Your pool is the centerpiece of your backyard. Your family adores swimming in the clear, blue water, and you frequently entertain friends poolsideon the weekends.
Unless your pool is dirty. Then, it’s just an eyesore, and could be hazardous enough to stop your fun.
Pool maintenance is a part of pool ownership. You can pay a service to care for your pool, but cleaning a swimming pool is not difficult, and doing it yourself can save you a decent amount of money.
Not sure how to clean a swimming pool? Here’s a helpful guide.
How to Clean a Swimming Pool Basics
Purchase an 8-16-foot telescopic pole, a heavy-duty skimmer net, and a pool brush, (make sure the brush is nylon for vinyl and fiberglass pools or stainless steel for other surfaces.)
Remove as much debris as possible from the water with the skimmer net attached to the pole. This should be a daily task, along with emptying the skimmer basket, if you have one.
Attach the brush to the pole, and sweep the sides and bottom of the pool at least twice a week. This keeps algae and other particles at bay.
You will also need to run a pool vacuum at least every other day. Robotic vacuums will do all the work for you, and are highly recommended by pool professionals.
Flush Your Pool Filter
Your pool filter will need to be periodically flushed of debris. Cartridge filters are easy to clean by pressure washing the cartridges no less than once a month, or when your pressure gauge is over 10 psi (pounds per inch.)
Filters that use sand or Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filters will need to be back washed. This involves reversing the water’s flow in the filter, so debris collects at the bottom of the unit. Consult your filter’s manual for the proper steps for backwashing your model.
Maintaining the ph Balance
The ph balance of your pool is the balance of acid to base in the water and should be kept between 7.4 and 7.8. Test your water often with a small home test kit. If your ph is low, you will need to add an alkaline solution to the water, and if it is high, muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.
Adding chlorine to the water is the next step to keep the water pristine. The amount and types of chlorine needed will depend on the size of your pool, and whether it’s a saltwater or chlorine pool. Your local pool dealer can advise you, and will often offer free ph and water testing for customers.
If your pool has stubborn stains on the walls or floor that you cannot scrub off on your own, your best plan is to contact a pool stain removal company. Many DIY stain removal methods do not work on large or persistent stains, and untreated stains can ruin your pool.
Enjoy Your Pool
Now that you know how to clean a swimming pool, commit to the regular maintenance described above, and enjoy all the perks of pool ownership.
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