We all want to swim in a pool that looks crystal clear. A pool that is inviting and doesn’t have an algae problem. To make this happen, we need to take some steps to keep our water clean and clear.
This means we need to take care of the chemicals, the filter, and the pump. Not many things are worse than getting ready for a swim, walking out back to your pool only to find it looks like a swamp! So follow these tips so you can swim anywhere, anytime.
Mr Pool Man has several cleaning products and equipment you need to clean your pool, including pressure cleaners, robotic cleaners, and more!
What Are the Pool Maintenance Must-Haves?
There are a lot to consider when it comes to pool maintenance: chemical balance, filtration, circulation, safety, and more. The job can be overwhelming for even the most seasoned pool owner.
1. Cleaning chemicals
Just like in your home, you should have a good variety of common pool chemicals on hand for those tough jobs – from cleaning the walls to disinfecting the floor. Having the right chemicals will make the process quicker and easier.
Oxidizers
These chemicals help inhibit algae growth and contribute to the breakdown of organic compounds such as sweat, urine, and body oils.
They work by increasing oxygen levels in the water. Also known as “shock treatments,” oxidizers must be used at least once per week or whenever the water becomes cloudy or green.
Bromine
It is as effective as chlorine for disinfection and helps eliminate algae and bacteria that can cause harm. Also, it’s a good choice if you have sensitive skin or allergies to chlorine.
However, it’s important to note that bromine levels are harder to monitor than chlorine because their pH level varies with temperature.
Alkalinity Adjuster
This is used to raise the total alkalinity of your pool water. Total alkalinity is the measure of all the alkaline materials in your water. It is important because it provides a buffer against pH changes, which can be caused by rain, swimmers, and other factors on the water’s surface.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a chemical used to kill germs and bacteria that could potentially make swimmers sick. This product comes in a few forms, including chlorine tablets and powder chlorine.
Tablets are most commonly used because they are easier to add to the water and don’t require as much maintenance as other forms of chlorine products.
Phosphate Removers
Phosphates are nutrients in your water that feed algae and other contaminants, so getting rid of them is essential for keeping your water clean.
Look for phosphate removers that go to work immediately and keep phosphates below detectable levels.
Cyanuric Acid
Keeping the optimum pH level is a big part of maintaining a healthy pool, and cyanuric acid helps you do that.
This chemical stabilizer keeps chlorine from evaporating quickly by shielding it from sunlight. Much like sunscreen protects our skin, cyanuric acid prevents the sun’s UV rays from robbing chlorine of its effectiveness.
2. Filtration
A good filter is one of the most important equipment in any swimming pool maintenance collection. Aside from keeping your pool clean and clear of debris, they help maintain a healthy chemical balance.
You don’t want to run too much filtration — that could result in cloudy water and ruined chlorine or bromine levels, which will ruin your pool.
You’ll want a powerful pump that can handle large amounts of water for those tough jobs. So, look for heavy-duty filtration units with lots of power and a rated flow rate above 1,000 gallons per hour.
Various types of filters help remove debris from your pool water. They are:
Sand filters
They use sand media to catch dirt particles as water passes through them.
Diatomaceous earth filters
They use diatomaceous earth or diatomite, fossilized silica-rich algae, to capture smaller particles than sand filters can.
Cartridge filtration
It uses synthetic fiber cartridges to filter out debris and microorganisms such as bacteria and algae spores.
3. Pool Vacuum
If you have an inground swimming pool, a vacuum is a convenient way to pick up debris and dirt that has settled on the bottom.
Don’t forget about above-ground pools too! While smaller than inground models, these pools still accumulate dirt quickly, so keeping them clean is important. Choose from automatic or manual options depending on your needs
4. Swimming pool brushes
These come in different shapes, sizes and materials. The bristles can be made of plastic, metal, or fiberglass.
They’re designed to remove dirt, algae, and debris from your swimming pool walls, floor, and skimmer basket. Some models have multiple rows of bristle slots to help clean the bottom of your pool and walls.
5. Robotic Pool Cleaners
These are some of the most efficient and effective cleaners out there. Unlike many other cleaning options, these automated cleaners do not require users to spend time manually vacuuming their pool.
Instead, they use programmable software to clean the entirety of the floor and walls of your swimming pool. Some even scrub tile lines and water lines. They are user-friendly, making it possible for anyone to have a clean swimming pool with little effort.
6. Pool Skimmers
They are designed to remove large debris, such as leaves and branches, from the surface of your pool’s water. Also, they should be cleaned after every use to help prevent bacteria buildup.
7. Water Circulation System
A good circulating system will keep your water clear and clean and reduce the number of chemicals you’ll need to add to maintain proper chemical balance. The right circulation system will save you time and money in the long run.
Every Pool Owner Needs a Good Cleaning Tool Collection
Maintaining your swimming pool is a great way to enjoy the summer outdoors while maintaining your family’s health.
Also, it doesn’t need to be a chore or an expensive endeavor. With a few simple, low-cost tools and supplies, you can keep your pool clean and safe for swimming with ease.
Beyond this, it’s a great way to create a beautiful outdoor space. It also helps you build up your knowledge of pools, chemicals, etc.