As the warmer weather begins to approach, you need to start thinking about getting your swimming pool ready for regular use again. From keeping your pool clean to making sure it is maintained, and that repairs are completed quickly – there are plenty of swimming pool tips and tricks to think about when it comes to pool ownership.
As a pool owner, you will want to avoid algae growth, cloudy pool water, and unstable results on the PH scale there are steps you will need to take to ensure that your pool stays clean and pristine with great water quality all summer long. So, whether you have an above-ground or an in-ground swimming pool, check our list of 25 Pool Maintenance Tips and Pool Care Hints below which should have your pool looking great and ready for use whenever you fancy a dip.
1. Give Your Swimming Pool a Deep Clean
The first step in your pool maintenance for the season is to make sure that you give your pool a thorough deep clean. This will remove all the debris, dirt, and grime which has managed to build up throughout the colder months. Use a heavy-duty scrub brush and anti-bacterial cleaners to remove the dirt.
2. Invest in a Pool Vacuum
Pool Vacuums may also prove useful when removing damp leaves and associated dirt at this stage. A pool vacuum will work to suck up all the dirt, pebbles, or grime that has attached itself to your pool floor or walls during the winter. You may also consider investing in a robotic pool cleaner that will do the same job but without needing you to guide it around the surfaces.
3. Do a Thorough Check of Your Pool
Before you get started with anything else do a thorough inspection of your pool. Check for any cracks or damage in tiles, that the pump and filters are working correctly and whether anything needs repairing before you refill the pool.
4. Check Your Water Levels
When filling your pool, you will need to make sure that the level of the water is high enough for your water pump. If you don’t fill the pool with enough water, it can damage your poll pump and you will face disruptive and costly repairs before you can use your pool.
You should aim for the water level of your pool to hit about the midpoint of your pool skimmer to ensure maximum water pump and drainage efficiency.
5. Check the PH Levels of Your Swimming Pool Water
Use pool water testing kits to check that the PH levels in your pool are balanced. If the PH level is too high this could lead to skin rashes for simmers and if it is too low, you may find that your eyes begin to sting. A safe PH level for swimming pools is between 7 and 7.6.
You can head to your local hardware store to buy a pool water testing kit to assess the PH levels of your water. Common causes of imbalance in the PH levels of the water include rainwater, the number of swimmers, and other pool chemicals.
6. Inspect your Current Pool Cover and Consider Investing in a New One.
You will need to do a thorough inspection of your pool cover before the summer season begins. A cover is going to be an essential tool for you to keep your water clean and safe throughout the season. It will also help with retaining water heat and cut down on your overall pool heating systems bill. So, if you spot tears, wear, and damage you will need to replace it with a new cover that will offer protection from all weather conditions throughout the season.
7. Ensure that Your Swimming Pool Cover is Secure
Once you have your new cover in place, it is essential to make sure that it does not get blown by the wind so that areas of the pool are exposed or that a strong gust hasn’t moved the cover away from the pool completely! You can use water bags or sandbags to secure the cover of an in-ground pool. You can also use clips to attach to a pool railing to keep the cover in place, doing this will also help to increase the lifespan of the cover overall.
8. Check and Maintain Your Pool Filter System
At the start of the pool season, you will need to do in-depth checks of your pool filtration system to make sure that it is all set to keep your water clean over the next few months. Whether you have a cartridge, diatomaceous earth, or sand filter, you need to clean and rinse the pool equipment and check for any cracks or damage. Use the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to safely dismantle the filter cover and clean the filter correctly.
You will also need to regularly clean and maintain the filter throughout the season as the dirt it collects begins to build up.
9. Save Money on Heating with A Solar Pool Cover
If you need to buy a new cover or are simply looking for a more energy-efficient way to heat your pool this summer, then investing in a solar pool cover is a great idea. A solar cover pool serves all the usual functions of ensuring you do not struggle with dirty, murky water. And will also serve double duty by helping to keep your water warm, meaning you might be able to enjoy a few more weeks of swimming at the end of the season before the water gets too cold.
10. Buy Pool Cleaning Tools and a Leaf Basket
No matter how good your pool cover is, you will still have to deal with the leaves, dirt, and particles that enter your pool while you are using it. Making sure to keep up regular maintenance and clean your pool means that the job won’t ever get too big, and your pool remains in good shape all summer. A pool cleaning net will help you to ride the water of floating dirt while a leaf basket skimmer will use suction to remove debris that has settled on the floor.
11. Keep Track of Water Chlorine Levels
Keeping the correct level of chlorine chemicals in your water will help you to disinfect the water and break down dirt particles. The amount of chlorine you need will depend upon several factors including how effective your filter and pump are, the amount of water in your pool, the temperature of the water, and how many people are using your pool.
The more effective your filtration system is, the less chlorine will be needed. You can use chlorine tablets to add the chemical to your water. A pool stabilizer or cyanuric acid can also help. Remember to follow manufacturer guidelines and calculate the correct amount you need for the water chemistry conditions in your pool.
