To help keep your pool in good condition, follow these essential pool maintenance tasks.
1. Weekly cleaning
Frequent cleaning of your pool during swimming season can go a long way in terms of keeping your pool healthy and swimmable. If you haven’t done so already, pick a day of the week to be a designated pool cleaning day. For instance, Thursday night after dinner or Saturday morning. Make sure all pool cleaning supplies are available and ready to use and the pool is unoccupied at the time.
2. Check filter
Maintaining your swimming pool’s filter is a recommended component of the weekly cleaning regime. It is a simple task consisting of turning off the filter, taking out the filter cap and lifting out the filter basket. When checking the filter, remove any debris that may have gotten caught.
3. Test pool chemistry
One of the most crucial pool maintenance requirements a pool owner will have to do is test the pool chemistry approximately once or twice a week during the summer. Adjust the pH and alkaline levels accordingly, using a water chemistry test kit.
4. Manage water level
Inspect the water level to see if it’s too high or too low. For optimal performance, the water ideally should be at the center level of pool skimmer and tile. If the water is too low, you can add water using a garden hose. If it’s too high, drain some of the water by using a submersible pump.
5. Check skimmer basket
Similar to the pool filter, the skimmer basket most likely should be a part of the weekly cleaning regime. A pool skimmer is used to skim the surface of the swimming pool to ensure no debris gets saturated and sink to the bottom of the pool. To clean it, turn off the swimming pool pump and remove the skimmer’s lid and basket. Dump any debris out of the skimmer basket and rinse it with a garden hose. Once it looks clean enough, you can place the basket back in, put the skimmer lid back on and turn the pump on.
6. Vacuum the pool
Vacuuming your swimming pool manually can help keep the pool clean. Start with the shallow end of the pool first and move onto the deep end. Move the vacuum slowly across the water similar to the way you vacuum a carpet in your house.
7. Shock pool
Shocking a pool, also called super-chlorination includes adding more chlorine into the pool to remove any algae and bacteria. If you notice the current chlorine level reads below the recommended level, shock action can be required. Ideally, shocking your pool can be done once a month.
8. Protect pool liner
Look after the pool liner by making sure the chlorine and water levels aren’t too high. If your dog loves the pool as much as you do, consider outfitting him with a pair of booties to help keep his claws from damaging the vinyl.
9. Clear pool deck
After taking a dip into the pool, make sure the pool and pool deck area is clean. Put any water toys, towels or lifejackets away in stored area to prevent anyone from slipping on them. Don’t forget to clean your pool deck as well to prevent stains and eliminate algae and mold.
Your swimming pool is an investment, which needs to be maintained if you want to dive into it summer after summer. Also, be cautious and follow our water safety tips to have a safe time in the pool.
Happy swimming!
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9 Important Pool Maintenance Requirements
Having a swimming pool right in your backyard can be spectacular. Though, in order to make a splash in it, you have to properly maintain the pool to give it that pristine, sparkling clean and ready to use at any minute treatment.
These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.
In Quebec, Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins General Insurance Inc. In Ontario and Alberta, Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Direct Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance.
