Seven Ways to Achieve Pool Perfection: Expert Tips for Summer Pool Maintenance
Posted by Michael Hervas on Jul 11, 2023
Pool owners always look forward to the summer. It is the perfect season to enjoy the pool and create memories with family and friends. Summer pool maintenance requires much effort and expertise to ensure a pristine pool. If you are looking for expert tips for effectively cleaning pool for summer, you have come to the right place. Here, you will read the guidelines to keep your swimming pool clean, safe, and inviting all summer.
Regular Cleaning and Skimming
Regular cleaning is a fundamental aspect of pool maintenance. The water in the pool can quickly accumulate falling debris like leaves, insects, and dirt. All of these can affect the pool's aesthetic appearance and water quality.
Investing in a good-quality pool skimmer, and daily skimming of the pool surface is a must. Regular cleaning of the pool's skimmer baskets and pump baskets can also reduce the chances of clogs for proper water flow.
Proper Pool Circulation and Filtration
Keep a swimming pool hygienic. It needs optimal water circulation and filtration. The pool pump and filter are vital in keeping the clarity and cleanliness of the water. The pump must operate for adequate amounts of time each day for water to properly circulate throughout the swimming pool. It can prevent water stagnation and helps in the proper distribution of chemicals for balance and sanitation. It’s good to invest in a dependable and quality Variable Speed Pool Pump to ensure an optimal water circulation.
Meanwhile, the pool filter must also be cleaned or backwashed to remove any trapped contaminants to keep its efficiency. Always follow the recommendations provided by the equipment manufacturer to keep the filtration process from being compromised. Hygienic pool environments can only be achieved with the collaborative efforts of your pump and filter.
Maintaining Water Balance
A balanced water chemistry prevents issues like algae growth, scaling, or corrosion. With the help of a reliable test kit for monitoring the pH of the pool water, the chlorine level, alkalinity, and calcium hardness can be monitored.
Here are the levels that you need to maintain :
- pH level - 7.4 to 7.6
- Chlorine - 1 to 3 ppm (parts per million)
- Alkalinity - 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million)
- Calcium Hardness - 200 to 400 ppm (parts per million)
To get accurate results, use a reliable test kit like Taylor’s K-2005 Complete High DPD Professional Test Kit .
A pool professional can assist in maintaining proper water chemistry.
Monitoring Water Levels
Pool maintenance also calls for the regular inspection of pool water levels. The sun’s heat can evaporate water especially during hot summer days. This loss of water often translates to chemical imbalances which may poorly affect water quality and can potentially lead to issues such as algal growth or equipment malfunctions.
Pumps and skimmers only operate at their best performance when water levels align with their manufacturer’s standards. Pumps can get damaged and may even break when water levels are too low, as air is introduced into the system. On the other hand, skimmers may become inefficient with debris removal when water levels are too low, further increasing the likelihood of the pool turning dirty or cloudy.
Being mindful of the summer heat and its intensified effects on evaporation can help in mitigating risks associated with lowered pool water levels. It is important to regularly monitor and refill the pool as necessary to ensure optimal equipment performance and maintain high water quality.
The objective is to have your water level sit at halfway point of your skimmer trap door or hatch (sits on the side of your pool).
Shocking and Superchlorination
A proactive approach is needed to ensure that your pool water is always crystal clear and free from contaminants. A very essential practice that must be done regularly is pool shocking. The process involves the introduction of a relatively higher-than-normal amount of chlorine or non-chlorine shock treatment to the pool water. This will effectively eliminate unwanted organic matter and disinfect the pool.
For optimal results on your pool care maintenance, following the manufacturer's instructions is recommended. Perform the shock weekly, or as needed, while taking into consideration some factors like pool usage and environmental conditions.
Aside from shocking, another technique that can be used to address problems with algae and bacteria is superchlorination. The process requires increasing the chlorine levels in the pool water to effectively thwart the growth of any unwanted microorganism. It is recommended to be done every few weeks, especially during hot weather or after heavy pool usage.
By doing both shocking and superchlorination for your summer pool maintenance routine, you will be confident that your pool water is kept clean and clear.
Brushing and Vacuuming
Brushing the walls and floor, and regularly vacuuming the swimming pool is essential to maintain a pristine environment for your pool. It helps in effectively eliminating dirt and contaminants that can easily accumulate on the pool surfaces. You can allocate time, at least once a week, to use a pool brush, to prevent algae growth as you simultaneously bolster the filtration system's efficiency.
Debris and sediments that settle at the bottom of the pool can be eliminated by consistent pool vacuuming. It can be unsightly and may compromise the pool's clarity and purity. You can use a manual, automatic or robotic vacuum , depending on your pool type.
Regular Equipment Maintenance
Maintenance of your pool equipment plays a crucial part in your pool maintenance. All swimming pool equipment, from the pump, filter, heater, and automatic pool cleaner , needs a regular inspection to ensure they are functioning properly.
You can remove debris that clogs your pump strainer basket, and check that your pool cleaner is not obstructed. Check for leaks, unusual noise, or any issues that may arise with your pool equipment, and consult a professional for any repairs or replacement.
Your pool equipment can last longer and provide optimal performance with proper maintenance. Regular routine inspection of all pool equipment is the first step for identifying any potential issues and ensuring that they are still functioning properly. This also allows you to detect early signs of malfunction or deterioration. If you notice anything unusual and you are not sure what to do, get a technician or pool specialist.
The seven ways to achieve pool perfection is a combination of regular maintenance and adherence to guidelines for proper summer pool maintenance. Following all the expert tips provided here will ensure your swimming pool remains in tip-top shape all summer.
Just stay consistent with cleaning, water testing and equipment maintenance for a clean, safe and inviting pool. A little effort and attention is all you need to enjoy endless hours under the sun with family and friends.