Regular pool servicing is essential to keep your pool clean, safe, and operational. Here’s a basic overview of key aspects of pool maintenance:
1. Cleaning:
- Skimming: Remove debris like leaves, bugs, and other floating objects using a pool skimmer. This should be done daily or several times a week.
- Brushing: Scrub the walls, steps, and floor of the pool to remove dirt and algae build-up. A pool brush with stiff bristles is great for this task. Do this weekly.
- Vacuuming: Use a manual or automatic pool vacuum to clean the pool floor of dirt and debris. This should be done weekly.
2. Water Chemistry:
- pH levels: Keep the pH between 7.2 and 7.8 to ensure the water is neither too acidic nor too alkaline.
- Chlorine: Chlorine keeps the pool free of bacteria and algae. Ideal levels are between 1-3 ppm (parts per million).
- Alkalinity: Maintain alkalinity between 80-120 ppm to help stabilize the pH.
- Calcium Hardness: Calcium hardness should be between 200-400 ppm to prevent scaling or etching on the pool surface.
- Cyanuric Acid: This helps stabilize chlorine in the pool. Keep levels between 30-50 ppm.
3. Filtration System:
- Check the Pump: Make sure your pool pump is running smoothly. Clean the pump basket regularly to ensure it doesn’t get clogged.
- Filter Cleaning: Your pool’s filter (cartridge, sand, or DE) should be cleaned or replaced regularly depending on the type. A cartridge filter should be cleaned every 3-4 months. Sand filters may need to be backwashed once a week or as necessary.
- Backwashing: For sand filters, backwashing (flushing the filter with water in the opposite direction) should be done when the pressure gauge is 8-10 psi higher than normal.
4. Water Level:
- Ensure the water level is halfway up the skimmer opening. If it’s too low, the pump may run dry, which can cause damage.
5. Pool Cover:
- Using a pool cover can help keep debris out of the pool and reduce cleaning time. During the off-season, cover the pool to protect it from dirt and to maintain water quality.
6. Seasonal Maintenance:
- Opening/Closing: For areas with cold winters, you’ll need to properly open and close your pool at the beginning and end of the season.
- Winterizing: This includes draining the water level, cleaning the pool, and adding winterizing chemicals before closing.
