Pool Maintenance
Maintaining the pool means more than just caring for the water. The exterior areas also need to be cleaned and checked for cracks, rips and leaks regularly. Cleaning and pH levels are one thing, but visible water quality is also important. The types of chemicals and maintenance of the filters and cleaning system are also important. If you have a water feature or lighting around the pool area, the electrical connections running them also need to be checked on a regular basis to prevent electrocution.
Filter Changes
Filters in a pool should be cleaned at least weekly. Changing the filters should be done three times per swimming season. This helps to prevent sludge build-up, rips in the filter screen and clogged lines. Changing the filters is a sanitary practice as build-up of bacteria can occur even with proper chemical usage.
pH Level Testing
Especially during the first week of the swimming season, the pH level in a swimming pool should be checked daily. Immediate adjustments should be made if the levels are off, even slightly. Correcting the issue as soon as it is noticed to prevents bacteria growth.
Before inviting guests over for a pool party, checking the chemical levels is also important. Fresh chemicals should not be added immediately before guests coming over in case one of them has a chemical sensitivity. The levels should be checked at least 4-hours prior to guests arriving.
Chemical Choices
Try to use chemicals that are biodegradable, eco-friendly and as close to natural, if not natural, as possible. Pool chemicals can create breathing difficulties or an asthma attack for asthma sufferers. The types of chemicals used also helps to maintain a proper pH level and can extend the life of a filter.
Try to use shock treatments as sparingly as possible. These are drastic changes to the pH level and can overcorrect minor discrepancies.
Regular Vacuuming
You should manually vacuum the sides and bottom of a pool weekly. This helps to remove debris that can cause rips to the pool liner. Water leaking between the liner and base of the pool can cause a breakdown of the framework, whether it is an inground or above ground setup, causing the pool structure to crumble over time.
If you do not have time to vacuum the pool manually, you can use a robotic pool cleaning machine. These will run for a specific period of time based upon the size and depth of the pool. Some are topside skimmers while others will clean the sides and bottom too.
Check Exterior Areas
Performing a check of the exterior areas around the pool on a regular basis is important. This includes checking the walking surface for chips or cracks as well as checking for bare electrical wires from water features and lighting. You should also check any plants that are near the pool to ensure that they are properly trimmed. Protruding plants should be trimmed to prevent injury or vision restrictions.
Skim the Top
Use a pool skimming net to go over the top of the pool every day. This will help to remove floating debris, insects and other trash from the pool surface. A job like this can be performed by a child, with supervision. Families can take turns skimming the pool daily in a rotation-type schedule.
Cover during Inclement Weather
When it is known that rain or inclement weather is in the forecast, you should cover the pool. Rain water can turn blue pool water green due to the chemical reaction between pool cleaning chemicals and the acid in rain water. Covering the pool will also prevent large pieces of debris from ripping pool liners or causing other damage. Weather can be severe during storm season in the Stamford, CT area, protecting the pool and the water is ideal.
Keeping these pool maintenance tips in mind, it is simple to maintain a properly working and clean swimming area. Make a weekly and/or monthly pool maintenance checklist. This checklist will remind you of the routine that needs to be completed in order to keep a pool’s pH levels on track, filters clean and water free from debris. You should also complete a safety check when performing a monthly maintenance check.
Filter Changes
Filters in a pool should be cleaned at least weekly. Changing the filters should be done three times per swimming season. This helps to prevent sludge build-up, rips in the filter screen and clogged lines. Changing the filters is a sanitary practice as build-up of bacteria can occur even with proper chemical usage.
pH Level Testing
Especially during the first week of the swimming season, the pH level in a swimming pool should be checked daily. Immediate adjustments should be made if the levels are off, even slightly. Correcting the issue as soon as it is noticed to prevents bacteria growth.
Before inviting guests over for a pool party, checking the chemical levels is also important. Fresh chemicals should not be added immediately before guests coming over in case one of them has a chemical sensitivity. The levels should be checked at least 4-hours prior to guests arriving.
Chemical Choices
Try to use chemicals that are biodegradable, eco-friendly and as close to natural, if not natural, as possible. Pool chemicals can create breathing difficulties or an asthma attack for asthma sufferers. The types of chemicals used also helps to maintain a proper pH level and can extend the life of a filter.
Try to use shock treatments as sparingly as possible. These are drastic changes to the pH level and can overcorrect minor discrepancies.
Regular Vacuuming
You should manually vacuum the sides and bottom of a pool weekly. This helps to remove debris that can cause rips to the pool liner. Water leaking between the liner and base of the pool can cause a breakdown of the framework, whether it is an inground or above ground setup, causing the pool structure to crumble over time.
If you do not have time to vacuum the pool manually, you can use a robotic pool cleaning machine. These will run for a specific period of time based upon the size and depth of the pool. Some are topside skimmers while others will clean the sides and bottom too.
Check Exterior Areas
Performing a check of the exterior areas around the pool on a regular basis is important. This includes checking the walking surface for chips or cracks as well as checking for bare electrical wires from water features and lighting. You should also check any plants that are near the pool to ensure that they are properly trimmed. Protruding plants should be trimmed to prevent injury or vision restrictions.
Skim the Top
Use a pool skimming net to go over the top of the pool every day. This will help to remove floating debris, insects and other trash from the pool surface. A job like this can be performed by a child, with supervision. Families can take turns skimming the pool daily in a rotation-type schedule.
Cover during Inclement Weather
When it is known that rain or inclement weather is in the forecast, you should cover the pool. Rain water can turn blue pool water green due to the chemical reaction between pool cleaning chemicals and the acid in rain water. Covering the pool will also prevent large pieces of debris from ripping pool liners or causing other damage. Weather can be severe during storm season in the Stamford, CT area, protecting the pool and the water is ideal.
Keeping these pool maintenance tips in mind, it is simple to maintain a properly working and clean swimming area. Make a weekly and/or monthly pool maintenance checklist. This checklist will remind you of the routine that needs to be completed in order to keep a pool’s pH levels on track, filters clean and water free from debris. You should also complete a safety check when performing a monthly maintenance check.