Many homeowners dream of having a swimming pool in their backyard. Just imagine what you can do: Summer parties with your family and friends, early morning swimming workouts, and maybe even a new tan as you spend afternoons lounging by the water.
However, do you know that people rarely give much thought to the realities of building and maintaining a swimming pool? You will need power tools like a pipe cutter for upgrades and replacements. The water also has to be maintained regularly to keep dirt and debris from spoiling the water.
If you’re thinking of getting a swimming pool for your home, it’s essential to know how to perform basic pool maintenance. Here are a few tips to get you started.
1. Clean the surface
One of the most important things you should do is removing debris such as dead leaves off the pool water’s surface. Ideally, this should be done daily, mainly if the pool is used often. Debris removal helps keep the water crystal clear. Regular cleaning also eliminates the chances of a clogged pool pump. Otherwise, you might have to use a pipe cutter to replace clogged pipes.
Also, make it a point to scour the sides of the swimming pool every week. Scrubbing prevents algal and bacterial growth from overwhelming the filters. If you have the time, check the pool every three days for any signs of algae growth and organize a scrub down before it settles into the surface.
2. Mind the pool filter
The filter rids impurities such as debris from the pool water. Since the machine works continuously to clean the water, you have to check its status daily.
For starters, the basket has to be emptied at least every three days. The basket captures debris and quickly fills up, especially during the summer. Before cleaning the filter, don’t forget to turn off the power source first. Only remove the basket once the filter has completely shut down.
You also need to clean the pool’s pipes. It might sound complicated, but it’s easy to do. Just switch on the filter on, remove the basket, and let the machine do its work. You’ll know it’s working when you see the waste pipe eject dirty water. Turn the pump off once the pipe ejects clear runoff.
3. Maintain the water chemistry
Another crucial aspect of pool maintenance is keeping the pool water’s chemistry balanced and consistent. Chemical balancing ensures the water is clean and safe for swimming. Poorly balanced water will start to look dark and murky due to algae and bacteria.
These pointers will help you keep your pool clean and safe. Moisture and warm temperatures help promote bacterial and algal growth, so being proactive when it comes to maintenance ensures that your home remains a safe place for everyone.
In the end, you should always remember to get pool water tested twice a month or more if it’s used frequently. You can buy DIY testing kits from home improvement stores and pool specialists.
