Good pool maintenance will keep your pool and spa tub clean and healthy. There are some simple mistakes you can easily avoid to make your maintenance job even easier. Errors involving pool chemicals and cleaning practices top the list of maintenance mistakes pool owners should avoid.
Shocking the pool is essential in maintaining a clean and hygienic swimming pool. Adding a significant amount of chlorine to the water effectively kills off algae and removes organic contaminants that can make your pool cloudy and unpleasant. This process helps to maintain the water's balance and ensure it remains clear and safe for swimming.
Many pool owners add chlorine and other chemicals to shock the pool early in the day. The chloramine that allows chlorine to attach itself to harmful bacteria works better at night when the sun can't absorb it. When added early, the chlorine will evaporate even with stabilizing additives.
Shock the pool with chlorine and other chemicals after dark for the best results when no one is using the pool. The compounds will be absorbed into the water when the air is cooler. The pool will be fresh and clean in the morning.
Dilute the shock treatment chlorine and other chemicals in water. Slowly add this solution to the pool water in the early evening. Keep the pump on for a while to let the chemicals circulate through the system. Cover the pool or spa tub if possible to limit evaporation.
Additionally, take note not to shock the pool at the skimmer assembly. This can result in a gas explosion when the shocking chemicals meet the chemicals from the regular chlorinator attached to the skimmer.
Many forget to check the pH balance if the pool or spa tub looks clean. Check the pH balance of the pool or hot tub water twice a week for proper pool maintenance when you use the pool and spa frequently. Test the water once a week if not used much. You can let the test go for two weeks or so in the winter because there is less sun and use. A covered pool will not need the chemicals added very often, either.
Maintain a 7.5 acid-alkaline balance for clean water. Check the total dissolved calcium solids in the water every month. The solids must dissolve to maintain a balanced alkalinity level and avoid corrosion to tiles and metal surfaces. Calcification is a corrosive plaque that is difficult to remove.
Check chlorine generators if you have a saltwater pool. Many pool owners forget to do this since the pool requires fewer chemicals than freshwater pools. The cells and cylinders must be clean with no calcification to work efficiently.
Your pool filter clears contaminants such as debris from your pool. However, your filter can only do so much to clean your pool. You can push debris toward the pool's main drain or skimmer to make debris removal easier. If larger leaves, twigs, or debris are on the pool floor, you can use a pool skimmer net to scoop them up. Simply glide the net along the bottom of the pool to collect the debris.
Keeping your pool clean is important. Debris can cause damage and make the pool dirty. Use a rake or net regularly to keep the pool free from debris like leaves, twigs, and branches. Buy a lightweight, strong scoop with a wide net and extendable pole for easy access. Cleaning improves the pool's appearance and keeps the filtration system from getting clogged.
Utilizing a pool vacuum is helpful for keeping your pool clean from debris that has sunk to the bottom. Regular weekly maintenance using a vacuum ensures that your pool remains crystal clear and inviting for all swimmers.
Pool owners can also make the mistake of forgetting to brush the pool's sides daily. Modern automatic pool vacuum systems clean the bottom and sides, so you do not need to vacuum daily. The vacuum does not always pick up bacteria and algae growth from the pool's sides.
After using the pool brush, skim off floating debris before it reaches the skimmer assembly. This is especially necessary in windy weather. Remove hair and leaves from the skimmer basket assembly.
Pool owners often feel they can save energy by not running the pool pump every day when the pool is not in use. The pump should run at least eight hours daily to circulate water through the filter system.
You do not need to backwash the sand or DE filters frequently. This will avoid wasting water and keep the water bill lower.
Pool covers are aesthetically pleasing and serve multiple functions crucial for the maintenance and upkeep of your pool. One of the most significant issues pool owners face is the introduction of debris into the water. With a pool cover in place when the pool is not in use, you can significantly reduce this problem. Covers keep out leaves, dirt, twigs, and other debris, minimizing the need for frequent cleaning and reducing potential damage to filters and pumps.
Apart from keeping debris out, pool covers also play a significant role in retaining heat in the water. If you have a heat pump installed for your pool, you won't need to use it as frequently. The cover acts as a barrier preventing heat loss due to evaporation, keeping your pool warm and comfortable for extended periods. Not only does this result in lower heating costs, but it also contributes to extending the lifespan of your pool. By reducing evaporation, it also reduces chemical usage, saving you money on costly chemicals required to maintain proper water balance.
The best way to maintain a healthy pool is by keeping the area around the water clear of contaminants. Regular maintenance includes sweeping and hosing down the pool deck.
The final top pool maintenance mistake to avoid is forgetting to check fittings or the sides of the pool for cracks until the water level drops. Tightening a loose ladder connection and checking for surface cracks are quick tasks to add to your regular pool maintenance routine.
If you find a leak or any other broken pool part while maintaining your swimming pool in Brevard County and throughout Central and South Florida, contact Aquaman Leak Detection. With over 20 years of experience, we're pool leak detection experts. We will quickly find and repair the leak so you can enjoy your pool.
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