Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Nadeem Ahmed
No matter how heavily you have invested in the material, the health of your pool will rapidly decline without proper maintenance. If neglected long enough, not only will the water become unsuitable for swimming, but also the negligence will manifest in the form of visual defacement of the structure. And no pool-owner would ever want to witness this. Therefore, to take care of your precious backyard oasis, devising a routine is imperative. It can be tricky, especially when you are figuring things out on your own, but we are here to help — see the all-inclusive pool maintenance 101 guide below.
For more convenience, pool maintenance can be categorized into three groups:
- Manual maintenance
- Circulatory system
- Water chemistry
Table of Contents
Manual Maintenance — Cleaning and Washing
It is the easiest part in which pool owners just have to wash, brush, and skim to keep the pool spotless. Although it isn’t rocket science, you can still use some tips and pool maintenance 101 guidelines we have noted down here.
1. Skimming (Once Daily)
In our pool maintenance 101 guide, the simplest practice to keep the pool visually stunning and immaculate would be skimming. Use a skimming net to discard large debris from the water, including floating branches, leaves, insect carcasses, toys, and other noticeable objects. It will not take long, especially when you have a long pole and wider net, which also helps to reach the sunken debris.
2. Brushing (Once Every Two Days)
Algae and other types of organic buildup accumulate around crevices, making the surrounding somewhat gross and unwelcoming to swimmers. Brushing the surface not only prevents the buildup but also keeps the surface pristine and immaculate — that looks pleasing to eyes, compelling people to swim.
3. Vacuuming (Once Every Week)
A vacuum eliminates the remaining debris that manual skimmers couldn’t remove. It is very essential for the health of your pool’s circulation because it gets rid of large debris that can clog the pipes and filters.
Circulatory System — Filters, Pumps, And Jets
As we know, motionless water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and fungus, which makes the circulatory system the most important element of pool maintenance 101 handbook. It keeps the water gyrating while filtering out small dust and debris.
The following are some pool maintenance 101 steps to how you can maintain proper circulation in your pool.
4. Keep The Pumps Running (9 To 12 Hrs. Daily)
Without the filtration system, the water, as well as the walls and floor, will be overrun by algae. You wouldn’t want to spend your day scrubbing persistent stains, would you? So, that is why it is critical to keep the pumps running for many hours daily— an indispensable element of our pool maintenance 101 guide.
Moreover, for summer, you might have to run the system more than the average. That’s because warmer conditions are favorable for the spread of annoying organic lifeforms. Since the pump is meant to run for a great time, make sure you have invested in the model that doesn’t make much noise. Otherwise, it can give you a headache while spending your time in or around the pool space.
5. Wash The Pump and Skimmer Basket (Once or Twice Per Week)
Overworking is the biggest mistake in the pool maintenance 101 rulebook, which can clog the baskets, ultimately putting immense strain on the pump system. If left uncleaned, the system might burn out — a few hundred dollars can go down the drain because of your negligence. Not to forget, the life of the machinery also reduces tremendously when the workload reaches certain threshold.
Therefore, it is essential to clean and unclog the baskets on time to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the system. We recommend cleaning once or twice per week, but if the pool is in heavy use, make sure to clean more frequently.
6. Clean Or Backwash the Filter (When the Pressure Exceeds 10 Psi)
Pool filters are easily one of the most expensive requirements of the structure, demanding extra care if you want to avoid frequent replacements. Not taking care of it properly can easily double the maintenance cost. It is therefore important to keep an eye on the filter’s pressure gauge, which indicates if the system is running “normally.”
10 psi or pound per square inch is the “normal” pressure for a clean filter. If it exceeds this limit, then it is safe to assume that it is time to clean. You can either backwash or wash the filter cartridge, depending on the type of your device.
7. Adjust the Jet Angles (Whenever Necessary)
Make sure the pool jets are facing the proper direction so that the water is gyrating properly. This adjustment will help you clean faster and more efficiently.
Water Chemistry — Testing and Shock Treatment
Now comes the most technical part of your pool maintenance 101 routine, which is related to the water pH and chemical equilibrium. Cleaning eliminates dust and debris, but it cannot kill harmful bacteria and pathogens. With them still in the water, you would get sick more often — not to mention, the fluctuated water pH also takes a huge toll on your skin and eyes.
For maximum maintenance, don’t forget about the following steps:
8. Test the Chemical Balance (Once Per Week)
To test the water, you would be needing a testing kit. Or you can simply call the professionals near you to do the job. Usually, the water is tested for the level of alkalinity, phosphates, calcium hardness, and chlorine. The proper balance of these chemicals holds paramount importance when it comes to making the water safe for your skin and health.
9. Shock Treatment (Whenever Necessary)
“Shocking” regards to abrupt addition of chlorine in the pool water to kill off bacteria and algae populations. Algae can sometimes take over the pool water, making it a green and slimy mess. The only possible way to treat this kind of problem is to introduce a large amount of chlorine, which is known for its sanitizing properties.
However, more than the necessary amount of chlorine can affect the water’s chemistry. Surely, it is something you can’t pull off yourself. So, call the experts to handle this tricky task, ensuring ultimate chemical equilibrium.
Read More: 13 Pool Decking Points Pool Companies In Atlanta Consider
Why is Pool Maintenance necessary?
Maintaining a pool is a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and longevity of the pool, as well as providing a clean and enjoyable environment for swimmers. Regular pool maintenance helps to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that can cause illness and damage to the pool structure.
Furthermore, proper maintenance can extend the life of the pool’s equipment, such as filters and pumps, and save on costly repairs in the future. By balancing the pH, chlorine, and other chemicals, you can ensure that the water is safe and clear for swimming. Regular cleaning and skimming of the surface also help maintain the pool’s appearance and prevent debris from settling at the bottom.
Apart from that, if you are interested to know about How to Keep Your Pool’s Water Balanced All Season then visit our Lifestyle category.
