Having a pool in your backyard is luxurious and refreshing during the hot summer months. However, owning a pool also comes with responsibilities - one of which is ensuring its proper maintenance. While it's essential to have a professional service your pool annually or biannually, maintaining it yourself in between services can save you money and keep your pool in top shape. In this blog post, we share the ultimate guide to DIY pool maintenance, so your pool is always crystal clear and ready for use.
The first step in maintaining your pool is keeping it clean. Use a skimmer net to remove any leaves, twigs, or debris floating on the surface. Brush the pool walls and floor to remove any dirt that may be stuck. Clean out your pool's filtration system regularly, ensuring that you remove any debris that could clog the filters. Remember to backwash your filter too. You could also invest in an automatic pool cleaner to make it easier to remove debris from your pool.
Pool water chemistry is crucial when it comes to maintaining it. You need to test your pool water regularly to ensure that the pH levels are balanced, the chlorine levels are sufficient, and the alkalinity is right. Chemical imbalances could cause skin irritation, cloudy water, and even bacteria growth. Invest in a good pool testing kit and test your water regularly, especially after heavy pool use.
The water level in your pool will vary depending on weather changes, pool activity, and evaporation. Your pool's water level should be above the skimmer line, but too much water can cause pool damage, while too little water can damage the motor. Check your pool water levels regularly and top up or drain the water as needed.
If you use a pool cover, ensure it is clean and free of debris before using it. Remove any debris that could blow into the pool before opening the cover. When closing the cover, make sure it's secure and protected from the wind and extreme weather.
Even with the most rigorous DIY pool maintenance schedules, it's essential to have your pool serviced professionally every six months at a minimum. A professional can detect any underlying problems and fix them before they worsen. Regular pool maintenance could involve cleaning your pool tiles, inspecting the pool equipment, maintaining your pool's plumbing, and replacing any worn-out parts.
Maintaining a pool yourself in between professional servicing could save you money and ensure your pool is always in top condition. Always remember to keep your pool clean, balanced water chemistry, maintain proper water levels, keep the pool cover clean and have your pool professionally serviced regularly. By following these tips, you can take pride in having a crystal-clear pool that's always ready for use. If you're looking for a pool service Orlando, FL, contact Pure & Simple Pool Care today for any professional pool services you may need.