12. Remove Water from Your Pool Cover
Make sure that your pool cover continues to serve its purpose by investing in a cover pump to remove the water which has accumulated during severe weather. This will ensure that the cover does not collapse under the weight of the water and either tear or fall into the pool. It will also help to ensure to battle mould and algae build up and increase the life span of the cover overall.
13. Make Sure to Use Air Pillows Beneath Your Pool Cover
A pool air pillow under the cover will stop water from accumulating on the cover and potentially damaging it. An air pillow is an air-filled cushion that will float in the middle of the pool keeping parts of the cover raised so that water and ice do not accumulate and damage the cover or the pool edges during adverse weather conditions.
When it rains, water, leaves, and dirt will not be able to pool together across the cover and will instead be directed to the sides of the pool where it will be easier to remove.
14. Check Your Pool’s Filter Throughout the Season.
Your pool’s filter is going to be an essential component in keeping a clean pool throughout the summer. The filter works to capture and contain dirt and particles which are floating in the pool water, if these build up you will need to clean the filter to make sure it can still do the job.
You will need to do regular checks of your pool pump and filter and rinse it out regularly, you will also need to deep clean the filter or change your filter cartridges once or twice a year. Ensuring that your pool filter does not become clogged up will make sure it continues to function properly and that you can swim in crystal clear waters all summer long!
15. Do A Daily Check of Your Water Quality
When you remove the pool cover do a quick preliminary check of the water before anyone jumps in. Things to look for in your daily pool care checks include:
· Is the water still clear?
· Has the colour of the water changed?
· Does it suddenly seem more cloudy?
· Check if the water temperature feels right.
· Can you still clearly see the bottom and pool walls? Is there a lot of dirt to remove?
If you notice any changes you may need to look at the filter and heating system to see if any repairs or adjustments need to be made before anybody starts swimming.
16. Regularly Check and Maintain the PH Scale of the Water
It isn’t enough to just do a PH check at the start of the pool season, you will need to continue to do checks throughout the season as the water chemistry may change as weather, temperature, and rainwater exposure vary throughout the season.
If the levels are too high or low on the PH Scale, you will need to add either alkali or acidic chemicals to the water to rectify the imbalance. Make sure to follow the manufacturer guidelines and do not risk putting in more than recommended amounts for the amount of water you have in your pool. If you feel uncertain about doing this, you can always hire a pool professional to manage this for you.
17. Clean and Sweep the Pool Deck Often
Make sure to clean and sweep your pool deck regularly to ensure that dirt and dust don’t end up being blown in the pool water or carried on swimmers’ feet into the pool. Making sure that you keep the surrounding area of the pool clean and tidy will help to lessen the amount of particles your filter system must deal with.
18. Shock Your Pool Every Week
You need to ensure that your pool is safe and clean for swimming throughout the summer and the only way to do this is to make sure to “shock” your pool each week. This process will kill any harmful bacteria, algae, and chloramines lurking in the water chemistry.
Shocking the water means assessing your chlorine levels and adding either chlorine or non-chlorine elements so that you reach a “free chlorine” level that is safe and healthy.
19. Regularly Skimm Your Pool
Use a pool skimmer every day to ensure that the water remains clean. You can also use a pool net to remove bugs, leaves, and other dirt which is floating around in the water. taking the time each day to do this will not only improve your swimming experience but will help to keep your water clean and safe to swim in.
Don’t forget to regularly vacuum the pool bottom as well, to remove heavier clumps of dirt and debris which have fallen to the floor.
20. Brush Your Pool Once a Week
Along with daily general cleans with your skimmer, you should also use a scrub brush to get rid of the grime and algae that have attached themselves to the side and floor. This will make sure that no mould or algae builds up which can contribute to damage and cracks on the pool surface areas.
21. Remember to Regularly Clean Your Equipment
To ensure you can continue to effectively clean your pool throughout the season, make sure to regularly clean your cleaning equipment! The leaf skimmer basket will need emptying once a week and you will need to rinse out your nets as well. While you are cleaning the equipment make sure to check for cracks and tears which may affect its functioning.
22. Keep Track of the Weather Throughout the Seasons
If you keep an eye on the weather that is coming up through the week, you will be in a better position to take precautions if storms or heavy rain are expected.
You will need to cover the pool if high winds are expected to protect them from all the dirt, dust, and leaves that may blow in. And if heavy rain is expected you need to cover the pool to protect the water chemistry and add a cover pillow to ensure heavy water doesn’t accumulate on the cover surface.
23 Check the Calcium Hardness in your Pool Water
Calcium levels cannot be overlooked if you want to protect your swimming pool. If there is a low level of calcium in your water, then this can lead to the deterioration of your pool surfaces. If the level of calcium is too high, then you may start to notice scum or scaling beginning to gather on your pool surfaces or cleaning equipment.
