If you are lucky enough to live in this sunny country and own a pool, here are some tips and tricks to keep your pool inviting, sparkling clean, refreshing and ready for use every day!
Pool maintenance is an important concept for all pool owners; however it can be a complicated process. So here are some very simple steps for you to follow, to easily maintain the health of your pool.
Pool Maintenance
The maintenance of your pool varies greatly through the seasons; therefore following a regular pool maintenance program is essential. This can be done by either yourself or a licenced pool maintenance company in your local area.
One of the most essential pool maintenance procedures is regularly testing of your pool water to ensure it is safe to swim in and looks aesthetically pleasing. Monitoring the pH balance and chlorine levels regularly, will help to ensure that bacteria, viruses, algae and other organisms do not develop in your pools water. This is essential for avoiding cloudy water, irritated skin and burning eyes of swimmers.
Additionally, failing to properly monitor your pool water and incorrect chemical levels can impact upon the longevity of your pool equipment, including your solar pool heating and shorten its lifespan.
Pool maintenance varies from season to season. Swimming Pool and Spa Association (SPASA) has developed a list of the top tips for pool owners to ensure their pools are in top condition year round. Some of these tips include:
Summer
- Operate the filtration system 6 – 8 hours a day
- Daily checks sanitiser levels
- Every two days check the pH
- Weekly checks the Total Alkalinity (TA) and clean the skimmer basket and lint pot
- Fortnightly checks pool water
- Thoroughly backwash your sand or DE filter or remove and clean the cartridge from your cartridge filter, depending on pool use
- Maintain the water level at least half way up to the skimmer box opening
- Clean the pool and vacuum the walls and floor of the pool regularly
Autumn
- Regularly clean your pool to remove leaves and other debris
- Using a pool cover can prevent leaves entering the pool or skimmer
- Reduce filtration hours to two to three hours a day or in salt pools, reduce the chlorine output as the days get cooler
- ‘Winterise’ your pool using a winter treatment kit
Winter
- Keep your pool completely covered
- Fortnightly checks of the chlorine and pH levels
- Regularly check and empty the skimmer basket when full
- Occasionally check the water level is half way up the skimmer box opening
- Periodically check the pressure gauge is within a normal range
- Turn the pool lights on for at least 30 minutes a week to prevent build-up of moisture within the light and wiring
Spring
- Regularly and thoroughly clean the pool
- Check the pool equipment and organise a service by a licenced pool technician
- Check for leaks
- Fortnightly checks of the chlorine and pH levels
- Check and empty the skimmer basket while also checking the water level
- Occasionally check the pressure gauge on the filter is not indicating ‘backwash’
- Turn the pool lights on for at least 30 minutes a week to prevent build-up of moisture within the light and wiring
By following the above tips and tricks you can ensure the health of your pool all year long.