A pool is a fantastic feature, for adults and children alike. They’re great for exercise, relaxing, or even having some good old-fashioned fun at a pool party. However, your pool does need looking after.
A poorly maintained pool isn’t just unpleasant, but it can even be dangerous. Your pool is a closed system, which means that when it gets contaminated by algae, there isn’t anywhere for it to go. This build-up of algae is a breeding ground for bacteria, including e-Coli. The pool can also get damaged when it’s not looked after, shortening its lifespan and potentially hitting your wallet.
1. Keep it Clean
Keeping your pool clean is easiest when you work on both prevention and clean-up. If you don’t let it get filthy, it’ll be easier to clean. Whatever goes into a pool tends to stay in there, including anything attached to your family or your pets.
Before getting into the pool, have a quick shower or hose-down to get rid of any sweat, dirt, or dead skin cells on the body. If you let pets in the pool, bath them first to get rid of dirt or debris. However, the chemicals in the pool can be irritating to pets, so don’t let them in for too long. While you’re at it, don’t let any food or other debris fall into the pool. If something does go in there, fish it out as quickly as possible.
During pool season, you will need to clean your pool regularly. Use a pool pump to remove any accumulated debris and re-circulate the water. Also, watch out for any white scale on the walls of the swimming pool and wipe it off. But most of the cleaning process involves regularly checking the water.
2. Check the Water
Swimming pool water needs to be kept at a careful equilibrium to ensure that it stays as clean as possible. First, check the water level and top it off if necessary. If the water level is too low, the mechanisms in the pool wall won’t work properly.
One of the most important cleaning agents is chlorine, which disinfects the water and prevents algae from forming. If the pool is being used a lot, the chlorine level will naturally drop, so it will need topping up to keep it safe.
You also need to check the pH of your water, ideally, it will be at around 7.2. An incorrect pH can irritate the skin or damage your pool over time.
3. Check and Repair Damage
Even if you look after your pool, it can get damaged over time. Keep an eye out for potential issues before they become expensive problems. Filters are especially prone to blockages, which makes it harder to keep your pool clean.
If you notice something odd, such as the water temperature dropping, then check it out right away rather than letting the problem get worse. Another potential problem is a leaking pool liner, which can cause your water level to drop. This can sometimes be patched, but it may need a pool liner replacement. If you stay vigilant, you can save inconvenience and money.
