Now that summer is almost here, it’s time to get your pool ready for the season. Pool maintenance can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be!
With just a little bit of knowledge and some elbow grease, you’ll soon be enjoying those sunny days in clean and clear waters.
Cleaning Your Pool
First things first: You should clean your pool. If you have an above-ground pool, you can use a skimmer net or vacuum to remove debris from the surface of the water. With in-ground pools, you may need professional equipment such as a robotic cleaner or pressure side cleaner to reach all areas of the pool. Whichever method you choose, remember to empty out the filter baskets when they become full and backwash regularly – this will ensure that your pool is free from contaminants and bacteria.
Here are some simple steps for cleaning your pool:
1. Clear out debris: Start by removing leaves, dirt and other debris that has settled on the surface or bottom of your pool. Use a skimmer or leaf vacuum to thoroughly remove all visible debris before starting any cleaning process.
2. Take care of algae: Algae can quickly take over a pool, so it’s important to address this issue as soon as possible. You will need an algaecide product to eliminate the bacteria causing the problem in your pool. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product for proper usage.
3. Scrub the walls and floor: Now that the water is clear, you can start scrubbing your pool walls and floor to remove any remaining dirt or buildup. Use a brush designed for swimming pools and an appropriate cleaning solution to get rid of tough stains or deposits from calcium or minerals.
4. Vacuum the pool: Once all other cleaning measures have been addressed, it’s time to vacuum your pool! Use either an automatic pool cleaner or a manual version to remove any remaining debris from the bottom of your pool. If using a manual vacuum, make sure to move slowly around the perimeter of the pool, taking care not to miss any spots.
Check the pH levels in your pool water
The next thing is to check the pH levels in your pool water.
First off, let’s explain why it’s so important to keep an eye on the pH balance of your pool water. If the pH levels are too low or too high, not only will your pool look cloudy and unappealing – but chlorine won’t be able to do its job efficiently either! A low pH level means that your pool water is too acidic, and this can cause skin irritation. A high pH level means the water is too alkaline, which can be bad for your equipment as it causes scaling and corrosion of pipes and other surfaces. Keeping the pH levels balanced helps to ensure your pool remains healthy and safe to swim in!
Now we’ll move on to how you can test your pool water at home. The simplest way to do this is by using a dip strip or a liquid reagent test kit, both of which can be purchased from most hardware stores. Dip strips are more affordable than the more accurate liquid reagent test kits – however, they don’t always give an accurate result and need replacing regularly.
Using a dip strip is really simple – just put the strip into your pool water for a few seconds and then compare it to the colour chart on the packaging. For more accurate results, you could go with a liquid reagent test kit instead. This involves adding a few drops of reagent solution to your pool water sample and then comparing it with the colours on the included chart.
The ideal range should be between 7.2-7.8 on the pH scale – if it’s too low (acidic) or high (alkaline), you may need to add a chemical such as soda ash or muriatic acid to balance the water.
Regular Inspection & Maintenance of Equipment
Regular maintenance and inspection of your pool equipment is essential for ensuring a safe swimming environment. This can help identify potential hazards like loose screws or hardware that may be corroding, as well as reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs down the line.
Pool ladders are an important piece of equipment for any swimming pool. Make sure to inspect them regularly for signs of rust, corrosion, missing parts, or other damage that could cause someone to slip off the ladder. Be sure to tighten bolts and screws periodically if they become loose over time, and replace any broken steps that may have worn out from use.
Pool pumps should also be inspected on a regular basis for signs of wear or tear. Look for cracks in hoses or pipes, as well as any rattling or other strange noises coming from the pump. If you notice the water flow is not as strong as it used to be, this can also indicate there may be a problem with your pool pump.
Pool filters are another piece of equipment that need regular checks for proper function. Make sure to clean out any debris or dirt buildup in the filter system, and replace old filters if needed. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing parts so they can be properly installed and operated safely in your pool system.
Checking Your Pool Liner
Maintaining your pool liner is an important part of keeping your pool clean and safe to use. It’s not just about suctioning dirt and debris out of the water – it’s also about preventing premature damage, such as cracking or fading. In order for your pool liner to last for years to come, there are some basic maintenance steps you need to follow.
- First, make sure you keep up with regular cleaning. Once a week, you should skim the surface of the water for leaves and other debris that can accumulate in the water. If there are any spots on the liner that look discoloured or dirty, scrub them lightly with a soft brush and then rinse off with fresh water from a garden hose.
- Secondly, be mindful of what chemicals you use to treat your pool water. Using too many chemical products can cause your liner to fade or become discoloured over time. Be sure to regularly check levels of chlorine and pH and adjust accordingly. Also, avoid using any abrasive cleaning products on the liner as they may cause scratches that will weaken it over time.
- Finally, make sure you periodically inspect your pool liner for any signs of wear or damage such as cracks or fading. If left unchecked, these issues can quickly worsen and lead to costly replacements down the road. Have a professional inspect the liner every few years to catch potential problems early on.
Maintaining Your Pool Water
Maintaining your pool’s water sanitisation is essential for a healthy, safe and enjoyable swimming experience. To achieve this, it is important to check the chemical balance of your pool regularly, as well as using various chemicals such as chlorine to ensure your water remains clean and free from bacteria or algae.
Chlorine is the most common chemical used in pools as it helps to eliminate bacteria, microbes and other contaminants from the water. When using chlorine you must follow recommended dosage instructions carefully, as too much can cause skin irritation in swimmers or a nasty odour in the air around your pool. It’s important to remember that after adding chlorine, it can take up to 24 hours for it to become fully active within your pool water so you should always wait this amount of time before entering the pool.
When checking your pool’s sanitisation levels you should also perform regular maintenance such as skimming debris off the surface, brushing the walls and vacuuming the bottom of the pool. These activities will help to keep your water clean and reduce the amount of chlorine that has to be added when balancing the pH levels or preventing algae growth.
Contact Us for Swimming Pools and Pool Accessories
Contact AG Budget today to speak to one of our Pool Maintenance specialists with any questions you may have. Call us on 0208 941 6618 or contact us.
