Pool ownership is a luxury but comes with a bit of pool care. The ability to walk out your back door and enter a tropical oasis is convenient and enjoyable.
But the entire process isn’t all fun and games. There’s a science behind balancing your pool chemicals and keeping it clean. Not only does this make for a picturesque appearance, but it keeps swimmers safe and healthy.
Pool Care
Here you’ll discover a few pool care tips for beginners that will guarantee you enjoy your pool for years to come!
Grab your skimmer and let’s get started.
Skimming, Scrubbing, Vacuuming, Oh My!
That’s right – just like the inside of your home needs a thorough cleaning about once a week, so does your pool. Debris from nearby trees and the air will collect on the surface of the water. You need to skim these particles off each day.
For the debris that falls to the bottom of the pool, a pool vacuum is your new best friend. You can opt for the less expensive but more labor-intensive manual pool vacuum or splurge on a robotic one that performs the job for you.
The sides of your pool need some TLC too. Using a long-handled scrub brush, remove any algae or growths from the walls of your pool weekly.
The Importance of the Filter
Your pool filter has a very important job. It’s responsible for removing all impurities from the pool including dirt, leaves, and even pool toys. The filter collects all of these undesirables and it’s your job to remove them, which is a simple process.
Remove the filter cap which is located on your pool deck. Lift out the basket and remove any debris. Do this once a week.
On a deeper level, once a month you should flush the pipes for your filtration system by backwashing. Avoid turning on and off your filter often. Instead, let it run for at least 6-8 hours per day for proper filtration.
No-Glass Zone
If you enjoy a nice cold drink by the pool, you’re not alone. But one important pool care tip is to avoid having any glass near the pool or on the pool deck.
Accidents happen. Any glass that breaks and falls into the pool can cause a host of trouble.
Not only is it dangerous but glass is almost indetectable at the bottom of a pool. Cleaning it will require you to drain and refill the entire pool. A process that is both time-consuming and costly.
The Science Behind the Chemicals
When most people think of at-home pool care they stress over balancing the chemicals. While this is one of the most important parts of pool maintenance, with a little know-how, you can easily monitor these chemical levels.
To keep things kosher, test your water at least once a week. You can purchase test strips that show safe levels of the following water elements:
- Chlorine
- Acidity/alkalinity
- Total alkalinity
- Cyanuric acid
- Calcium hardness
Properly balanced water is clear, has little to no smell, and leaves no residue on the skin.
If the water appears murky or cloudy or swimmers are experiencing irritated skin and eyes, you may have a chemical imbalance on your hands.
Pool Care Made Easy
Whether you currently have a pool or are considering building a custom pool, it’s important you understand proper pool care. Cleaning and checking water levels regularly ensures a pleasurable swimming experience.
If you need help choosing the right size and style pool, we’ve got you covered.
Contact one of our professionals today for more information and browse our galleries for a little inspiration!