There’s nothing more exciting than taking a dip in a sparkling pool on a hot day! Pools provide tons of family fun. We love those pool games!
Pools offer the perfect addition to backyard barbecues. And swimming in your pool helps relax your aching muscles and provides great exercise.
But to keep your pool looking beautiful and operating at top efficiency, you need proper pool maintenance. In this post, you’ll learn essential tips for correct pool care.
Whether you’re a new homeowner and installing a new pool or want to take care of your existing pool, here’s what you need to know about maintaining your pool. Let’s dive in!
Get Your Pool Serviced Regularly
Thinking of installing an above ground pool DIY? Before you decide, know the top pool installation mistakes to avoid. Even so, it’s important to hire a professional to service your pool once a year.
You can maintain some typical pool duties on your own if you have the time or interest. But certain tasks should be left to a professional pool company.
While you can do some regular maintenance we’ll discuss in this article, professionals ensure your pool systems work properly. The systems they’ll check include the following:
- Correct operation of pumps
- Proper filtration of your pool filters
- Efficient heating systems
Don’t attempt these tasks on your own unless you’re a trained professional. Know that pool specialists possess the knowledge that will ensure your pool’s efficient operation and prolong the life of your pool.
Consistently Check the Water Quality
The first step to maintaining your swimming pool is testing the water quality. To do this, you need to add the proper chlorine levels to your pool.
The proper chlorine levels fight off bacteria that could form in your pool. Ensure the levels are consistent every time you test the water quality.
This is one of the most critical things you can do for your pool because it makes your pool safe for you and your family. Make sure to check the chemicals at least once a week in the summer or when the pool is in use.
Do you live in a state like Florida when you can swim in your pool during multiple seasons? Then you’ll need to check it weekly.
You may find you want to check it twice a week. This may depend on the wildlife and natural environment surrounding your pool.
Also, check the pool’s chemical Ph levels every two weeks at least when it’s not in use. Improper Ph may build up calcium in and around your pool or cause other issues. Your pH should measure between 7.42 and 7.68.
Clean Your Pool Filter
When it comes to correct pool maintenance, a clean filter is key. You don’t need to clean the filter as frequently as you check your pool’s pH level, but it’s still important to ensure your pool works properly and looks clean.
Make sure to check the filter after inclement weather. A hurricane or heavy rainfall can bring extra debris into your pool. Otherwise, you can safely check your filter every three months.
How to Clean Your Cartridge Filter
Want to clean your cartridge filter on your own? Then follow these steps:
- Slip into a pair of long rubber protective gloves.
- Get some goggles to protect your eyes.
- Fill a large container or trash can with 90% water but leave room on the top.
- Then add a 10% solution of Trisodium phosphate or muriatic acid to the trash can. Seriously protect your skin and eyes. These are strong chemicals.
- Soak the cartridges in the solution
- Remove them when they look clean.
- Place them in an area to dry.
Empty All the Baskets Around Your Pool
Your pool houses a variety of baskets and collection containers. The first one to check is the container near the pump. Clean the hair and lint out of it. This may be enclosed in a glass container.
Before you do anything, turn off the pump. Then let out the pressure. Do this every couple of weeks. You may want to do it more often, especially if your pets swim in the pool.
When you’re done with the pump container, walk around the pool and empty the other baskets around such as the leaf basket and skimmer basket.
Skim The Surface and Scrub the Sides of Your Pool
We love a clean pool! But it takes a little work. Sometimes when we get busy, we forget to skim our pool. But it shouldn’t be neglected. It’s easy to see leaves scattered around the surface of our pool and ignore them.
Walk around your pool with a skimmer every day and empty and discard the leaves. You also need to scrub the sides of your pool with a brush to keep your pool siding in top condition.
See any algae forming on the sides of your pool? Make sure to scrub it immediately before it grows.
Preparing for the Off-Season
Follow these steps to close up your pool. They will keep everything running in prime condition until you reopen your pool.
- Test the water before you close the pool
- Remove additional water from your plumbing lines
- Put on your pool cover snugly to keep out debris during the off-season.
Taking these steps will ensure your pool is ready to go during the season. It will also avoid potential pool problems that could put a damper on your pool fun (and your wallet).
Pool Maintenance Tips Roundup
Follow these pool maintenance tips to proper pool care and don’t forget to call in a pro to check your pool’s systems. With proper pool cleaning and maintenance, you’ll enjoy years of fun and relaxation in your new swimming pool. Marco Polo!
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