to avoid accidents.
8. Pressure washing
This is also known as power washing and the process helps remove weather stains and any rust that may occur over time. The process begins by sweeping the clean deck so it is free of loose dirt so it doesn’t spread everywhere during cleaning. Set the pressure washer to medium power and spray the surface to remove all debris, doing it over and over again until the area is completely clean. You can rent a pressure washer at your local pool store.
9. Make sure to schedule an annual service appointment with an expert
You may not think it is necessary, but the knowledge you have may not be sufficient for the care of your equipment such as filters, pumps and heating systems. A professional pool service provider will not only check your devices, but will also advise you on what you need to improve to keep your pool in good condition. They can quickly spot small problems that could lead to a massive crisis down the road.
10. Planning for winter
It is just as important to take care of your pool during the winter as it is during the summer. You don’t want to check your pool at the beginning of next summer only to find that the water has changed color and is harboring dangerous bacteria. Properly winterizing your pool will save you a lot of money and time over the next season as you make repairs. Some of the things you need to do are balance the chemicals, flush excess water from the pipes, and cover the pool to keep debris out.
With these simple but amazing tricks, your pool must maintain higher standards that are not as common in most private pools.
