2 Simple Things You Should Do With Any Swimming Pool

There is nothing like the joy that having a swimming pool in your own backyard can bring. Not only can you cool down on hot days, but they enhance the look of your backyard. Unfortunately swimming pools can be expensive to maintain, especially when the chemistry gets out of balance.

These are 2 basic things you can do to maintain a healthy swimming pool and reduce the time you looking after it.

Chemical Balance:

The most important aspect of any swimming pool is to keep all the chemicals in check and at  optimum levels. Maintenance need not be time consuming either, and should only take a few minutes each day. To ensure the right pool chemical balance…

Daily (around 5mins when all is good with the pool)

1. Check that the water is crystal clear

2. Check there is no build-up of algae. Especially check around ‘dead’ areas like pool steps where water flow isn’t as great.

3. Check there is a good flow from the water jets

4. Check there is a good flow of water in the skimmer

5. Check there is no excess leaves or other debris in the pool

6. Make sure there is correct pressure in the pool filter

Twice A Week (around 30 mins)

1. Measure chlorine, pH and stabiliser levels

2. Clean out the skimmer

3. Brush the sides and bottom of the pool

Weekly

1. Dose of phosphate remover

Monthly

1. Professional check on water levels by local pool shop

Regular maintenance will prevent the need for pool “shocking” and actually save you a lot of time in the long run by addressing problems before they get out of hand. When the pool balance gets too far out and you have to pool “Shock”, you have to wait at least 1 day before you can swim, so regular checking of chemical levels means your pool is not only always ready for fun, but your chemical usage is at its minimum (which is good for your health too!). A quick brush of the pool surface once or twice a week also removes build up more easily that if it is left harden over time.

Use a Pool Cover

Debris entering the pool is one of the largest sources of contaminants (the other being the people who swim in it!). So when not in use, cover the pool with a pool blanket. Besides eliminating a lot of debris, there are many other benefits to a pool cover that make them a cost effective choice, including;

1. Reduces chemical usage, this is mandatory too! When the levels are too high, they can damage the pool cover.

2. Traps heat in winter, making the pool warmer by up to 8oC

3. Helps keep dust and debris out, which means you pool is cleaner for longer

4. Significantly reduces water evaporation

There are a number of differences in pool blankets, the biggest being the quality. But the basic rule of thumb is that the thinner the pool blanket, the shorter the lifespan. A pool blankets thickness is measured in microns and typically come in 400, 500 and 600 micron thicknesses. When installing, make sure the pool cover is installed bubble side down. Higher end pool blankets will also have some sort of thermal insulation. You should also consider a pool roller system, as they are the easiest way to store and care for your pool blanket when not in use. For More information, make an enquiry with Fabric Solutions Australia, I’m sure they will have the information and solution you need.

(photo credit to the owner)