Swimming Pool Maintenance

If you have a swimming pool you should perform regular swimming pool maintenance. These swimming pool maintenance tips are suggested to maintain your pool in good serviceable condition. Swimming pool maintenance and servicing will insure that your swimming will last for many years and safe for your family without fear of illness.

Above-ground and in-ground swimming pools require routine maintenance to insure that the water remains clean and healthy for swimmers. Pool owners spend a lot of time performing swimming pool maintenance tasks to keep their poor water safe; testing the pH of the water, adding chemicals, cleaning filters, and vacuuming the pool. Some pool owners have pool maintenance service companies perform these tasks but most pool owners do it themselves.

Obtaining the appropriate swimming pool supplies is the key for successful pool maintenance. All swimming pool stores carry a wide supply of swimming pool cleaning supplies. Even if you use automatic pool equipment it is important to purchase a skimmer and a brush. Automatic cleaning systems work well but do not do a thorough job. Brushing the dirt off the sides of the pool and skimming out leaves and other debris will help the cleaning system to continue functioning appropriately.

1. Before purchasing an automatic cleaning system think about how much you are willing to spend and research what works best in that price range. The most common system is a vacuum system in which a small device travels around the floor of the pool and cleans up the dirt. It sucks the debris into a tank, which you then empty. This is the most common, most successful system for above-ground and in-ground pools. You also need to purchase chlorine, shock, a water-testing kit and a pool cover for any harsh seasons of weather.

2. A pool water testing kit is necessary to know when to add different chemicals to your pool. If you do not maintain these chemical levels, bacteria can grow in your pool or the water can start irritating people’s eyes and skin. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test the alkalinity, the calcium hardness, and the pH levels of the water. If the alkalinity is low, add an alkalinity increaser. Add an alkalinity decreaser if it is high. If pH levels are high or low, add pH “plus” or “minus” to bring it balance. Add a water hardener agent if calcium is too low; if it is high, add a sequestering agent.

3. All of these swimming pool chemicals and accessories can be found online or at your local pool supply store. Test alkalinity monthly, calcium hardness bi-monthly, and pH levels twice a week. Keeping the readings within the desired ranges means your chemicals are fighting bacteria without causing corrosion to the pool or irritation to the skin and eyes of swimmers.

4. Pool chlorine is the most important chemical that will keep the pool clean. Chlorine will fight bacteria without causing irritation to your friends and family. Chlorine comes in different forms including tabs, sticks, granules and floaters. Each has a different distribution method and you should choose the one you feel most comfortable with. You will also need to purchase shock, a pool supply that will reduce the chlorine smell and keep the chemicals functioning properly.

Because a pool is an investment you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Excessive bacteria in the pool can cause skin and eye irritation if not sickness to your family and friends who use the pool. It will also degrade the pool liner. For a safe and healthy pool perform swimming pool maintenance.