Owning a pool is a big responsibility. Not only do you have to keep it clean and free of algae, but you also have to maintain proper PH levels and chlorine levels. Pool maintenance can be a lot of work, but it might be worth it for those hot summer/early fall days when you can take a dip in your own backyard! There are many homes with pools in our Carmel Valley market and areas of the Highway 68 corridor, so if you have a pool or are considering installing one, this post might be helpful for you!
Pool cleaning can be a daunting task. There are a chemicals involved and if you don’t use them correctly, it could be dangerous. Hiring a professional pool cleaner might be the best option for you, as they will know exactly what to do and how to safely handle all of the chemicals. They will also have the proper equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently. However, DIY is another alternative and might be worth considering if you don’t mind the chore.
If you have decided to take on the challenge of cleaning your pool yourself, there are a few things you should know before you get started. First of all, it is important to test the pH levels of your pool water. This can be achieved by using a pool test kit. The ideal pH level for pool water is between seven and eight. If the pH level is too low, it can cause skin irritation and problems with your pool’s filtration system. Too high of a pH level can also cause problems, as it can make the chlorine less effective.
Next, you will need to test the chlorine levels. Again, this can be done with a pool test kit. The ideal chlorine level for pool water is between one and three parts per million. If the chlorine level is too low, it can allow bacteria to grow in the pool water. Too high of a chlorine level can also cause problems, as it can make the pool water uncomfortable to swim in.
Once you have tested the pH and chlorine levels, you will need to adjust them accordingly. This can be done by adding pool chemicals to the water. Pool chemicals can be purchased at your local pool supply store. Be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully, as using too much of a pool chemical can be just as harmful as not using enough.
After the pH and chlorine levels have been adjusted, you will need to clean the pool filter. This is an important step in pool maintenance, as a dirty pool filter can cause all sorts of problems, including cloudy water and clogged pipes. To clean the pool filter, you will need to backwash it. This can be done by following the directions in your pool’s owner’s manual.
Once the pool filter has been cleaned, you will need to vacuum the pool. This is an important step in pool maintenance, as it helps to remove any dirt or debris that might be floating around in the water. Vacuuming the pool is also a good way to check for any leaks. To vacuum the pool, you will need to attach the vacuum head to the pool hose and then lower it into the water. Be sure to move the vacuum head slowly across the bottom of the pool, as moving too fast can cause cloudiness.
After you have vacuumed the pool, you will need to brush the walls and floor. This helps to remove any algae that might be growing on the surfaces of the pool. To brush the pool, you will need to attach a pool brush to a pool pole and then lower it into the water. Be sure to move the pool brush slowly across the surfaces of the pool, as moving too fast can damage the pool.
After you have brushed the pool, you will need to shock it. This helps to kill any bacteria that might be present in the water. To shock the pool, you will need to add pool shock to the water, which can be purchased at your local pool supply store or online. Be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully, as using too much pool shock can be just as harmful as not using enough.
Once you have shocked the pool, you will need to test the pH and chlorine levels again. This helps to ensure that the pool water is safe to swim in. To test the pH and chlorine levels, you will need to use a pool test kit.
We hope this helps you evaluate whether you are going to DIY pool maintenance or hire a pro! Thanks for reading.
***Disclaimer – we are not pool experts and this information was gathered through online research.