Keep Your Pool Crystal Clear with Daily Maintenance
Owning a pool comes with great responsibility. It’s not just about having a place to relax and unwind, but keeping it clean is essential for a healthy swimming experience. Proper routine maintenance is key to keeping your pool crystal clear year-round while ensuring it’s free of harmful pathogens. But, with all the responsibilities that come with owning a pool, daily maintenance may sound daunting. In this article, we will share tips on how to keep your pool crystal clear with daily maintenance, without breaking a sweat!
Why Daily Maintenance Matters
Many pool owners overlook daily maintenance, thinking that weekly treatment is enough. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Daily maintenance is essential in keeping your pool clean and safe. It’s much easier to prevent a problem than solve one that has already occurred. Regular checkup on the pool’s pH level, water chemistry, filter, and circulation, is crucial in preventing problems such as algae growth, discoloration, and costly repairs.
Daily Maintenance Checklist
- Skim and Brush
It’s essential to skim the pool’s surface regularly to remove debris such as leaves, dirt, and insects. This not only makes it visually appealing but also avoids clogged filters and pumps. The more debris left in the pool, the more it will contribute to chemical imbalances, potentially causing green and cloudy water.
It’s also essential to brush the pool walls, floors, and steps. Brushing helps prevent the buildup of algae, dirt, and scum. Ensure to use the right brush for the pool surface, whether concrete, plaster, or tiles. Brushing also ensures that any debris floating on the pool’s surface is released for easy removal by the skimmer.
- Check and maintain pH
The ideal pH range for a pool is between 7.4 and 7.6. pH determines the acidity or alkalinity of the pool water. A pH below 7.4 makes the water acidic, causing skin and eye irritation. On the other hand, a pH above 7.6 makes the water too alkaline and contributes to scale buildup. Check pH levels daily using a test strip or test kit. Various chemicals such as sodium carbonate and muriatic acid can be used to adjust pH levels accordingly. It’s important to maintain proper pH levels consistently.
- Monitor Chlorine Levels
Chlorine is essential in killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in the pool. Poor chlorine levels can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, causing skin infections. Low chlorine levels contribute to algae growth, cloudy water, and a green tint in the pool. The recommended chlorine levels range between 1-3 ppm (parts per million).
It’s important to test chlorine levels daily using a test strip or a digital meter to avoid under or over-chlorination. If the chlorine level is low, add more to the pool immediately. Ensure to wait for 30 minutes after adding chlorine before entering the pool to avoid skin irritation.
- Clean the Pool Filter
The pool filter plays a crucial role in filtering out debris and pathogens from the water. Regular cleaning ensures that the filter remains efficient, saving energy and avoiding costly repairs. It’s advisable to clean the pool filter once a week, but daily maintenance is necessary, especially for areas with high debris, such as near trees. Check the filter daily and remove any debris clogging it. Cartridge filters need to be replaced every six to twelve months, while sand filters need to be changed every 3-5 years.
- Test for Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium in the water. Low levels of calcium cause pool water to become acidic, leading to corrosion of metal components such as ladders and heaters. High levels of calcium lead to the buildup of scale on the pool surface, filter, and pump. The ideal calcium hardness level ranges from 200-400 ppm.
Check calcium hardness levels weekly and adjust accordingly using precise chemicals for higher accuracy. A calcium hardness increaser is used to raise low calcium levels, while a sequestering agent is used to keep high calcium levels in check. Maintaining proper calcium hardness levels is crucial in avoiding costly repairs.
- Keep Water Level Steady
Maintain the water level steady to avoid air from entering the pool circulatory system, leading to clogged pumps and filters. The pool water level should be at least halfway up the skimmer opening. If the water level is low, add water from a garden hose or let rainwater fill it up. If the water level is too high, drain it to avoid water spillovers.
Conclusion
Daily pool maintenance is crucial in keeping your pool crystal clear while avoiding costly repairs. The above daily maintenance checklist is easy to follow and doesn’t require extensive knowledge on pool maintenance. Keep in mind that routine maintenance saves you time and money in the long run while providing a healthy and safe swimming experience. Additionally, ensure to follow your pool manufacturer’s manual for more tailored ideas. You no longer have to worry about how to keep your pool crystal clear with daily maintenance because the solution is straightforward and just a few steps away.