5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR POOL FROM TURNING GREEN THIS SUMMER
Top Tips for Summer Pool Maintenance
Stabilize water chemistry
It’s important to check the pH levels of your pool water regularly. You should also monitor the alkalinity and calcium hardness in your water. Keep the pH between 7 and 7.6. If the pH is above 8, it’s too alkaline and can cause skin irritation and make the water cloudy. If the pH is below 7, the water is too acidic and will make a swimmer’s eyes sting. High alkalinity and calcium can also stain your pool and cause scaling. To remedy these problems, test your water, adjust the pH accordingly and add chemicals as needed. It may be necessary on occasion to “shock” the pool water. Speaking of chemicals, it’s a good idea to “shock” your pool when necessary. The shock treatment will give the pool a temporary extra blast of chlorine to kill bacteria, which is sometimes needed after heavy use or a rainstorm.
Clean or Change the Filter
It’s important to remember to regularly replace the cartridge on your pool’s filter. If the filter is dirty, not only will you have a dirty pool, but your filter will also have a hard time doing its job. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations, but generally, to get the best performance , you should change your filter cartridge every two to four weeks, depending on how much use your pool gets. Check your filter media and the filter’s pressure gauge before you replace the cartridge.
Vacuum and Brush Regularly
You’ll need to vacuum and brush your pool if you want it to stay clean. If algae has been a big problem, you may occasionally need to use a chemical algae treatment, but regular vacuuming and brushing help prevent algae spores from taking hold on the walls and floor of the pool. Regular brushing also prevents staining, scaling, and etching, and will prolong the life of the surface coating. You will find that the time spent brushing will pay off in a cleaner, healthier pool.
For Good Circulation, Clean Skimmer Systems
In addition to keeping the water surface clean, the skimmer acts as a line of defense for the filter. It catches larger debris such as leaves, twigss and bugs that would clog the filter. So you should check the skimmer basket frequently to keep the water circulating freely through the system. Remember, the pump is the force that drives your entire filtration system, responsible for pulling water through the filter and back into your pool through the returns. The more dirt and debris in your pool, the harder your pump will have to work.
Hire a Professional
For many, pool maintenance is a year-round job. If you don’t have the time or desire to keep your pool in great shape, you might want to hire a professional. A professional swimming pool service has all the tools and know-how to keep your pool clean and healthy.