While keeping your pool clean year-round may seem like a daunting task, with a little bit of occasional work, you can get this done within a few minutes and it will only be a routine task. There are many different types of swimming pools but they all have one thing in common – the fact that they will only stay pristine with regular care. Keeping your pool clean is a rewarding task and once you know how to do it right, it won’t be the most difficult thing you’ll do that day. While these tips are all focused on handling things on your own, keep in mind that if you plan to fix murky water or broken pumps, make sure to consult instruction manuals or contact a professional. Even if you do rely on a pool cleaning company, it helps to know how to keep your pool healthy when they aren’t around.

Filter Maintenance

Without a filter, your pool cannot function. This is why it is important to keep it clean and working to its full potential at all times. There are 3 different filters that your pool may use: Sand, diatomaceous earth and most commonly, the cartridge filter. There are different techniques for cleaning each but each filter requires occasional cleaning. How often depends on when the filter is used and how long during the day the pump is on. An important thing to keep in mind is that a filter with a small amount of dirt in it is actually more efficient than a clean filter as the dirt traps particles that enter, effectively removing debris from the water. It is recommended to clean the filter when the difference is around 10 to 15 pounds per square inch.

Maintaining a consistent water level

Although bigger pool owners may not see it at first, a lot of water will be lost throughout a pool’s lifetime, whether it be from evaporation or splashing from people who use it. The water level must never fall below the skimmer as this could damage the pump. An easy way to keep the levels consistent is to occasionally fill the pool up with a hose pipe, especially when it Is warm. This will also put newer, cleaner water into the pool. If you do plan to drain your pool, make sure the water is exiting in a safe area and not into your road as this is illegal in most areas. It is also recommended not to leave your pool sitting empty for too long.

Finding and repairing leaks

While it may seem impossible to find at first, leaks are nonetheless a reality of owning a pool. Sometimes it is difficult to determine the presence of one, especially due to evaporation in warmer seasons. A good way to find out whether your pool is leaking is to conduct a bucket test. This involves filling a plastic bucket three quarters with water and marking the water line. After this, place the bucket in the pool and mark the water line outside of the bucket. Leave it for a day or two. If the water has gone down inside the bucket, then it is due to evaporation. But if the water has gone down more than that of the water inside your bucket, your pool has a leak. This is when you should contact a professional to have it patched. With above-ground pools, this is obviously a little easier as it will be a visual anomaly.

Opening your pool for swimming season

The excitement of opening up your pool to cool off during the hot summer can sometimes draw your mind away from the important practical steps that you need to take before removing the cover.  Make sure to clean around your pool and sweep away the leaves and debris to prevent it from entering your pool. Make sure to fill the pool back to its normal level if required. Also remember to open the skimmer line valve, test the pH level and shock the pool to get everything balanced. Immediately using the pool and disrupting the flow can be detrimental.

Professional Service

While it is possible to do most pool maintenance on your own, some aspects of pool cleaning should be left to the professionals. Such is the case with your pool heater. Although it does require the least maintenance out of all pool components, it is important to check up on it every few months. Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions to find out exactly how often this needs to be done. Sometimes there is calcium buildup which prevents adequate heating. If this happens, hire a professional to dissemble the heater and have the tubes cleaned out with a wire brush or acid. This will most likely not be too costly.

Contact Into The Blue Pools today for more pool service information – and