Maintaining a Healthy Swimming Pool

The easiest option to maintain a healthy pool is to hire a professional. However, it comes at a cost (within the vicinity of around $60 -100 per hour) and it’s not too difficult to do it yourself, providing you do it on a regular basis and you have a little know how.

Here are our top tips for maintaining your swimming pool.

1. Skimming

Skimmers are the rectangular openings on the sides of underground pools. Most above ground pools have skimmers as well, but these are usually hung from the sides of the pool and float on the surface. Skimmers draw in water from the surface of the pool, where most pollutants including debris, sunscreen are to be found. They collect the dirt before it has time to stinks to help maintain clean water.

How often? You’ll need to check and empty the skimmer basket on a weekly basis.

2. Rake and Vacuum

Use a rake or net to scoop out debris such as leaves, twigs and branches. Invest in a scoop that features a sturdy, lightweight design and extra wide net with a telescopic pole. This makes it easier to access all areas of your pool. Use a pool vacuum to remove leaves, dirt and other debris that has fallen to the bottom of the pool.

How often? You’ll need to rake and vacuum your pool weekly.

3. Clean the filter

A dirty filter can have a dramatic effect on water circulation and is what can lead to a green or cloudy pool, even if the chemical levels are fine. When water passes through the filter, millions of tiny particles cling to the filter, the accumulation of which can lead to a sluggish pump that doesn’t do its job. Note that there are several different kinds of filters and all come with a unique cleaning process.

How often? Cleaning the filter should be done weekly.

4. Check pH levels

The pH level is a measure of the acidity of the water. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, where pH 7 is neutral. If the pH is above 7, the water is basic; if it is below 7 the water is acid. Typical pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.6.

How often? The pH levels of your pool should be checked daily.

5. Brushing

Brushing the walls of your pool will remove some of the particles and build-up that sticks to the porous concrete or fibreglass.

How often? This task should be undertaken weekly and before you vacuum. Once you’ve brushed the surfaces, the particles will sink to the bottom to be vacuumed.

6. Water Level

Pools lose water through evaporation and use. Water levels should not be allowed to fall below the skimmer intake tubes, as this can damage the pump. Simply putting a running garden hose into the water for a few minutes is the easiest way to refill the pool. Make sure you check your local water restrictions before you do so!

How often? Check your water levels weekly when you’re skimming the pool.

7. Shocking the Pool

Shocking your swimming pool is a way to remove organics in your water, kill off algae and ensure your pool stays clear. Shocking the pool involves adding a significant amount of chlorine to the water to combat organic contaminants such as ammonia and nitrogen that build up in a pool and can cause it to go cloudy and smell of chlorine. If you are considering this, be sure to do it safely as chlorine is a chemical!

How often? Weekly at dusk or night and allow your filter system to run for least 8 hours after before it is safe to swim again.