Keeping the swimming pool clean is crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming environment. As the seasons change, swimming pool maintenance requires specific techniques and methods to guarantee clear water and well-functioning equipment. While maintaining a swimming pool may seem labor-intensive, it only requires a bit of effort and isn’t overly challenging. This article will introduce you to several easy maintenance methods to keep your swimming pool in optimal condition, turning it into your ultimate leisure spot.
I. Testing the Pool
Testing the pool is a vital aspect of maintaining water cleanliness and hygiene. To achieve this, use a convenient water quality testing tool. Simply take a sample of the pool water and add reagents to the testing instrument. As time progresses, the water will change color, and you’ll want to compare it to the color chart provided in the testing tool. Based on the test results, make adjustments to the water’s chemical composition. Appropriate chemical balance not only prevents eye and skin irritation but also ensures the safety of the swimming pool.
When conducting water quality tests, consider six main factors:
- Free Chlorine: Keeps the pool free of bacterial contamination.
- Cyanuric Acid: Ideal concentration range is 30-50.
- pH Value: Should be between 7.2 and 7.8, preferably 7.4, to avoid damage to the pool and facility erosion.
- Total Alkalinity: The optimal range is 60-120.
- Calcium Hardness: Should be maintained between 220-350 to prevent damage to the plaster.
- You can use calcium bicarbonate tablets or granules to control pool alkalinity and maintain pH levels.
Ⅱ. Cleaning the Collector
It is crucial to clean the garbage collector and basket in the sink. Clean the hair and fiber filter basket on the pool pump, located inside a clear glass in the pool pump. Before cleaning, turn off the water pump and release the system’s pressure. To ensure the water pump’s optimal performance, clean it every two weeks. If your pool has a vacuum cleaner or leaf/skimmer bucket, clean those as well.
Ⅲ. Assessing Water Levels
Assessing the water level is a crucial step in maintaining your swimming pool. The water surface can fluctuate due to evaporation, wear and tear, splashing, and heavy rain. Maintain the water level in the middle of the skimmer, as both too high and too low levels can damage the pool pump and affect the water skimmer’s function.
If the water level is too high, use a submersible pump to remove excess water, but be cautious about potential damage to the fiberglass pool liner. If the water level is too low, use a hose to restore it to the desired level. After the water level returns to normal, conduct another chemical test.
Ⅳ.Cleaning the Pool Filter
Cleaning the pool filter is a crucial task in maintaining the pool. Ensure your filter isn’t excessively dirty before deciding to clean it. If you observe an increase in pressure on your pressure gauge, it’s time to clean your pool filter.
Here are the steps to clean your pool filter:
- First, turn off the filter, remove the lid, take out the filter basket, and dispose of collected waste at least once a week.
- Every month, backwash the filter lines, depending on whether it is a sand filter or a mesh filter.
- For sand filters, follow specific steps for backwashing to remove dirt from the sand bed.
- For mesh filters, remove the filter and rinse it with water to ensure clogged particles are removed.
Ⅴ.Preparing the Swimming Pool for Winter
Preparing the swimming pool for winter is equally important, not only to protect the pool during the summer but also to avoid a pool full of bacteria when you open the cover in the summer. Winter maintenance saves time and reduces repair costs for the next season. To keep your swimming pool functioning properly in winter, use a water quality testing system to ensure the chemicals inside are in the right balance. Drain excess water from pipes and invest in a high-quality swimming pool cover to prevent debris from falling into the pool.
Detailed steps for winter pool maintenance include:
- Preparations before winter storage:
- Clean the pool water: Ensure the swimming
pool water is clear before winter arrives by using a vacuum pump and filter to remove dirt and sediment.
- Add an appropriate amount of antifreeze agent and winter algaecide to prevent freezing and algae growth.
- Disassemble and store non-fixed facilities, such as diving boards, railings, and slides, outdoors to avoid damage during winter.
- Storage and maintenance of swimming pool equipment:
- Turn off your water pump and filter before winter sets in.
- Clear the drainage system to prevent freezing or frostbite.
- Remove the filter, clean it carefully, and store it in a dry and ventilated place to prevent frost and damage.
- Ensure there is no water left in the drain pipe to prevent freezing.
- Check and clean drainage facilities, such as drain valves.
- If your swimming pool has heating equipment, make necessary repairs to ensure they work during winter.
- Lay a special layer of pool cover around the pool to prevent leaves, debris, and snow accumulation while keeping the water cleaner.
Ⅵ. Shock Treatment for the Pool
If the water in the swimming pool looks dirty due to bacterial growth, shock treatment is an effective method. This involves adding a large amount of chlorine in a short period to kill bacteria. Dilute standard chlorine 3-5 times with water and slowly inject it into the swimming pool return water. This allows chlorine to be filtered out before being added again. It’s best to shock your pool twice a season, as excessive shock treatments can damage the pool edges.
In addition, combining algaecide, chlorine tablets, flocculants, and other chemical products effectively cleans the swimming pool’s water quality. This combination prevents algae growth, sterilizes, removes suspended particles, and provides a clean and hygienic swimming environment.
The pool maintenance process may require some investment and patience. Through regular cleaning, scientifically managing water quality, and using chemicals rationally, you can ensure that the swimming pool water remains clear. Remember, maintaining your swimming pool isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about your health. May you enjoy leisurely moments in the clear swimming pool!
