Having a pool at home is something that many people aspire for. After all, who doesn’t dream of plunging into a pool especially during summer? It always gives you a reason to have fun with the family or invite friends over for a pool party.
But before you take a plunge, make sure your pool water is safe and clean to avoids kin, eye, and other infections. Keeping your pool water clean is not so much of a hard work especially if you maintain it and check the water’s chemical balance regularly. In fact, it only takes a few steps to keep your pool water clear and sparkling clean. Here are a few pointers to help you.
Check Pool Chemistry
Checking your pool water’s overall condition weekly is easy with readily available test strips and kits like SJ Wave’s reliable and easy-to-use pool and spa test strips that allow you to test the 7 critical pool water elements in just a few seconds.
pH Balance
A basic element to keep your pool water clean is to maintain an ideal pH balance of 7.2, with 7.4as the optimal level safe for swimming. Higher pH levels will leave scummy deposits on the walls of your pool. Many mistake pool maintenance as simply adding chlorine but the amount and frequency of adding chlorine to pool water can actually be lessened if pool water is controlled properly.
Keep the Skimmer Basket Empty
The skimmer basket is the first stage of pool filtration which hinders large debris from entering the pipes to the filter. It should be checked at least once a week and kept clear of debris at all times by dumping out all the strained matters.
Clean the Hair and Lint Pot
Smaller debris that escape through the skimmer basket is strained in the hair and lint pot basket that is why it is equally important to keep this section unobstructed at all times before hair and lint reaches the deeper part of the pipes.
Check Your Water Level
Check your pools water level every now and then. It should be just right at the center level of your pool skimmer or pool tile in order to get accurate readings. Low levels can cause the pump to run dry and burn up; on the other hand, high levels will deter the pool skimmer from working properly.
Check the Chlorinator
Periodic checks on your automatic deck chlorinators ensures reliable dispensing of chlorine at a specific rate dependent upon your pool’s volume and keep it constantly chlorinated for proper safety and sanitation.
Check the Ozone Generator
Another level of sanitizing your pool water is through the pool ozone generator which emits ozone into pool water in order to filter and clean it while reducing the amount of chlorine your water will need to keep it sanitized. Ozone protects against chlorine-resistant pathogens and other contaminants so it is crucial that your ozone generator is tip-top condition.
Check the Salt Pool Chlorine Generator
If you have a salt pool, saltwater circulates into the chlorine generator and salt cell to produce chlorine. This must be kept extra clean of calcium deposits and other crud to work efficiently.
Tip: Always keep pool chemicals in a cool, dry place stored out of direct sunlight. Do not store acid and chlorine right next to each other.
Clean the Pool Filter
Filter cleaning is only required a couple of times throughout the year. However obstructions at the bottom of your in-ground drain, and abnormal odors are signs that your pool needs immediate cleaning.
Cleaning a Cartridge Pool Filter
Cartridge pool filter strains particles and contaminants form your pool water. Over time, dirt and chemical build-up will weaken your filter’s ability to keep your water sanitized. Regular cleaning especially after a heavy storm will increase the life of your filter and will eliminate the need to buy a replacement. When cleaning your cartridge pool filter, always use protective gloves as you soak the dirty filters in a 10% solution of muriatic acid; and remember to rinse the cartridge well and let it dry.
Warming! Always add acid to water and not water to acid. When you add water to acid, the water boils and the acid may splatter and splash!
Monitor the Structure of Your Pool
Maintaining the overall soundness of your pool water is as important as checking the structural condition of your pool. Check your pool for weakened walls and cracks, and immediately patch them. Gates, alarms, and the self-closing and latching mechanisms and other protective barriers should always be fully functioning.
With your pool water in its best condition, make the most of it and have a fun and enjoy a worry-free time with your family and friends.