Simon Hopes

When it comes to keeping your pool in fine working order, you have a fair amount of planning and preparation to do to get to that stage. If you want to keep your pool looking nice and clean, then you have a few major issues you need to contend with. To help you understand the top things you need to do to keep your pool clean, follow the path below. This will break down the most important elements of a clean and clear pool to avoid build-up and decay.

Learn about pool water.

The first part of pool maintenance is going to be learning to appreciate the consistency of pool water. Becoming familiar with the alkalinity and the pH levels of your water should be the first and most important part of your pool education. The total alkalinity of your pool is very important as it lets you know how the water is dealing with acidity. pH scales tend to go from 0-14, with a ‘natural’ level of 7 being the ideal stopping point.

To do this properly you have to get used to the idea of managing chlorine and other key levels. You need chlorine to sanitize the water and get rid of any infections. You also have to take note the hardness of calcium – low calcium levels will ruin the pool and make water a corroding element.

Also, your water will be seeing plenty of sun. add in some cyanuric acid to protect the chlorine you use to disinfect the water from being messed with by the UV rays from the sun.

Typically, your pH should be tested twice weekly, and be between 7.2-7.8. Your chlorine should be tested twice weekly, also, and levels should be around 1-2.0 ppm. Typically, test your alkaline levels once a week and alkalinity should be around 80-120ppm. Testing twice per season, cyanuric acids should be around 40-80 ppm. For calcium, try to make sure twice per season that they are anything from 180-220 ppm should be what you are looking for.

Get used to regular maintenance.

Your pool is going to need maintenance – and lots of it. All of the above should be tested a lot, but you also have to look for the structure of the pool as much as anything else. When buying all of the above, make sure you pick up some algaecide from the store as well. Algaecide stops all of these little plants from settling into your pool. Dealing with this first and foremost should be your #1 priority.

When it comes to physical care, be sure to get into the mindset of manually cleaning your pool every single day. Brushes, cleaners and any kind of debris-catcher should be employed to help remove dirt and debris.

Also, make sure that your filters are working properly. Whether it’s a sand, cartilage or diatomaceous filter, you have to keep an eye on it. Regular servicing and replacement every few years can keep your pool in fine working order.

Stick to the regime above and you will have the basics of keeping your pool clear of debris, free of algae and without any nasty ingredients growing or forming from within. Pool management is long and challenging, but it’s rewarding to follow through with!