Successful pool maintenance

Every pool is different, and so are the maintenance needs. But they all share a common trait: They all require regular, routine care. It is the key to a longer pool life. Even if you trust a pool service company to take care of your pool maintenance, you still need to perform some tasks on your own to ensure your pool stays in good condition for years to come.

Steps for stress-free pool maintenance

Step 1 – Remove Debris

When it comes to pool service you have to be on the lookout for leaves, branches and insects. Clean your pool surface by hand every other day to ensure quick and easy cleaning. After all, the floating debris will eventually sink to the bottom, which will increase the difficulty of its removal. Use a long-handled skimmer to pick up those unwanted items. Clean strainer baskets at least once a week to improve circulation and reduce chlorine requirements. Simply remove and shake the plastic basket. Use a hose to dislodge any stubborn debris

Step 2 – Brush the Walls and Tiles, Then Vacuum

Any pool maintenance company will tell you that a weekly brushing of the walls and tiles will do wonders. This helps minimize algae buildup and calcium deposits so they don’t become a bigger problem in the future. The cleaning tools you use will depend on the type of material in your pool wall. Use a stiff brush for plaster-lined concrete pools and a softer brush for fiberglass or vinyl. For tile, use a soft tile brush as well to prevent damage to the grout. Using a putty knife, pumice stone, or a 50/50 mix of water and muriatic acid are great options.

Successful pool maintenance also includes vacuuming at least once a week to keep the water clean and reduce the amount of chemicals needed. If you have a handheld vacuum, use the same technique you would use to vacuum a carpet. Move it back and forth, slightly overlapping each stroke. Be sure to check the filter every time you vacuum and clean it if necessary.

Step 3: Clean the pool filter

Whether you have a cartridge filter, sand or diatomaceous earth, regular cleaning is required. For maintenance of pools in areas surrounded by trees, the pool filter should be cleaned frequently, but more often than recommended by a professional pool service company can end up hindering the filtration. Believe it or not, a clean filter is actually less efficient than one that has a small amount of dirt on it, which helps trap and remove debris from the water. If you notice an increase in flow between the pressure gauge and the flow meter, it’s time to clean the filter.

Step 4 – Hire a Pool Service Company for the Heater

Occasionally, calcium scale ends up building up inside a pool heater’s tubes, restricting flow and preventing the water from heating properly. If this happens to your pool, hire a professional pool maintenance company. It may be necessary to disassemble your unit to clean the tubes with acid or a wire brush.

Step 5: Maintain the level and pH of the water

When you do your skimming throughout the week, check the water level. Don’t let it fall below the level of the skimmer, which can be a sign that the pump could be damaged. Low water? Use a garden hose to get it back up.

Also, test your pool water regularly to make sure it’s clean and healthy. Check the pH level of your pool with a test kit. A reading between 7.2 and 7.8 is ideal on the pH scale.

Step 6: Superchlorinate the water

Did you know that organic contaminants can build up in your pool over time? Ammonia or nitrogen can interact with the chlorine in your pool to form chloramines, which give off that powerful chlorine smell. To get rid of that harsh, over-chlorinated, or shock smell, bring your pool water back to normal chlorine levels during regular pool maintenance.

Step 7: Winterize the Pool

If you live in an area that experiences temperatures that drop below freezing, you’ll need to prepare for winter. Use an air compressor to blow the water out of your pool pipes. Drain as much water as possible from the heater and filter. Disconnect heater, pump, and chemical feeders (store and clean feeders). Finally, clean the pool as you would during your pool maintenance. Then cover the pool to prevent debris from entering.

Every pool service company will tell you that following these simple pool maintenance steps will have you navigating smoothly when you open your pool for the next swim system. A little regular effort leads to a lot of fun!