Keeping Your Pool Clean: What You Need and Should Know
With a somewhat large body of water at your backyard, or even maintaining your own pool for a resort, the proper care of your pool will not only help in keeping it aesthetically pleasing, but will also keep the pool safe for use. Although getting your pool clean professionally may seem to be an appealing option, being able to clean your own pool makes a cost-effective means of maintaining it.
It may take a bit of work in pool cleaning, and monitoring the chemical levels present, but it is worth it to keep it clean and ready for use. Below are steps and ways to keep your pool clean:
- Skim and brush the water’s surface – With a telescopic pole, and a leaf skimmer attached, skimming to remove leaves, bugs, and other debris off the surface which can lessen the potential of further contamination of the pool. Regular maintenance of the leaf skimmer should also be practiced in order to avoid the skimmer contaminating the water itself.
- Brush the sides and other surfaces of the pool – most pools would use a rough surface at the edges and corners in order to provide a surface which can grip to wet skin to avoid slipping. Algae and other dirt can be caught in the crevices and may cause slipping. Having a brush and proper detergent or soap can brush away algae, grime, and other dirt off these surfaces.
- Vacuum the pool floor – with a properly setup pool vacuum, make regular passes of the pool floor as some dirt and debris may sink into the bottom of the pool which could pose a hazard as some debris can be sharp. Do this at least once a week to ensure no debris are left behind in which people can step on.
- Regularly check the pool’s filter – Check the filter for any unwanted debris in which the initial skimming, brushing, and vacuuming may have missed as this may contaminate the pool even before the pool is refilled.
- Check the pool’s chemical and pH level – With a Ph tester, regularly check the water’s pH level in order to check if the water is safe for human skin and use. Typical safe levels range from 7.2 to 7.6. Use a pH increaser or reducer accordingly.
- Properly use sanitizing chlorine and pool shock – sanitizing chlorine dissolves and kills most bacteria present in the pool. Sanitizing chlorine can also be used with your cleaning utensils to avoid them contaminating your pool. Pool shock further targets specific bacteria common in most pools such as urine, hair, and sweat. If the pool is frequently used pool shock would provide even further sanitation in conjunction with sanitizing chlorine.
As swimming pools provide plenty fun and recreational activities, and also make a great compliment to many special occasions from parties to family gatherings, it is important to practice proper sanitation and maintenance for your pool in order it to allow stress-free, safe, and a sanitary place.
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