If you have just had a pool built in your yard or just moved and have a pool, you may be the envy of your neighbors. However, you may also be uncertain about the best ways to tend to it if this is a new experience. There are some easy ways you can maintain your swimming pool so you can get the most out of it.
Test the Water
Of course, you want to keep your swimming pool as clean as possible. To do this, you have to regularly test the water. This will keep algae, buildup and corrosion at bay. The best times to test are in the summer and winter. There are testing kits available that allow you to check for the following:
• pH, which measures the acidity and base of the water to ensure that it is just the right balance. You want the pH to be somewhere right in the middle to avoid corrosion of the pool’s surfaces, deposits and murky water. Generally, the best pH for pool water is around 7.5. The chemicals can be increased or decreased to achieve that balanced level.
• Calcium hardness, which is the amount of calcium dissolved in the water. You should aim for around 200 to 250 parts per million for concrete pools and around 175 to 225 parts per million if your pool is vinyl.
• Total alkalinity, which keeps the water’s pH balanced. You should have a total alkalinity of around 120 to 150 parts per million.
• Metals, which can stain the surface of the pool and change the color of the water. Most commonly found metals in pools are copper, iron and manganese. If they are present, you need to use a stain and scale remover to eliminate them.
Add the Right Chemicals
In order to be at its best, your swimming pool requires certain chemicals. You must add the following:
• Chlorine, which breaks down bacteria and keeps the water stabilized. You can get chlorine in various forms, such as through granules, tablets and even skimmer sticks. You should aim for 1 to 3 parts per million in your pool at all times.
• Shock treatments, which can keep the water clean and clear. Anytime someone uses the pool or debris lands in the water, there is a risk of problems like cloudy water or algae development.
• Algaecide, which can help to prevent algae from growing in the pool water. Add this after each shock treatment.
Skimming and Scrubbing the Pool
Skimming must be done regularly to keep debris out of the water. You can do this daily by hand or invest in a special robot vacuum that can do it for you. You should also scrub your pool every other week to eliminate buildup.
Maintain the Filters
Your pool’s filters have a specific purpose: to keep anything impure from the water. You should clean the pipe in the filter system around once a month. Set it to backwash, remove the filter cap and take out the basket to clean it free of debris. Once you have done that, you can turn the pump back on and run it until clear water is emitted from the pipe. Also, avoid turning the filter on and off too frequently. Set it to a timer and let it run for no less than six hours per day. If all this maintenance seems too hard and you want to remove your swimming pool which Reverse Pools can help with and alleviate the headache of ongoing work.
Water Level
Carefully notice the water level in the pool. It should be around halfway up your skimmer’s opening. You can use your garden hose to add water if necessary. If it’s too high, you can remove excess water by using a pump that can be submerged.
If you need pool supplies to make your pool complete, visit Maple Pools for pool supplies today.
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