If you’re lucky enough to own a home with a private pool, there’s nothing quite like it. It’s a perfect way to unwind and have a great time. But, to enjoy it, you have to make sure it is clean and inviting all summer long. To do this, it’s crucial to search for reliable “pool maintenance near me” services. This guide will walk you through seven essential steps to ensure your pool remains sparkling and spotless between professional maintenance.
1. Skim the Surface Daily
Skimming the surface of your pool daily is an essential step for maintaining clean water. Floating debris, including leaves, bugs, and other unwanted items, can quickly accumulate and pose a risk to your pool’s circulation system. Use a long-handled skimmer or net to remove any floating fragments before they have a chance to sink to the bottom of the pool or overflow into the skimmer baskets. Empty these baskets at least once a week or when they fill with leaves and other materials.
2. Vacuum the Pool Floor Weekly
Don’t forget about the pool floor! Silt, dirt, and small debris can gather at the bottom of the pool over time. A weekly vacuuming session using a manual or automatic pool cleaner will help keep things spotless. Be sure to clean out the vacuum filter bag after each use. If you are unable to vacuum the debris that has gathered in the pool, then you could consider hiring a pool cleaning franchise to complete the job as they already have the equipment and knowledge available to them in order to complete the job to a high standard, leaving you with a sanitary pool to enjoy!
3. Pool Ladder & Diving Board Maintenance
Don’t neglect the accessories surrounding your pool when cleaning. Inspect ladders, diving boards, and other fixtures for signs of wear, rust, or algae growth. Replace loose bolts and clean these areas regularly with a suitable pool.
4. Maintain Optimal Water Levels
Keep an eye on your pool’s water level – it should be just above the center of your skimmer’s opening for optimal performance. Low water levels affect the pump’s efficiency and may damage it, while high levels inundate your skimmer basket.
5. Test and Balance Pool Water Chemistry
Maintaining balanced water chemistry is critical for a healthy and sparkling pool. Test your pool’s pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels at least twice a week using dependable test kits or test strips. The ideal pH range for pools is between 7.2 and 7.8, while total alkalinity should fall between 80 and 120 ppm. If the readings are off, use appropriate chemicals to restore balance.
6. Shock the Pool Now and Then
Shocking your pool is adding a large amount of chlorine at once to eradicate contaminants such as algae, bacteria, or excess organic matter. This process keeps the water fresh and clear. Shocking should be reserved for those times when extra maintenance is needed – after heavy use, severe weather, or an algae outbreak.
7. Winterization
If you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing during winter months, preparing your pool for freeze protection is crucial; this includes draining some water out of the pool, adding winterizing chemicals, covering it with a secure safety cover, draining pumps and filters to avoid damage during cold weather.
Following these seven essential steps will keep your pool in tip-top shape all season long, allowing for endless swimming fun while avoiding unnecessary headaches that come with poor pool hygiene.