It is appealing to have a swimming pool in your backyard. It helps in maintaining a good fitness routine even with busy schedules and increases the charm of the house during parties and get-togethers. The pool also provides a private place for the family to relax, unwind, and even get a good tan.
A lot of deliberations and discussions happen before the actual decision to buy a pool. This is understandable since a swimming pool is a huge monetary investment. But a really important element that one has to keep in mind before installing a pool is its maintenance. Proper maintenance is necessary for a pool, otherwise, it can cause issues like algal buildup, contaminated water, and damaged structures, to name a few.
Summer brings hot and long days with it, with your kids and pets begging for unlimited pool time. This makes pool maintenance an extremely crucial task during the summer months. Pool maintenance will need close to an hour or less on a weekly basis depending on the location, type, and size of the swimming pool.
Steps to maintain your pool in summer
There are some basic steps a pool owner should follow to keep their newcastle fibreglass pool clean and safe during the summer months. The important steps include:
Cleaning dirt and debris
It is important to clean the dirt and debris to keep the pool sparkling and to avoid health and hygiene-related issues. Fallen leaves and pollen clumps can be easily removed by skimming. This is a low-cost method in which long-handled nets are used to skim out leaves and other floating debris.
Pool vacuums can also be used to clean fallen leaves, algae deposits, and any other debris from the pool surface. The pool vacuum works in a way similar to indoor vacuums and is an easy and quick way to clean pools. If the pool is located near big trees, it is advisable to trim these trees to limit the number of leaves falling into the pool. It is also necessary to clean pools at least once a week.
Brushing your pool
Make use of a pool brush to clean the walls and tile of the pool. You can also use the brush in those sections of the pool that cannot be easily reached. Remember to properly clean the stairs, corners, waterline, and crevices. This stage of cleaning should be completed before any kind of chemical treatment.
Cleaning pool filter and pump
Along with cleaning the pool surface and walls, it is essential to clean the pool pump and filters as well. The pool pump runs for at least eight hours every day. This constant circulation, along with the help of filters, is a way to keep the pool clean. Since the pool is continuously running, it will keep on collecting debris. Unless properly cleaned, the filter will get clogged with debris, making the pump work harder and eventually reduce its life span. The debris collected in the filters can also clog the pool pipes, thereby hampering proper water circulation. The filter basket should be emptied and cleaned once a week.
Backwashing to clean pipes
Backwashing can be done once a month to clean out the pipes and drain any stagnant water. In this method, the water flows in the opposite direction than it normally does, helping to flush up built-up debris. It also helps to wash those places that are not cleaned when the filter basket is emptied.
Keep track of your pool chemicals
Maintaining a consistent chemical level in the pool is an indispensable component of pool maintenance. If the chemical levels and pH of the pool are not balanced, the water will start to become cloudy. This will also cause irritation of the eyes and skin, and sometimes even severe allergic reactions. It can also make the pool a hotbed for harmful germs and bacteria.
It is advisable to check the water quality at least once a week during the peak summer months. The pH level of the pool should also be maintained at optimum levels, preferably between 7.4 and 7.6. Any pH imbalance can lead to calcium buildup in the pool and associated issues.
Keep the floats and toys clean
Remember to remove any snakes, spiders, or bugs that may have crawled into the pool floats or toys. The pool floats are a good hiding place for these unwanted “guests.” This cleaning will not only keep you safer, but it will also stop those insects from getting into your pool’s filter.
Monitor your pool’s water levels
The water level of the pool should always be maintained at suitable levels to avoid malfunctioning of the pool structures. Changing water levels can also disturb your pool’s chemical balance.
If the pool water level is too low, the pump might run dry and get damaged. In this case, the water level can be brought up by manually filling up the pool using a garden hose.
If the water level is too high, the skimmer door can malfunction. A submersible pump can be used to drain out the excess water and resolve this issue.
After bringing the water to appropriate levels, it is important to check the level of chemicals and ensure that they are suitable. The variation in water levels can cause changes in the chemical levels that can create health hazards.
Seek professional help
Not all pool owners may know everything there is to know about pool maintenance. It would be prudent to seek professional help at least once a year to check the overall state of the pool and conduct minor repairs, if necessary. It will help in the long run by preventing major damage and repair costs.
Summer can be a fun and exciting time with a clean and safe backyard pool. Maintaining your swimming pool during the summer is an easy task if you do it regularly and diligently. Make a schedule and try to follow it as much as possible. While taking the help of a professional pool maintenance agency, inform them in advance of your specific needs and issues.
