Guide to Keeping Your Pool Primed This Summer
A pool has the power to transform a backyard from a lifeless chunk of land into a personalized sanctuary, but left unmaintained it can quickly become a nightmare. Pools are what bring an outdoor living space to life. A swimming pool is extremely versatile – it can be a peaceful escape one part of the day and later become that night’s go-to hangout spot. Pool maintenance is important to keep such a valuable investment in prime condition which, if done correctly, is a smooth process.
Let’s make this summer as stress-free as possible with these pool maintenance tips. Enjoy the tranquility your pool has to offer to its fullest extent all summer long. This post will cover the best ways of taking care of the centerpiece of your backyard.
Summer Pool Maintenance: Step-by-Step
Having a pool is a great way to cool off on hot days, but it’s important to keep it clean and well-maintained. Here is a step-by-step guide on pool maintenance; follow the directions below.
Check the Water Level
Maintaining the water level at the recommended mid-skimmer level ensures proper filtration and circulation. Low water levels can cause the pump to run dry, leading to potential damage and inefficiency. On the other hand, excessive water levels can overflow the pool and disrupt the balance of chemicals. By routinely checking and adjusting the water level, you can ensure optimal pool performance, prevent equipment issues, and provide a pleasant swimming experience all summer.
Test the pH Level
The pH level of your pool water should be between 7.2 and 7.8. When the pH level goes too low, the water will become acidic and irritate your skin. If the pH level is too high, the water can also cause skin problems. You can use a test kit to check the pH level of your pool water.
Measure the Chlorine Level
The chlorine level in your pool water should be between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm). When the chlorine level drops, your pool will become susceptible to algae growth. If the chlorine level is too high, the water can irritate your skin and eyes. You can use a test kit to check the chlorine level of your pool water. Test kits are affordable especially given how necessary they are for pool maintenance. There are several types of test kits, some more advanced than others. It all depends on how technical you want to get, but the cost-friendly test strips will work just fine.
Shock the Pool
Shocking the pool involves adding a higher-than-normal dose of chlorine or a non-chlorine shock treatment to the water, effectively oxidizing and eliminating these impurities. This process helps restore water clarity, removes algae and bacteria, and boosts the effectiveness of sanitizers. Over time, contaminants such as body oils, sunscreen residue, sweat, and bacteria will build up, leading to cloudy water, unpleasant odors, and potential health hazards.
By regularly shocking your pool as recommended based on usage and water conditions, you ensure a clean, safe, and inviting swimming environment.
Vacuum and Brush the Pool
Vacuuming your pool will remove any dirt, debris, or algae from the bottom of the pool. Brushing your pool will help to remove any algae or bacteria from the walls and sides of the pool. You should brush and vacuum your pool once a week, or more often if you use your pool frequently.
Backwash the Filter
Over time, the pool filter accumulates debris and contaminants, causing a decrease in filtration efficiency. By backwashing, you reverse the flow of water through the filter, flushing out trapped dirt and debris and restoring its effectiveness. This process helps maintain proper water circulation and ensures that the filter can effectively remove impurities, keeping the pool water clean and clear.
Regularly backwashing the pool filter, as recommended by the manufacturer or based on pressure gauge readings, helps prolong the life of the filter and promotes optimal pool performance all summer.
Close the Pool (Winterization)
If you live in an area with cold winters, you will need to open and close your pool each year. Closing your pool involves draining the pool, cleaning the equipment, and covering the pool.
For a more in-depth breakdown of winter pool care, read our winter pool care guide. Following these steps will ensure a hassle-free start to the summer and allow you to begin your summer of serenity sooner.
The 3 C’s of Proper Pool Maintenance
Three things should stay on your mind when maintaining pool cleanliness, and that is circulation, chemistry, and the actual physical cleaning of the pool.
Circulation
One of the most important things about maintaining a pool is to keep the water moving. Whether it is with a filter, a water pump, or jets, the water must keep moving. Algae will thrive in stagnant water, so keeping the water moving is going to prevent green water. Constant circulation also helps to filter out debris.
Ways to ensure circulation include using a water pump for 8-12 hours a day, cleaning the skimmer basket 1-2 times per week, angling jets in a circular motion, and cleaning the filter whenever the PSI reads more than 10 lbs than normal. A water pump is going to be the most effective piece of equipment to start circulation. Read what water pump suits best for your pool.
Chemistry
Balance is the key to successfully managing a pool’s water chemistry. There are several chemical factors to check which are pH, calcium hardness, alkalinity, and chlorine. As stated previously, the pH should sit around 7.5. Anything .3 more or less can irritate the skin and eyes. Calcium hardness levels should remain between 200-400 ppm to ensure the lining of the pool remains structurally sound. Alkalinity should stay between 120-150 ppm to maintain a healthy pH balance.
Chlorine levels also need to be at a healthy level, but this can depend on the size of the pool. Read our chlorine guide to guarantee your pool has adequate chlorine levels. It seems complicated but if you keep the ranges in mind, maintaining chemical balance in your pool becomes simple.
Cleaning
The process of cleaning the pool is the most straightforward, however, cleaning is the grunt work of owning a pool. Skimming the pool of large debris lingering at the surface is going to prevent things from eventually sinking to the bottom of the pool and staining the bottom. If debris does begin to build up at the bottom of the pool, it is important to scrub the bottom of the pool with a pool robot or brush.
Pool robots are pricier options but automate the process entirely and save time and effort that could otherwise be spent relaxing. For more information, check out our blog on the best pool robots.
Dive Deep into Pool Care with Shoreline Pools
As time-consuming as it may seem, pool maintenance is going to save you from a slew of inconveniences and if done correctly and consistently can be a fairly hassle-free process. Just like any process, it will take some time to get the hang of it and create a routine but eventually, it will just be a matter of going through the motions.
Read more key information about creating the ideal backyard oasis or call the experts at Shoreline Pools for all your pool necessities. Dial (203) 357-1544 today to connect with our service team.
