Keeping Your Swimming Pool Cleaning

Published on – Apr 07, 2014

Though a lot of work goes into preparing the site and installation of your swimming pool, the real work begins after your swimming pool is installed. Whether you have an in-ground or above ground pool, you likely have a patio or deck built next to it. Concrete, treated wood and long lasting pool liners make it so your pool lasts for many years, but only if you keep up with the sometimes tedious task of cleaning it daily. Learning the basics of pool cleaning and using automated pool accessories to keep your pool clean make the job much easier.

Basic Pool Cleaning

Some companies that sell pool materials offer everything from full service routine pool cleaning to all of the tools, chemicals and other things needed to keep the water in your swimming pool crystal clear yourself. Many also offer instructional services to teach you how to change the filter media, how to prime the swimming pool pump, how to check the chlorine level of your swimming pool and how to use everything from a skimmer to a pool sweeper.

Each day that your swimming pool is open you should use test strips to check the level of chlorine and the pool’s pH level. Most test strips also test for other things as well. The daily routine of skimming bugs and leaves off of the surface should also be done. During the hottest part of summer, daily vacuuming of the liner to remove algae and grime is also often needed. Changing the diatomaceous earth filter media should be done based on the amount of hours the filter is running and the cleanliness of the water.

Automatic Pool Cleaning and Maintenance

A floating container that continuously disperses chlorine into your pool is a great help in keeping the water clear. Just replace the chlorine tabs as they slowly dissolve. Also, acquiring an automatic pool sweeper from a company that sells pool accessories can free up a lot of your time. An automatic sweeper continuously vacuums up debris and algae from the floor of your pool while no one is swimming. A robotic pool sweeper is capable of cleaning the floor and sides of your pool all the way up to the water line where grime likes to collect. There are many models available to choose from.

Pool Chemicals

The main pool chemical you are going to use most is chlorine. It keeps the water clear and inhibits the growth of bacteria and algae. However, you must read and follow the instructions for its use carefully. Chlorine is a strong oxidizer capable of causing severe chemical burns if mishandled. It is safe when diluted in the thousands of gallons of water in your pool. However, you can use too much. This causes eyes to burn and makes skin and hair feel dry after swimming. Store extra chlorine tabs away from any other chemicals since it can violently react with glycerine and other things.

Algae control additives are useful during the hottest times of the swimming season. It alters the chemistry of the water to inhibit the growth of algae. Mechanically removing heavy algae growth from your pool liner takes a lot of work. Keeping some algae control additive on hand will keep your pool water clear instead of green.

The easiest way to keep your pool clean is to stick with high-quality pool supplies and accessories. Large department stores often lack in the range of pool chemicals, supplies and accessories they offer. A pool and spa retailer is most likely to have the items you want for your pool in stock as well as providing an opportunity to learn the best way to keep pools clean.