If you have a high calcium level in your pool you may need to drain or partially drain your water to remove hard water and replace it with some fresh water. To remove the scum or scales that have accumulated you can use a pumice stone.
24 Don’t Be Reluctant to Hire a Professional Maintenance Service
As you can see above, there are lots of different elements to consider and keep a check on throughout the summer if you want to make sure that your pool is safe and clean for swimming.
If you don’t have the time or feel uncertain about adding chemicals to the water, you can always hire a regular pool maintenance service to come in and keep your pool water levels and chemistry correct.
Hiring a pool professional will take the weight off your shoulders so you can just concentrate on enjoying the water!
25. Remove Algae from The Pool Surface and Diagnose the Problem
If you spot algae growing in your pool during your daily check you can use a scrub brush and a garden hose to remove it from the water, don’t leave it for your filter to deal with. If left unchecked, you can find that your entire pool has turned green within a matter of hours!
Once you have removed the algae you will need to look at the water conditions which have allowed the organisms to grow. Make sure that you have checked and adjusted the PH, Total Alkalinity (TA), and Calcium levels in the water before anyone is allowed back in the pool.
26. Make Sure You Are Aware of Safe Chemical Levels
To ensure that you are safe when you swim, you need to ensure that you are aware of the safe and correct amounts of each chemical used in your pool. Make sure that you carefully read and follow all the directions from the manufacturers and do regular checks to make sure you have the right chemical balance in the water.
27. Don’t Scrimp when it comes to your Cover and Equipment.
When it comes to buying your pool cover and cleaning equipment it can be tempting to go for the cheapest possible options, but pool owners often find this to be a false economy. You do not want to waste more time and money on purchasing replacement equipment halfway through the season when cheaper products have already begun to tear or break apart.
28. Check Your Chlorine Levels If There is a Strong Chlorine Smell
A strong smell of chlorine isn’t just unpleasant, it can also lead to stinging sensations in the eyes and nose. If there is a strong smell of chlorine you will need to check the chlorine water level before you let anyone in to swim. The cause of a strong smell will usually be too little chlorine in the water rather than too much which allows chloramine compounds to be created in the water.
29 Don’t Forget to Start Preparing for the Cold with a Winter Pool Cover
As the summer starts to draw to a close, start to formulate your winter plans for your pool. Ensure that you have a pool cover that is suitable to protect your pool from heavy wind, rain, and ice. A good winter pool cover will be made of strong, robust materials and a tightly woven, watertight surface. A water pillow will also ensure that the cover itself is also protected from the build-up of ice and water during the winter.
Keeping your pool clean, safe, and protected each winter will make your summer pool maintenance and preparations for the next year are that much smoother and easier!
Are Proper Maintenance Practices Essential for Pool Safety?
Proper maintenance practices are crucial for swimming pool safety. Following swimming pool safety advice, such as regular cleaning, maintaining proper chlorine levels, and inspecting equipment, can prevent accidents, waterborne illnesses, and unnecessary risks. By prioritizing maintenance, pool owners ensure a safe environment for swimmers, minimizing injury and promoting enjoyment.
30 Set Yourself a Schedule
If you are beginning to feel overwhelmed with the number of pool maintenance tasks you need to keep track of, don’t worry – maintaining your pool is not actually as difficult as it sounds!
Read through our pool maintenance tips list first of all. Then write down a list of all your tasks such as cleaning the filter, making sure you have as much water as you need in the pool, and checking chemical levels and equipment. Then note down how often you should do them, you’ll find that working tasks into your schedule isn’t difficult at all.
Don’t forget that family members can also contribute to the regular cleaning and maintenance of the pool as well! keeping track of chemical levels will help to ensure the water is in tip top shape and everyone can enjoy the pool safely throughout the entire summer season.
Swimming Tips And Tricks
Looking for swimming tips and tricks? Look no further! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, these tips will help you improve your technique. Focus on proper breathing, body alignment, and efficient strokes to become a better swimmer in no time. Practice regularly and seek professional guidance to enhance your skills.
Maintaining your swimming pool is essential to keeping it in good shape. Algae development and pH imbalances can be prevented with regular pool cleaning and chemistry monitoring. Here are some pointers for maintaining swimming pools efficiently: Regularly check pH levels, clean filters, and administer algaecides as necessary. You can guarantee a clean and secure swimming pool for you and your family by following these easy measures.
How To Clean Swimming Pool
To clean a swimming pool, start by removing any debris using a net or skimmer. Scrub the walls and floor with a pool brush, making sure to reach all corners. Test and balance the water’s pH levels, and add appropriate chemicals. Finally, run the pool’s filter system regularly and clean the pool pump to ensure proper circulation.
Pool Water Maintenance
Pool water maintenance is essential for keeping the water clean and safe for swimming. Regularly testing and balancing the pool’s pH levels, chlorine levels, and alkalinity is crucial. Skimming the surface, vacuuming the pool, and regularly cleaning the filters also help ensure proper pool water maintenance.
