A Quick Guide to Swimming Pool Care
Planning nothing else to do on your staycation except swim, soak up the sun, and vegetate? That’s what summer is for!
But don’t forget about basic pool upkeep if you want your swimming pool experience enjoyable and trauma-free.
That’s why today, we’re discussing some basic swimming pool care which you’ll hopefully find useful.
Skim the surface every day
Contaminants and pollutants can wreak havoc on your pool’s health (and looks!) so skimming it every day is already a huge help. You can choose between a pool mounted one or a handheld gliding version depending on how big or deep your pool is.
Having a sturdy pool skimmer is your pool’s first line of defense when it comes to pool maintenance and getting rid of dirt and debris. It works in pretty much the same way as you’d expect drinking water filters and how basic fishkeeping work.
And if your pool is always uncovered and surrounded by trees, it’s even more important that you skim it on a daily basis!
Test alkalinity and pH weekly
A pool should have an ideal pH of around 7.5. Anything that’s too high or too low from that number can cause a number of problems including unsightly algae taking over your swimming pool.
Check if your water is becoming cloudy (one huge clue is if you can’t see your personal trainer at the other end of the pool!), too. If it is, your pool water might not have the desired alkalinity range of 120 to 150 ppm.
So test your water and balance chemicals accordingly. Give it the old spa treatment it deserves with test kits that are easy enough to use weekly.
Run the pool pump at least 8 hours a day
Ever lived in a serviced apartment or have a gym membership in an establishment with a swimming pool? Then you might wonder how they can keep the pool clean with so many people using it on a daily basis.
The secret is running the pool pump at least eight hours a day. Pool filters can keep your pool water balanced and cleaner for longer.
If you’re worried about the costs of running a pool pump to filter your pool for longer, consider investing in low-speed pool pump which makes less noise and uses up less energy in the process.
Shock your pool once or twice a week
If you swim in a pool that’s a regular site for kids’ activities and dozens of swimming coaches, then it’s a good idea to shock it with your choice of sanitizer.
Do this at least once or twice a week especially after having several swimmers using it. It will keep your pool chemistry balanced and rid it of contaminants brought on by other people.
It’s also a good idea to shock your pool after a huge storm, and of course, if you notice algae growing more rapidly and thicker than usual.