6 Tips to Ensure Clean Pool Water
Maintaining a crystal-clear swimming pool is essential for swimmers' health and enjoying your backyard oasis. A clean pool is crucial for both safety and enjoyment. Adequately maintained water prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and algae that can cause illnesses.
It also ensures a more pleasant swimming experience by eliminating unpleasant odors and murky water. Well-maintained pools are less likely to cause skin and eye irritation, making them safer for all users. The proper maintenance approach extends the life of pool equipment and surfaces, saving you money. We at Thrive Pools are a leading pool builder and offer a range of designs and installation services for various pools.
Our team discusses various pool maintenance tips to ensure clean pool water.
1. Maintain Proper Chemical Balance
The foundation of clean pool water lies in maintaining the proper chemical balance. Regularly test your pool water using a reliable test kit to check pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and other essential levels. Aim to keep the following ranges:
- pH: 7.2 to 7.6
- Chlorine: 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm)
- Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
- Calcium hardness: 200 to 400 ppm
2. Shock Your Pool Regularly
Shocking your pool involves adding a hefty dose of chlorine or other sanitizing chemicals to eliminate contaminants and kill bacteria. Depending on pool usage and weather conditions, you should perform this process weekly or bi-weekly. For best results, shock your pool in the evening and run the pump overnight to allow the chemicals to circulate fully.
3. Run The Filter System Daily
Your pool's filtration system removes debris and maintains water clarity. Run your pool pump and filter for at least 8 to 12 hours daily, ideally during the hottest part of the day when algae growth is most likely. Ensure your filter works efficiently by regularly checking and cleaning it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Skim And Brush Regularly
Prevention is vital to maintaining clean pool water. Skim the surface daily to remove leaves, insects, and other debris before they sink to the bottom and decompose. Use a special brush to scrub the pool walls, steps, and hard-to-reach areas at least once weekly. This process helps prevent algae buildup and keeps your pool surfaces clean.
5. Maintain Proper Water Level
Keep your pool water at the right level – typically halfway up the skimmer opening. Low water levels can damage your pump, while overfilled pools may lead to inefficient skimming. Add water as needed, especially after heavy use or rainfall. Recheck and adjust your chemical levels afterward if you need to drain water.
6. Use A Pool Cover
When your pool is not in use, especially overnight or during extended periods, cover it with a quality pool cover. This simple step offers multiple benefits:
- Reduces evaporation, helping maintain chemical balance
- Prevents debris from entering the pool
- Conserves energy by retaining heat
- Minimizes the need for frequent cleaning and chemical additions
Additional Considerations for Pool Maintenance
While these tips form the base of pool maintenance, you must also focus on annual or seasonal tasks. Have your pool professionally serviced at the beginning and end of each season to ensure all equipment functions correctly. Use enzyme-based products to break down organic contaminants like oils and lotions that can cloud your water.Educate all pool users about good hygiene practices, such as showering before entering and avoiding swimming if ill. Encourage swimmers to use the bathroom rather than the pool—yes, it happens more often than you might think. Stay informed about your specific pool type and any unique maintenance requirements it may have. Saltwater pools, for instance, may need different care than traditional chlorine pools.
By following these guidelines and staying proactive in your swimming pool maintenance, you'll create a safe, clean, and enjoyable swimming environment for you, your family, and your guests all season long. For information about our pools, call Thrive Pools today at 228-342-0228 or submit your questions via this Online Form.
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