How to Care for Your Pool

Written by Davel Construction On June 10, 2014

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If you’ve just installed a great new pool in your backyard, you definitely want to keep it looking just as great over time. The key to a beautiful backyard pool is to practice careful, regular maintenance and pay close attention to the conditions of the water. Although it may seem like an intimidating process, there are actually a few simple steps that you can follow to keep your pool clean and healthy.

1) Skimming

One of the easiest ways to keep your pool in working order is to skim the surface of your pool with a long handled net every few days to remove debris floating on the surface. This simple process can reduce the amount of chlorine you need to add to the water and enable the pool’s circulation system to run more efficiently. Also, be sure to regularly empty and clean your strainer baskets.

2) Vacuuming

Vacuuming and brushing the surfaces of your pool on a weekly basis can greatly improve the cleanliness of your pool. Brushing can especially help eliminate algae and calcium deposits that can build up if not properly removed. Be sure to clean your pool thoroughly and empty out the filter on your vacuum as needed.

3) Cleaning the Filter

This may surprise you, but cleaning a pool filter too often can actually make the filtration process less efficient. It is preferable for filters to contain a mild amount of dirt since the dirt assists in trapping other particles. Normally, the best time to clean your filter is when there is an increase in flow between the pressure gauge and flow meter with a difference of 10 to 15 pounds per square inch. Every type of filter has its own specific maintenance instructions, always follow the specific directions for your model.

4) Service the Heater

Although pool heaters do not require very regular maintenance, it is best to have you heater serviced by a professional if you notice that your pool is not heating properly. The cause of heater inefficiency is usually due to an internal calcium build up.

5) Maintain Water Level

It is very important to keep your pool water at a safe level because your pump can be damaged if it falls below a certain point. As you skim the surface of the pool, make a habit of checking the water level. If you notice that it is falling, you can use your garden hose to bring the pool back up to a safe point.

6) Check pH Level

The pH level of your pool indicates the acidity or alkalinity of your water. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, but a reading between 7.2 and 7.8 is ideal for your pool. At this level, your pool water will be safe to enjoy. There are many different home testing kits available, choose the one with which you are most confident. Adjust the type and amount of chemicals used in your pool until the pH balance is within a safe zone.

7) Supercholorinate

To avoid the unpleasant chlorine odour that most people associate with pools, it is actually important to add a very large amount of chlorine to your pool to shock it back to a normal chlorine level. The regularity of superchlorination is unique to each pool model and you should consult the manufacturers’ instructions to determine how often you need to shock your pool.

8) Repair Leaks

Detecting a leak in your pool can be difficult since it is not always clear what factor may be causing a change in the water level of your pool. If you find that your pool has been losing water due to a leak and not due to evaporation then it is recommended that you contact a professional to repair your pool.

9) Winterize

Winterizing is crucial in the maintenance process as leftover water within your system can freeze and damage your pool. To properly winterize your pool, you must use an air compressor to remove the water from your pipes. Make sure that your filter and heater are properly drained and eliminate residual water with non-toxic antifreeze. Clean your pool and lower the water level to 18 inches below the coping. Superchlorinate the water and cover your pool to protect from debris.

Have any more questions about how to maintain the quality of your pool? Just ask us!