Beginner Guide for Swimming Pool Maintenance
On a scale of 1 to 10, how difficult do you think it would be for you to maintain your swimming pool at home? With the fast-paced lifestyles we all live, many people tend to turn their backs on maintaining their pools. It is not that they do not want to take care of it; it just that they find that time has gotten the better part of them.I will teach you the basics of maintaining your pool. I'll share with you tips and tricks on how to go about it, things to look out for, safety issues, what should be avoided, tools needed, etc. All this in just one article!
Let's begin then…
ALL "non-organic" chemicals are dangerous! ALWAYS keep them away from children. NEVER mix any chemical unless specified by the instructions. Please consult your local swimming pool supply shop if unsure.
#1 - What is Swimming Pool Maintenance?
Maintenance mainly involves cleaning the pool using chemicals so that bacteria or algae will not grow inside it which can be hazardous to humans.
Cleaning a pool includes removing debris, scrubbing the floor and side walls, vacuuming the water to remove dirt and other particles on the bottom using a pool vacuum cleaner , adding sanitizers (chemicals that kill bacteria) to prevent contamination of the water, balancing pH levels in the water to avoid skin irritation or damage to pool equipment, applying algicides or algaecides (chemicals that destroy algae growths) if there are any algae growing inside it.
Maintenance also involves checking on equipment components regularly so as not to cause bigger problems down the road. Some examples of this are checking valves for cracks or leaks, making sure all visible parts are clean, checking hoses for cracks or leaks before every use of filter pump , etc.
#2 - Things You'd Need for Pool Maintenance
A bucket, a hose with a filter, chlorine test kit , brush/broom, leaf rake , net, pool vacuum cleaner , cover clip , wheelbarrow or caddy , scum skimmer A pool railing system if your pool is more than 1.2m deep . A water testing kit - pH pen / color chart pen / digital pH meter . A floating chemical dispenser (for chlorine tablets)
#3 - Equipment to have on hand
Before you begin cleaning your swimming pool, it would be proper to have these equipment around. Having them around makes the job easier and faster.
Pool cover - using this item can save money on chemicals since evaporation is minimized even when the pool's not in use. It can also prevent children from falling into your pool when they are left out in the backyard without supervision, pets from taking a dip when they decide to jump in or objects like toys, tools or leaves getting inside it.
Chlorine tablets - these are an alternative to chlorine powder/solution for killing bacteria in water. They are also known as 'shock treatment' since you will need to maintain high levels of chlorine in your swimming pool if using this method though some people prefer it that way. How much chlorine should be added depends on the size of your pool and how many ppm(parts per million) of chlorine is spec'd by the water testing kit . The more ppm needed, the more chlorine that should be added.
Pool pH - having this would be handy if you have tested your pool and need to adjust its acidity/alkalinity levels. The type of test kit used varies depending on whether you're testing for total alkalinity or free chlorine . You can buy a digital pH meter or a color chart pen . You may also need: A floating dispenser for chlorine tablets (these are sold at hardware stores). A leaf rake (for removing leaves from the surface of the water). A net/skimmer (for removing larger particles like bugs or pennies found inside pool). For pools with high walls which can be hard to reach, a ladder is very helpful as well.
#4 - How to Maintain a Swimming Pool
There are two basic methods for maintaining your swimming pool - using chlorine tablets/shock treatment or using non-chlorine shock treatment , algaecide or bacteria eliminator . Using non-chlorine is good for pools with high alkalinity levels. Chlorine tablets/shock treatment is also used when super-chlorinating the pool (adding extra chlorine).
In conclusion, swimming pool maintenance is a chore that needs to be done regularly for pools, whether they are located outdoors or indoors. By following the above steps and having adequate equipment , you can easily prevent health problems among people who use your pool while also avoiding expenses on water treatment bills!