Tips for Cleaning your Swimming Pool

Owning your own swimming pool can be a great addition to any home, providing an excellent space to relax, cool off, and generally make memories! However, it is important that you keep the area well maintained to ensure that it will provide your family and friends with years of hassle-free use. In this article, we have covered some of the main tips for cleaning your swimming pool will require.

Opening

At the beginning of the swimming season, you will need to prepare your pool for the summer ahead:

• Remove, clean and properly store the cover;
• Thoroughly clean and vacuum the shell;
• Add water to the desired height (if required) at a rate of 25mm per hour;
• Inspect the electrical components, filters, skimmers, drains, ladders, diving boards, plugs and gauges (if applicable);
• Test the water balance, pH, calcium hardness and total alkalinity levels;
• Lubricate the fittings, valves, o-rings and plugs; and
• Add algaecide to the water as required.

2-3 Times Per Week

There are a number of maintenance tasks that should be completed 2-3 times per week for maximum effect throughout the length of the season.

• Empty the skimmer and pump basket; and
• Vacuum the shell (brush the sides and bottom, even if you have an automatic cleaner, as this will loosen dirt and other particles).

Weekly

Thoroughly cleaning your swimming pool on a weekly basis is a great way to keep it sparkling all summer long.

• Remove any large accumulations of debris from the bottom;
• Visually inspect the water for clarity, colour and visible contaminants;
• Test and adjust the pH levels (your property might require more frequent testing depending on environmental conditions);
• Check that the water level is high enough for the pump to operate;
• Check the water level and adjust as necessary;
• Test the chlorine levels (free chlorine levels should be between 1-3 ppm and free bromine levels should be between 3-5 ppm); and
• Clean the tile at the water line.

Monthly

There are some maintenance tasks that only need to be performed monthly – just ensure that you don’t forget them

• Chemically cleaning the swimming pool filter;
• Visually inspect the tile, grout, sealant and other exposed elements;
• Test your salt levels (if you have a saltwater pool);
• If you have a vinyl liner, check for holes and tears and make repairs;
• If you have a concrete or fiberglass pool, check for cracks;
• Check all handrails, steps and other safety equipment; and
• Check the seals in your motor and pump.

Closing

At the end of the swimseason, it is important that you have properly prepared yourpool for the winter ahead.

• Balance the water chemistry;
• Run the filter continuously for 24 to 48 hours;
• Thoroughly clean and vacuum the shell;
• Remove skimmer baskets, cleaners, ladders, wall fittings and solar blankets from the area;
• Winterise the plumbing by blowing out the lines and plugging;
• Drain all pumping, filtering, heating and sanitising equipment; and
• Cover the pool with a tight fitting pool cover.

Please keep in mind that the information provided in this article is intended to be used as a guide only and does not represent an exact maintenance regime. We recommend contacting the contractor responsible for the installation of the pool or a local specialist to set up a schedule that meets the specific needs of your property and installation. Once you’ve don’t this, cleaning your swimming pool can become a hassle-free process that you can simply tick off a few times a week – before diving in to the crystal clear water!