If a swimming pool is neglected, it can cause waterborne diseases. Therefore, it is always advisable to keep the pool well-maintained at all times. Some of the common signs that your swimming pool is not safe for swimming including cloudy water and the growth of algae.
How do you maintain a Pool?
Skimming leaves and other forms of debris on the surface of your swimming pool should be done daily. You can get a robot vacuum to clean the bottom of the pool for you. Algae tend to build upon the sides of a swimming pool over time. Therefore, ensure that you scrub the sides daily.
If there are stubborn stains in the pool, apply chlorine on an old sock and place it on top of the stain for a few hours before scrubbing it again. The filter is an integral part of your swimming pool as it helps to remove impurities.
In most cases, homeowners clean their swimming pools by turning off the filters. When you remove the filter cap and lift the filter basket, it becomes easy to remove the debris that may be present in your pool. It is always advisable to clean the filters every week.
Also, ensure a monthly cleaning exercise for the pipes in your filter system. Another way for maintaining your pool is shocking, which involves raising the chlorine levels in swimming pools to kill bacteria.
For you to shock a cloudy pool, you need to add about five times the normal amount of chlorine into the water. If the shocking is done regularly, it could result in damage to the sides of the pool. Experts recommend stocking a cloudy pool at least twice every season.
Another swimming pool maintenance tip is ensuring the recommended level of water. The water level should always be halfway up the opening of a skimmer. If you notice that the water level has reduced, you can use a hosepipe to add until it reaches the recommended level.
What Chemicals are needed to maintain a Pool?
Sanitizers
The chemicals are used as disinfectants. Your pool should always have a constant level of chlorine at all times. Powdered color can help to chlorinate swimming pools quickly. Bromine is also a sanitizer and is ideal in hot water.
When chlorine is exposed to UV rays, it can get damaged. Chlorine stabilizers are used to prevent the damage of chlorine by the UV rays. It is advisable to maintain 30-50 ppm.
Oxidizers
Oxidizers should be used every few weeks. The chemicals are effective in killing algae and bacteria. Most shocks are sold in a powdered form. Therefore, you just need to open the bag and pour it into your pool.
One of the best shocks is called Calcium Hypochlorite. It can increase the level of chlorine in a pool and kills algae in a short period. The chemical is effective if the pH level of the pool water is around 7.2.
Granular potassium peroxymonosulfate is also a common oxidizer. The oxidizer does not leave a residue after burning. It is a safe product, and people can get into the pool immediately after the treatment.
Water Balancers
Check whether the pool water is balanced several times a week. Ensure that chlorine and the pH are at the recommended levels. You should also check calcium hardness and cyanuric acid levels in your pool regularly.
If the pH level is too low, use granular soda ash as it is an effective pH increasing agent. On the other hand, Dry Acid should be used to reduce the pH if it exceeds 7.6. You can also use it to lower the total alkalinity in your pool.
How often should a Pool be maintained?
There are many pool maintenance tasks. The tasks are classified as daily, weekly, monthly, or annual. Some of the daily maintenance tasks include checking the water levels in a pool, checking the pump and filter, checking the pH levels, checking chlorine levels, the pool cleaner, fence, and the baskets.
Weekly swimming pool maintenance tasks include cleaning, adding chemicals, and checking the total alkalinity. The monthly tasks include cleaning the filters, shocking, testing the saturation index, and cleaning the water lines. Annual maintenance involves activities such as cleaning the dives, tightening the bolts, and the lubrication of the O-rings.
Things to consider before Cleaning.
The equipment used will affect the outcome of a cleaning exercise. Therefore, ensure that you have all the tools you need to get the work done. Some of the equipment that you need for cleaning your swimming pool includes a telescoping pole, vacuum heads, vacuum hose, and leaf traps.