If you have a pool in your backyard, you should consider yourself lucky. Not only is it a great asset to each household since it provides you with multiple benefits, but at the same time, it increases the overall value of your property. However, having one means that you have some additional chores on your to-do list.
In order to ensure your family’s safety and also to prolong the lifespan of your pool, it is crucial to maintain it regularly. If you are looking for some tips by professionals on renovating it, you should explore poolresurfacingplano.com because we will only provide you with some essential tips and explain common tasks you should complete every week.
Check the chemical levels
As you probably know, depending on the type of pool you have as well as the quality of water, you have to add some products to it. It further means that you have to regularly invest the water chemistry, to rest assured that it is perfectly safe for your children.
Doing this test has never been easier. Nowadays, there are test strips and kits you can purchase almost anywhere, and this task will only take you a few minutes. All you have to do is dip this strip into the water, wait for a bit for colors to fill in, and compare them to the ones on the box.
As a general rule, you should ensure that the pH level is anywhere between 7.2 and 7.8, with 7.4 being the optimal level. If it is lower, it means that you should add less chlorine to it. On the other hand, if it is too high, the chlorine in the water isn’t as effective as it should be.
What’s more, avoid the common mistake people usually make by adding chlorine without checking and controlling the pH levels. Yes, this is something that you have to do twice a week during the summer, but it will only take you a few minutes. If you need some help with these tools, go to your local pool store, and ask their employee for advice on how to control the pH level.
What is the water level?
Why is it important to maintain the water at a certain level? Well, if it isn’t at the right level, the skimmer, which we will further discuss later on, cannot work properly. For example, if the water is too high, it moves into the skimmer too slowly, meaning that not all the debris will be captured, and therefore, it will end at the bottom of the pool, so you will have to clean it manually.
On the other hand, if the level is too low, the water reach the skimmer, meaning that it will suck up the air, which can damage the system and the motor pump.
Clean the skimmer basket
The skimmer and its basket are handy little features installed on the pool’s side. Their main purpose is to attract and collect all the debris that falls into the pool before sinking to the bottom. You understand how useful this device is because it saves you a lot of cleaning time at the end of the day.
Obviously, the more effective this system is, the more debris it will collect, meaning that the basket will fill up quickly. To ensure that it always functions perfectly, you have to clean the basket as often as necessary since it is recommended to keep in nearly empty at all times.
Don’t forget about the pump pot basket
There is another system that collects debris from the pool, and it is located inside the pump. Basically, all the tiny junk that gets past the skimmer will end up here. When it comes to the frequency of cleaning this pot, it is usually around two weeks, but this mainly depends on the number of people that use it.
This task might take you some time because you will have to turn off the pump. When it comes to the type of this basket, there are multiple styles available, meaning that you should follow the instructions on how to open it and clean it properly. In addition, remember to check if there is any damage to it because even if the tiniest stone manages to get past it, it can have a catastrophic effect on the pump and the entire system.
Shock the pool
This task is mandatory because it is the best way to keep the water clean and avoid irritations and odor caused by the chlorine. Be aware that some of the chlorine products you regularly add to the pool already have this feature, so you won’t have to include any additional chemicals. However, if you opted for those that don’t have these shockers, your next task is to choose between the basic and multifunctional shock products.
The former will kill all the bacteria and get rid of any kind of residues, such as cosmetic and suntan lotions. Nevertheless, the latter will not only do this, but it will also boost the filtration, balance the pH level, and prevent algae from forming.
One more thing, if you opt for the first type of product, you should only use them at night, when no one will use the pool for a few hours, and when there is no sun to reduce the product’s effectiveness. However, this entire task is not necessary if you have an ozone system in it.
Clean the filters
Generally speaking, this is a task you have to complete only a few times a year. If you notice the strange odors coming from the pool and that the drain is clogged, it is time to remove the debris from the filters.
Most pools have a cartridge filter, which is super easy to clean. All you have to do is get some protective gear, such as eye protection, a pair of rubber gloves that cover above your wrists, and also you will need a trash can. Get some water, add a 10 percent solution of muriatic acid to it, and soak the filters. After some time, rinse them, let them dry, and that is it.