How to Maintain a Swimming Pool in Summer

Whether you take a quick dip or get that sun-kissed look as you sunbathe, your pool area is the perfect spot for summer. Make sure to keep your swimming pool in excellent condition so that you can enjoy it all summer long.

Here are some tips on how you can maintain your swimming pool in summer.

Use the Right Tools

One of the most basic rules for pool maintenance is that you need to have the right tools to get the job done. 

Make sure you have a list of essentials that you will need to clean and keep your swimming pool clean such as a pool brush, pool vacuum, telescopic pole, water testing kit, hand skimmer, pool blanket, pool cleaner, and filter solution.

Clean your Pool Filter

A dirty filter means dirty pool water. If you do not regularly clean your pool, it will not be able to function the way it is supposed to, and you will end up with murky unfiltered pool water. Learn about the cost of a pool liner and how investing in quality materials can extend the lifespan of your swimming pool, saving you money in the long run.

There are different types of pool filters:

• Diatomaceous earth filters – must be emptied and replaced regularly every other week
• Cartridge filters – can be cleaned by hosing it or by soaking it in a filter cleaner solution overnight
• Sand filters – can be cleaned by using the backwash to remove any dirt or debris. These not recommended anymore since they are deemed problematic

Sweep the Deck

Clean the surrounding area of your swimming pool by sweeping or hosing off the walkways. Make sure to keep debris and trash from falling straight into the water as well. Ideally, hose down your pool deck at least once a week to avoid concrete and tile staining due to splatters and food remnants.

Skim Out Debris

If you have a lot of plants in your backyard, there is a high chance that the wind will blow debris into your swimming pool, and your skimmer baskets will fill up quickly. Regularly check your baskets and take out the leaves, sticks and litter it collects. Aside from skimmer baskets, a hand skimmer can also help you collect the leaves and clutter floating along without the need to jump inside the pool.

Vacuum the Pool

Get a pool vacuum for hard-to-reach debris. Just like how a normal household vacuum would work, the pool vacuum cleans the surface of the pool flooring. You can either get a manual pool vacuum or an automated pool vacuum that you can run on a schedule. Clean the surface of your pool regularly every week.

Scrub your Pool Tiles

Over time, algae, limescale, dust, and other matters can cause algae, limescale and other matters that tend to accumulate in your swimming pool.

Even when you vacuum your pool, algae and stubborn built-up minerals will remain. To effectively remove these, scrub your pool floor and walls by using a thick-bristle pool brush.

Avoid aggressive chemical solutions that may damage your pool coating whether it is ceramic, PVC, paint, etc. Remember to handle chemical solutions with care and protect yourself with proper gear.

Check your Pool’s Chlorine Levels

While chlorine cleans your pool and kills algae and other harmful bacteria, too much chlorine can also cause burns and skin irritation. Ensure that the chemical level of the chlorine in your pool is safe. Conduct daily checks of your water’s chlorine levels with a water testing kit.

Maintain your Pool’s pH Level

Another thing to look out for aside from chlorine levels is the pH level of your pool water. Water acidity can range from 0 and 14 with 7 being neutral. For pool water, the ideal pH level is between 7.2 and 7.8.

With a water testing kit, you can test your pool’s pH level using strip testing. If your pool level is lower than 7.2 use soda ash. To decrease the level from 7.8, use muriatic acid.

If your pool is the average size of 15,000 gallons, use ½ gallon of muriatic acid. If your pool is smaller, start with just half a cup and re-test. You can also call a professional pool service to do the work for you if you don’t have experience in using these chemicals.

Check for Tears or Leaks

Cracks on tiles or tears can cause major problems to your pool. Always inspect your pool for any cracks, blemishes and other problems before using it for the summer season. You can check if your pool is leaking simply by doing a bucket test.

Fill a bucket ¾ of the way and mark the waterline. Put it inside the pool and mark the waterline on the outside of the bucket. Let the bucket float for a few days. Go back to your bucket and check if the water both inside and outside of the bucket. If the same amount of water went down for both inside and outside of the bucket, this is caused by evaporation. If the water went down more on the outside, there is probably a leak, and you will need to hire a professional to fix it.

After accomplishing the mentioned tips and more, your pool is now ready for summer. Finally, it’s time to relax and bask under the summer sun while cooling down in your pool.