ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW IN POOL CLEANING
There are a lot of fun activities associated with pools. A refreshing dip on hot summer days, pool party on Friday nights, swimming lapses to stay fit, and simply relaxing in clean and sparkling blue water are just some of the great things you can do with pools. But with all these fun activities, lies the burden of maintaining the cleanliness of the pool to the pool owner.
Every pool owner wants the same thing, to maintain the sparkling blue water. One great way to do this is to establish an efficient pool cleaning routine. The first decision when getting your pool is do you want a salt water pool (yes they exist – my friend has one) or a chlorinated pool? If a saltwater pool you need to have hayward salt cell – instead of chlorine.
Before you jump in the work, you will need these cleaning tools to make the job easier.
- Telescoping Pole
The most basic tool you will need is a telescoping pole. All the other cleaning tools will be attached to this pole so you will need a durable one that can last a long time. Also, make sure that the length is relative to the size of your swimming pool.
- Leaf Skimmer/Net
Another tool you need is a skimmer or a net which will be attached to your telescoping pole. Use a skimmer to gather up the debris floating on the surface of your swimming pool like leaves and insects. Use a net for deeper and dirtier pools, as this has a deeper net than a skimmer and has a rubber lip that allows you to scrape deep into the bottom part of your pool.
- Pool Wall Brush
The heaviest part in the cleaning process is brushing the pool. You will need to brush the dirt that has accumulated in the walls, ladders, and at the bottom of your pool. Brush the dirt towards the drain so it can be easily vacuumed afterwards. There are different types of brushes that are used for certain types of surfaces. So make sure you know the material of your pool surface before buying a pool brush.
- Check Filter
Filters play an important role as it screen out debris from your pool so make sure you select the best pool filter. It is very important to clean them regularly for it to function at its optimal level. It is recommended to empty your filter every week.
- Pool Vacuum
There are different types of vacuums, each of which are designed for specific cleaning purposes for certain type of pools. The same with choosing your pool brush make sure to know your pool surface before purchasing a pool vacuum cleaner.
Remember to clean these tools right after every use, to make sure that these tools are clean and free from debris the next time you use them.
When you already have those tools, then you’re all geared up. You are now ready to take on the actual work. It can be tough, but it is an important process if you want to enjoy a clean and sanitized pool for years. So here, we’ve come up with these simple steps on how to clean your pool.
- The first step is to skim the surface of your pool for floating leaves, insects and debris. It is important to remove them before they sink as it is a lot harder to remove and might even stain pool surfaces. To begin, simply attach the skimmer with the telescopic pole and you’re all set.
- Next, attach your brush with the telescopic pole. Then, you can then start scrubbing the walls of your pool, the stairs, and ladder. This is the hardest task as it might require you to use force especially when the dirt has already accumulated.
- The next step is to clean the floor. This is the time to use your vacuum. If you’re using an automatic vacuum cleaner, you just have to turn it on and let it do the work. But if you manually vacuum your pool, you will need to attach it to a telescopic pole like you did with the skimmer and brush. Insert the hose into the pool. Before fitting it to the pump, make sure to remove the air from the hose and you’re all set. Vacuum your pool the same way you vacuum your carpet.
When you’re done with the cleaning process, here are some tips you need to add in your routine in a weekly basis.
- Check Chemical Level
Bacteria and algae are unwanted guests at any pool party. Balanced water chemistry is essential to pool maintenance. Test the pH level, alkalinity and calcium hardness to make sure you have balanced pool water. This keeps your metal equipment and plaster surfaces in a good condition, avoiding them from corroding and etching. It is also an important factor to prevent eye and skin irritation for pool users. To help you can purchase 35% hydrogen peroxide.
- Consider Shock
A regular shock treatment prevents algae from accumulating in your pool. It also targets dirt and bacteria caused by urine and sweat that has accumulated in you pool.
So these are the essential steps in pool cleaning! This might sound like a lot of work, but when done regularly this will be a no sweat for you. Now you will be able to enjoy and have all the fun in the world with your pool! Happy swimming!