There are a whopping 10.4 million residential pools in the United States — and you have one of them.
And, in many ways, having a pool is a great asset to your home and you. Whether you already have one or you’re thinking of having one installed, its main benefit is that it’s fun for you and your family.
But there’s one problem: you don’t know how to maintain a pool. Is it hard work? Is it worth it?
Read on to find out.
How to Maintain a Pool
Some people will hire a professional to maintain their pool. But you want to learn how to keep your pool yourself. Good news: it doesn’t have to be that hard of a task.
1. Clean Out Debris
Start with the most obvious place to clean: debris. Invest in a skimmer and spend a few minutes each day removing leaves and other debris from the surface of your pool.
Also, check the skimmer baskets that automatically collect any additional debris for you. Empty it to make room for the next day’s collection of leaves.
If you want to make your daily skimming even easier, cut back any trees and bushes that surround your pool. That way, fewer leaves and branches will end up floating in the water.
2. Add Chemicals
Chemicals for pools keep the water safe and clean so that you can swim securely.
Your pool’s pH level should be between 7.4 and 7.6. If it’s below that range, you’ll add soda ash. A higher reading will require you to add muriatic acid.
You also need chlorine — at least 1 part per million. More options of pool cleaners chemicals that you can use alternatively.
3. Try a Vacuum
A pool vacuum will work wonders in maintaining your pool and removing any algae. Follow the instructions that come with your equipment to ensure you install it correctly.
Once your pool vacuum is in place, you’ll spend about a half-hour cleaning the bottom of the pool. Afterward, check the pool tiles closer to the surface. You can’t use the vacuum to clean them, so grab a brush and scrub away any algae growth.
4. Clean the Pump
Your pool pump is sure to gather dirt — lint, hair and other finer pieces of debris that your skimmer baskets might miss.
As such, you’ll have to clean out the pump every so often so that it can function at its best. Your pump has a built-in basket where all of the debris will gather, so it’s not a tough job. Just dump it out when it fills up to ensure your pump continues working and cleaning out your pool.
5. Backwash the Filter
You’ll also have to backwash the filter to keep your pool clean. This method prevents you from having to clean it manually.
Different filters will require different backwashing techniques. Your pump probably has a backwash setting to make it even easier for you to helm this part of the cleaning process. But you should regularly backwash your filter to keep it clean and able to filter more dirt from your pool.
Keep the Pool Clean
Learning how to maintain a pool will require some study, but you’re sure to get the hang of it quickly. Once you do, you’ll have that sparkling backyard oasis of which you dream. And you can rest assured that everyone who swims in it will be safe when they do.
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