Ah, summer. The season of open doors, soothing sunshine, and a breath of fresh air. Each summer creates memories of wonderful weather, fabulous friends and family, and exciting activities. Nothing screams the joys of sweet summertime like a rejuvenating dip in the pool. If you’re one of the lucky ones this season with a private swimming pool, you may have concerns about how to care for it. You must conduct proper care and maintenance for all the swimming sessions yet to come.
A pool may require more maintenance than you initially realize, but it’s worth it. You’ll achieve peace of mind knowing the pool is always safe and ready to use. Those lazy summer weekends, rejuvenating weeknights, and relaxing staycations are only a few steps away.
Establishing a maintenance routine or schedule is the key to staying cool this summer. You’ll need to learn several guidelines and best practices to follow. This knowledge will help you limit the amount of prep time and maximize your swim time. Ready to jump in? For good times and tan lines, read on. Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of swimming pool maintenance together.
Core Components of a Swimming Pool
Homeowners with a pool in their yard know all the joy of splashing around. No matter what type of pool you own, every mainstream swimming pool features four major components. Proper upkeep of these features ensures that everything runs efficiently and smoothly.
These are the key parts:
- The pool’s water
- The pool’s interior liner
- The pool’s filter system
- The pool’s skimmers and return systems
The specifics of your pool depend on the particular manufacturer or model.
In this guide, we’ll focus on above-ground pools for a splashing good time. Proper cleaning is the goal for pool safety, equipment performance and longevity, and user health and well-being. Basic care and maintenance involve filtering, brushing, skimming, water testing, and protecting the overall structure. Without further ado, read on for the ultimate dos and don’ts of swimming pool maintenance.
Do: Observe Water Levels and Condition
You should examine your pool’s overall condition on a regular basis for safety and efficiency reasons. Even if you only have time to glance over the pool, you can make note of any disturbances or issues. If you see debris, take it out ASAP. If you notice that the water levels are low, add water to bring them back up. Observation sits at the top of the to-do list for damage or hazard prevention. You should keep a close eye on water levels and the operation of pool components throughout the season.
Don’t: Jump Right In
We know that summer’s meant to be laidback, but you can’t be completely nonchalant about pool upkeep. While you don’t need a chemistry degree or mechanical skills, you do need to stay on top of maintenance. Don’t jump straight into the water. As mentioned above, you should observe the water prior to getting in. Be sure to test the chemical levels beforehand as well. A high acidity level can cause lots of damage to your pool’s gear and equipment.
Follow proper instructions when treating your water. An adequate pH and alkalinity balance will help prevent skin and eye irritation for pool users. Check your pool regularly and adjust levels if necessary before jumping in. This is a fundamental maintenance task worth the hassle.
Do: Brush and Clean the Pool
Brushing your pool is a simple act, one similar to vacuuming the interiors of your home. While brushing is a difficult upper-body workout, you’re doing critical work to reduce the accumulation of calcium and algae in the pool. This makes a world of difference in the water—you’ll notice a boosted appearance and a full-scale reduction in normal chemical requirements. Be sure to brush the water lines, stairs, and any corners and crevices.
Don’t: Solely Vacuum It Out
Vacuuming your pool is pivotal to assist the filtration system. Even the best filtration systems out there can’t remove all the debris in the water. In combination with both skimming and brushing, vacuuming helps prevent excessive algae growth and helps cleansing chemicals do their jobs. The healthiest, most pristine pools don’t substitute vacuuming for brushing. This cleaning duo is simply better together.
Do: Weekly or Monthly Shock Treatments
Pool specialists recommend “shocking” a pool about twice a month. Shocking is a dynamic approach to oxidizing pool contaminants. A shock treatment involves utilizing powdered chlorine to kill off lingering bacteria, algae, and other hazardous contaminants. Maintaining a schedule for concentrated shock treatments supports a pool owner’s push toward continual cleanliness.
You can use shock treatments if you’ve failed to maintain your pool’s water or chemicals didn’t properly treat the pool. Don’t forget the buildup of excess bacteria from increased pool use. Many products and chemicals from lotion, sunscreen, makeup, or hair spray can accumulate in the pool. These unnatural additives often cause algae buildup and chemical imbalances. Consider your pool’s current condition and how often people use it before deciding to shock your pool. Once added, the chlorine will do its wondrous work to clean up the water.
Don’t: Add Shock Directly to the Water
While you can shock your pool, you shouldn’t add the chemicals directly to the water. These chemicals can harm human skin as well as the pool’s inner liner. A bleached area of the liner can become brittle and lead to leaks. Instead, add the chemicals to a bucket of water first. Then, pour the mixture into the pool. And for opportune water safety and quality, shock your pool at night. The sun’s UV rays will dissolve the treatment too quickly during the day.
Do you have any lingering questions about pool maintenance? Here at Haven Spa Pool & Hearth, we’re experts in the above-ground pool industry with decades of experience. Located in Vancouver, WA, we carry swimming pools for sale to create the outdoor oasis of your dreams. Contact us for more information about our product care or specifications. We want our customers to enjoy their pools for years to come.
