Pool maintenance tips and tricks

Pool cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential for pool maintenance. Make skimming and scrubbing part of your routine. Skim leaves and debris from the water’s surface daily to prevent them from sinking and causing stains or clogs. Using a robot vacuum to clean the pool floor can save time and effort. Scrub the pool walls and steps every other week with a pool brush to prevent algae buildup, especially in low-circulation areas like corners and around ladders.

While your pool skimmer removes much of the surface debris, it can miss fine particles like hair and sand. To boost your skimmer’s effectiveness, wrap a pair of pantyhose around the skimmer basket so the fine mesh will help trap smaller debris that would otherwise pass through.

Tennis ball in the pool

Whenever people use a pool, they leave behind oils and chemicals from sunscreen, makeup, and body lotions, which can create a greasy film on the water. An easy trick: drop a tennis ball into your pool. The fibers of the tennis ball will absorb these oils, helping to keep your water cleaner.

Inground pools

Owning an in-ground pool is enjoyable, but it does require consistent care to keep it clean, safe, and functioning properly. Stay diligent with your pool maintenance, but remember: it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Schedule an annual professional inspection for your pool, just like a yearly check-up for your health. Before the service visit, note any unusual sights, smells, or sounds such as odd equipment noises or holes in the pool liner. While you may not be able to fix every issue yourself, catching small problems early can prevent bigger, more expensive repairs later.

Pool filters

Your pool filter is vital for removing impurities and keeping the water clear. Clean the filter basket weekly by following these steps:

• Turn off the filter
• Remove the filter cap
• Take out the basket and clean it thoroughly

Once a month, clean the pipes in your filter system by setting the filter controls to backwash, removing and cleaning the leaf basket, then running the pump until clear water flows from the waste pipe. Regular backwashing helps maintain good water circulation and prevents clogs that can lead to cloudy water or algae growth.

Pool chemicals

Maintaining balanced pool chemicals is crucial for safe swimming and clear water. Test your pool water regularly ideally once or twice a week using a testing kit from any pool supply store. Key levels to monitor include cyanuric acid, free chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Adjust these as needed to keep your water balanced. Properly balanced water should be clear, odorless, and leave minimal residue on your skin.

If you need to raise your pool’s pH or alkalinity, baking soda is an effective and affordable alternative to standard pool chemicals. It can be used gram for gram in place of commercial alkalinity increasers.

Remember to shock your pool every one to two weeks, especially after heavy use or storms, to eliminate bacteria and contaminants. Always follow product instructions and add shock in the evening to prevent sunlight from reducing its effectiveness.

Solar cover

Keeping your pool water warm can increase energy costs, but a solar cover helps minimize heat loss by reducing evaporation. Since most heat escapes through evaporation, using a solar cover is an energy-efficient way to maintain a comfortable water temperature and lower your utility bills.

Pool swimwear

Encourage everyone to wear proper bathing suits in the pool. Unlike regular clothing, swimsuits are designed not to shed fibers or bleed dyes, which can increase the need for cleaning and chemical adjustments. Enforcing a bathing-suits-only rule helps keep your pool water cleaner and reduces maintenance.

By following these pool maintenance tips and tricks, you’ll find that the end of pool season can be just as enjoyable as the beginning, with sparkling water and less hassle.

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