Installing a pool in your home means that you will have many fun times ahead making lots of great summer memories and you might even want to work away those extra christmas pounds by hitting the water and doing a few laps. Although, while these options are very exciting, owning a pool does also come with responsibilities, with water acting as a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and a range of other factors which can make your pool an unhygienic or unsafe area. It is important to look after maintenance as a priority, don't fret - pool maintenance is not a big deal and wont take up that much of your time, however if you want to truly make the most of your backyard pool it is something that is vital. Stop by your local pool supply store and make friends with the assistants so that you can get some good advice.
Here are some maintenance tips that you should always remember:
1. Water and Chemicals
To keep the water in your pool hygienically clean and safe for swimming, there are several chemicals that will help you, chlorine is the first and most recognized that will need to go into your pool as part of your maintenance. Chlorine is basically used to keep your pool clean and to break down and remove any build up of bacteria and algae - which of course you don't want to swim around in, and you definitely don't want your kids in. Sanitise your pool with chlorine regularly, and keep a check on the levels so you know it is safe for swimming.
As well as chlorine levels, you should also keep a check on the pH levels in your pool - this is the measure of acidity or alkalinity. The water should be more a little more alkaline (slightly) as chlorine works most effective this way. As well as impacting chlorine, more alkaline water is better matched to our own skin and also means pool equipment won't be damaged.
2. Keep it Clean
Your skimmer basket and pool filter are your best friends when it comes to keeping your water clean. Your skimmer basket will collect leaves and other debris that falls into the water. Make sure you check and empty it regularly to keep your pool is as clean as possible. In addition, use a leaf net to rake up anything remaining and clean your tiles regularly.
3. Other Pool Additions
Besides the chlorine and pH levels that are commonly known, if you are a new pool owner you may want to go to your local pool accessories store for other treatments which will ensure further cleanliness and the long life of your pool. You will need to add Algae preventatives regularly to control algae contaminants. Bare in mind that some of these additives can damage your tiles, so ask a professional and spend that little bit extra to get a good quality one that does no damage. Your filter system will have trouble getting rid of small particles on the surface, such as metal particles, which are often found. A 'metal out' chemical will help to eliminate these and finally a water clarifier should be added to ensure the water is not cloudy.
4. Keep an Eye on the Weather
The other big factor in your pool maintenance to be aware of is the weather. Storms of any kind, especially dust storms, will leave your pool very dirty, and maintenance should be undertaken immediately. To decrease the amount of damage incurred, consider getting a pool cover and keeping the water under wraps when not in use.
Here are some maintenance tips that you should always remember:
1. Water and Chemicals
To keep the water in your pool hygienically clean and safe for swimming, there are several chemicals that will help you, chlorine is the first and most recognized that will need to go into your pool as part of your maintenance. Chlorine is basically used to keep your pool clean and to break down and remove any build up of bacteria and algae - which of course you don't want to swim around in, and you definitely don't want your kids in. Sanitise your pool with chlorine regularly, and keep a check on the levels so you know it is safe for swimming.
As well as chlorine levels, you should also keep a check on the pH levels in your pool - this is the measure of acidity or alkalinity. The water should be more a little more alkaline (slightly) as chlorine works most effective this way. As well as impacting chlorine, more alkaline water is better matched to our own skin and also means pool equipment won't be damaged.
2. Keep it Clean
Your skimmer basket and pool filter are your best friends when it comes to keeping your water clean. Your skimmer basket will collect leaves and other debris that falls into the water. Make sure you check and empty it regularly to keep your pool is as clean as possible. In addition, use a leaf net to rake up anything remaining and clean your tiles regularly.
3. Other Pool Additions
Besides the chlorine and pH levels that are commonly known, if you are a new pool owner you may want to go to your local pool accessories store for other treatments which will ensure further cleanliness and the long life of your pool. You will need to add Algae preventatives regularly to control algae contaminants. Bare in mind that some of these additives can damage your tiles, so ask a professional and spend that little bit extra to get a good quality one that does no damage. Your filter system will have trouble getting rid of small particles on the surface, such as metal particles, which are often found. A 'metal out' chemical will help to eliminate these and finally a water clarifier should be added to ensure the water is not cloudy.
4. Keep an Eye on the Weather
The other big factor in your pool maintenance to be aware of is the weather. Storms of any kind, especially dust storms, will leave your pool very dirty, and maintenance should be undertaken immediately. To decrease the amount of damage incurred, consider getting a pool cover and keeping the water under wraps when not in use.