How to maintain your pool: a complete guide
Looking after your pool might seem like a big task at first, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it easy. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide on how to keep your pool clean, safe, and ready for swimming:
1. Test and Balance Pool Water Chemistry
Keeping your pool water balanced is crucial for clear, healthy water. Regularly check the following:
• Chlorine: Sanitises the water and kills bacteria.
Ideal level: 1-3 ppm (parts per million).
• pH Level: Ensures chlorine works properly and prevents irritation.
Ideal range: 7.2-7.6.
• Alkalinity: Helps stabilize pH levels.
Ideal level: 80-120 ppm.
• Calcium Hardness: Prevents scaling or damage to pool surfaces and equipment.
Ideal level: 200-400 ppm.
• Cyanuric Acid (Stabiliser): Protects chlorine from sunlight.
Ideal level: 30-50 ppm.
Test your water with a pool water test kit or have it checked at your local Bunnings or pool shop. Make sure you have the right pool chemicals to treat the water.
2. Regular Pool Cleaning Tasks
Keep your pool sparkling with these simple tasks:
• Skim Daily: Use a skimmer net to remove debris like leaves and bugs from the surface.
• Brush Weekly: Scrub the pool walls, steps, and floor to prevent dirt and algae buildup.
• Vacuum Weekly: Use a manual or automatic vacuum to clean the pool floor. Robot vacuums can be set to clean automatically.
3. Clean the Pool Filter
Your filter keeps the water clear, so make sure to clean or backwash it regularly:
• Sand or Glass Media Filters: Backwash every 2-4 weeks when the pressure gauge rises.
• Cartridge Filters: Remove and rinse cartridges every month and replace them every 1-2 years.
4. Check and Empty Baskets
• Skimmer Basket: Empty it every few days to prevent clogging.
• Pump Basket: Regularly empty the pump basket to ensure smooth operation.
5. Shock the Pool
Shock treatment is a must to kill bacteria, algae, and organic material. Do this every 2-4 weeks or after heavy pool use (like a party). Follow the instructions carefully.
6. Maintain Pool Equipment
Check your pool equipment regularly to ensure everything is working properly:
• Make sure the pump and filter are running smoothly.
• Check the pool heater (if you have one).
• Inspect the vacuum or robot cleaner for any blockages.
7. Inspect the Pool for Issues
Look for any potential problems:
• Check for leaks in the pool or plumbing.
• Look for cracks in the pool surface.
• Ensure the pool cover is in good condition and clean.
Helpful Tools & Products:
• Pool Test Kit: For checking chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and more.
• Skimmer Net: For removing debris from the surface.
• Pool Brush: For scrubbing walls and the pool floor.
• Pool Vacuum: Manual or automatic for cleaning the pool floor.
• Chlorine Tablets or Liquid Chlorine: To keep the pool sanitised.
• Shock Treatment: To give the pool a chlorine boost when needed.
• Algaecide: For preventing or treating algae growth.
Where to Start?
1. Test the Water: Check your pool’s chemical levels and adjust as needed.
2. Skim the Pool: Remove debris from the surface.
3. Brush and Vacuum: Clean the walls and floor of the pool.
4. Maintain the Filter: Clean or backwash your filter according to its type.
By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your pool in great shape. Regular maintenance ensures clear water, extends the life of your pool equipment, and provides a safe, enjoyable swimming experience.