More than 10 million people have residential swimming pools in the United States. Not only is it a great way to cool off during the summer, but it’s also a great way to stay active.
You just have to make sure to maintain it regularly. That way, your pool water will stay clean and free of debris.
Did you recently install a swimming pool? Looking for some pool maintenance tips? If so, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading for everything that you need to know about pool care!
1. Clean the Pool Filter
The pool filter is responsible for trapping contaminants such as dirt or insects. They work by passing water through a bed of sand; the filtered water is then returned to the pool via a standpipe.
As a general rule, you want to clean the filter every three to six months. You also want to clean the cartridge filter if the pressure on the gauge rises more than 8 PSI above the normal operating pressure.
To clean it, all you need is a bucket. Fill it with warm water and add in one cup of liquid dish soap. Submerge the dirty filter in the soapy water and let it soak for at least one hour before rinsing off the soap residue.
2. Clean the Skimmer Basket
The skimmer basket is a basket-shaped device that’s responsible for catching large debris before it can sink down to the bottom of the pool. Ideally, you want to clean it at least once a week (more if you’re using the pool on a regular basis).
The more often you clean the basket, the better your filtration will be.
Start by turning off the pump. Once you’ve done that, take off the lid. From there, remove the skimmer basket. Dump out the contents and give the basket a quick rinse with a garden rose. When you’re finished, install the basket back into the skimmer.
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3. Check the Water Quality
Check your chlorine levels at least twice a week; it should stay between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. Anything lower and the water can harbor harmful bacteria. You don’t want it to be too high either as that can cause a swimmer’s itch.
Also, it’s important to test the pH. Assuming that it’s well balanced, you should get a reading between 7.4 and 7.6. Anything above that will be too alkaline.
Not only will it reduce the effectiveness of the chlorine, but it can also cause scaling on pool equipment due to calcium build-up.
Not sure how to test your water? You can always hire a professional pool maintenance service such as Aqua Premier Pool Services to do it for you.
The Importance of Pool Maintenance
Pool maintenance is important if you want to keep your swimming pool in tip-top shape. Not only will it keep the water clean, but it’ll also protect your equipment.
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