Summer is in full swing, which means one thing for many people – time spent by the pool! Like most pool owners, you want to ensure your swimming experience is as enjoyable as possible. This means keeping your pool water clean and free of contaminants. Below, we will discuss the basics of water treatment for swimming pools. We’ll cover everything from pH balancing to maintenance routines so you can keep your pool in top shape all season long.
Keeping The Pool Water Healthy and Balanced
Your pool water has a healthy balance if the pH levels are between 7.2 and 7.6. The type of pool you have, the size of your pool, and how often it’s used – all these things play a role in maintaining pH balance. The best way to keep your pool’s pH levels in check is to test the water regularly with a kit or test strips. Once you know what the levels are, you’ll be able to make the necessary adjustments.
There are a few different ways to adjust pH levels, but the most common method is performing shock treatments on your pool and adding chlorine as needed. Shocking your pool water can help you address any issues that can affect its healthy state. The frequency of treatments will depend on how often your pool is used, as well as other external factors. These can include heavy rainstorms, extreme temperatures, substances from swimmers (like sunscreen, lotions, etc.), and many more. It’s important to take measures to address an imbalance as soon as you notice the following:
- a strong, distinct smell in the water
- murky or cloudy appearance
- algae growth
- redness and irritation in the eyes of swimmers
Easy Ways to Keep Your Pool’s Water Clean
In addition to regular shock treatments and pH balancing, you can do a few other things to keep your pool water clean. One of the most important things is ensuring everyone using your pool is doing so with clean bodies. This means showering before entering the pool area. You should also have a designated area for swimmers to put their belongings. This will help keep the pool area clean and free of clutter.
Having a regular cleaning schedule is also important. This means skimming the surface of the water for debris using a leaf skimmer, cleaning the tile and walls, and vacuuming the bottom of the pool on a weekly basis. Just be sure to vacuum in both directions – back and forth, as well as around the entire perimeter of the pool.
It’s also a good idea to check and clean out your filter on a regular basis. Depending on the type of filter you have, this may need to be done as often as once a week or month.
Running your pump frequently is also important in keeping your pool water clean. Most experts recommend running it for at least eight to twelve hours a day, but we recommend running the system constantly. And as mentioned, shocking the system with chlorine might be the best solution when the levels are really off. You can also add in algaecide if algae growth occurs or as a weekly preventative maintenance.
If you need help choosing the right cleaning equipment, you can contact your local pool dealer for some expert advice.
Safety Tips When Using Pool Chemicals
When adding chemicals to your pool water, it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions:
- Wear gloves and protective clothing.
- Never mix different chemicals together – this can create dangerous fumes.
- Store all chemicals in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children and pets.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when adding any type of chemical to your pool water.
- Clean any measuring equipment for chemicals after using them.
- Make sure your pool chemicals are far from any open flames.
Having a swimming pool at home can provide endless hours of fun and relaxation for the whole family. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a safe and fun pool season. And with regular maintenance and care, your pool will stay in great condition, not just this season but for years to come.
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