You swimming pool is an investment just like your home, so you want to take care of it. As fun as pools are, they require a lot of maintenance to keep them running, clean and safe. Chemical balance, water clarity, and cleaning are all necessary to ensure our pool lasts for many years and to make sure it stays safe for your family and friends.
Pool Maintenance Tips You Likely Didn’t Know About
Regular maintenance can seem like a hassle, but if you want your pool to stay safe and clean, then this needs to be a priority. We understand that you have a busy schedule and it can be tough to find the necessary time for pool upkeep. That is why we share the tips below; to help you care for your pool in the best way possible and save you money in the long run.
- Baking Soda: Pool care stores sell alkalinity increases to maintain the pH levels of the pool water. Baking soda is essentially the same thing and performs the same basic function. Using baking soda is a natural, safe and more affordable than specialty items. Just be sure to check guidelines as to how much to use for your pool size.
- Tennis Balls: Most people focus on dirt, leaves, and debris when it comes to keeping the pool clean. Sunscreen and lotions also wash off when you are in the pool, making the water dirty, but many forget about this. To collect smaller particles and oils, use tennis balls. The material of tennis balls attracts all these contaminants and skin chemicals, leaving your water clear. Leave a few balls in at all times or throw in a handful after each swim.
- Clean Tile Lines: Dirt and debris likes to collect along tile lines and can start to build up. Once there, the buildup is free to pollute the water anytime it likes. Cleaning the tile lines once a week prevents any built-up dirt from getting washed back into your pool. This regular cleaning also prevents calcium from building up. Be sure to regularly wash down nearby pathways too, to remove excess dirt from getting near the tile lines and your pool.
- Keep Pets Out: We understand that many of you love to share the pool with your pets, especially water-loving dogs. This is actually not a good idea for your dog or the pool. Chlorine is an irritant for most pets and you will end up tripling your maintenance time when you have to clear the filter of dog hair. Letting the family pet share pool time is okay every now and then, just be sure to keep chlorine levels below 3.0 PPM and be prepared to clean out some hairy filters after.
- Track Water Loss: The temperature during warmer months will contribute to water loss through evaporation, which is normal. Losing more than a quarter of an inch daily could indicate a leak. Use the bucket test to be sure. Place a water-filled bucket in your pool, on a step and mark the level of the water on the outside of the bucket. Check the level the next day to see how bad the water loss is. If any significant loss is noticed, call a professional to help identify and repair the leak.
Conclusion
Keeping your pool clean and safe will not only make it more enjoyable for you and your family, but it will ensure your pool lasts a long time. Maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore nor expensive, and these tips can help you to save money and take the best care possible of your pool. Caring for your pool will protect your investment and save you in serious damages that can occur with neglected pools. Contact us today if you have any questions about pool maintenance or cleaning and we will help you take care of your investment.
