June 19, 2017

The Basics of Pool Maintenance

pool maintanence

One of the most important parts of owning a pool is to maintain it throughout the year with a high level of care that is provided. Proper pool maintenance ensures that the water is safe to swim in and that the equipment will last longer. When you want to understand how to care for your pool, there are a few basics that come with pool maintenance.

Shock the Water
Shocking the water adds a concentrated amount of chlorine to the water. Adding shock to the water is necessary after it's rained or you've been using the pool on a frequent basis. Shock the water in the evening or at night when fewer UV rays are present outdoors, which destabilize chlorine. Check the pH level of the water and avoid spending time in the pool until it reaches one to four ppm.

Skim and Sweep
Skim the water at least once a week to remove twigs, leaves, and debris that enters the pool. Although your pool filter will remove different particles that end up in the water, you can prevent larger items from becoming clogged. You'll also want to scrub the walls and floor of the pool with a vacuum to remove algae that have developed, which will appear slimy. The skimmer baskets should also be kept clean while you're cleaning. Algaecide can also be used to break down the algae. The chemical is a preventative and should only be used if your chlorine levels become too low. The algaecide will keep algae away until the chlorine levels return to normal.

Automatic pool cleaners are one of the top products to buy for your pool to avoid cleaning the water each day during the summer season. Automatic cleaners can reduce some of the manual work that you'll need to perform on your own and can catch debris that may be hard to miss.

Check the Water Balance
You'll need to test the pool water at least twice a week to tell you the right products to put in the water. The right balance is necessary to avoid turning your hair green from too much chlorine or allowing bacteria to thrive due to a lack of the chemical. The three ingredients that are needed to keep the pool balanced include calcium hardness, pH, and alkalinity. The pH should fall between 7.4 to 7.6.

Add chlorine in the water to remove bacteria, germs, and viruses that are present. You'll create a safe environment for you family to swim in without worrying about the water posing a threat to their health.

Calcium hardness is also necessary to protect the equipment and pool walls from damage over time.

Maintain the Circulation
One of the main steps to take as a pool owner is to maintain the circulation of the water. Circulation is needed to keep the water clear and reduce the risk of algae. The pump and filter need to run 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep the water circulating. If you can't afford to keep it running continuously, the pump can also run for one hour for every 10 degrees of temperature. The size of the pool will also influence how long it should continue to run each day.

Use a Pool Cover
Pool covers are essential to purchase to prevent falling objects from getting into the water. The cover should only be used during the winter months when storms and harsh weather arrive. It can also prevent small children or animals from falling into the water when the pool is not in use.

Owning a pool can be a luxury for many people who enjoy swimming during the warmer months out of the year. With the right maintenance provided, you can continue to cool off during the warmer months of the year and have an easy way of entertaining your guests.

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