Pool Care Basics – A Checklist You Need

Owning a pool comes with many responsibilities and one of them is to make sure that it is clean and safe to use. The maintenance that comes with having a pool is not easy, but knowing what you should do and when you should do it, can actually lessen the work and save you time.

A routine cleaning for your pool is a must. This is to ensure that the pool is safe for anyone who decides to use it. If you don’t know where to start or have no experience in taking care of a pool, then you are in the right place. Here is a checklist that can help you clean your pool optimally. 

Skimmer, Scrub, and Vacuum

Skim the surface area of your pool using a net attached to a pole, and remove the debris floating – it could be bugs, leaves, etc. Use a pool scrubber and brush off the walls of your pool. The perfect time to do this is before you refill an empty pool. Vacuum the floor of your pool to remove the dirt and debris that fell after you scrubbed the walls.

Examine the Filter and Pump

A high or very low pressure could mean that something is wrong with your pool's pump. The reason may be because your baskets are already full, or some valves are partially closed. If you hear unusual sounds while your pump is running, it could be an indication that it is not working properly.

Control the Water Level

Checking the level of your pool water is part of maintaining its cleanliness. Make sure that your pool water is at the optimal level. Very high or low water levels may cause your pool skimmer to stop functioning properly. 

Drain your pool water if there is too much, or add more water if it is below the recommended mark. Be sure to keep the water level just halfway till your skimmer plate. Keep an eye on the water level while draining to avoid wastage of water. 

Check your Pool's Skimmer Baskets

Pull out your skimmer baskets and check if they are full. Be sure to empty them and remove any debris that you see every once in a while. It is recommended to clean your skimmer basket on a weekly basis.

Add Chemicals

Another aspect of cleaning pools that many people struggle to understand is which chemicals to use. Chlorine, pH regulators, sanitizers, algaecide and oxidizers are all essential parts of the cleaning formula. Chlorine, sanitizers, and oxidizers are used to kill harmful pathogens that can make you sick. Adding some algaecides can help prevent algae from growing on your pool walls.

Shock the Pool

Regularly shocking your pool at least once a week, or multiple times after a heavy use can help maintain its cleanliness. Be sure to shock your pool after a pool party, or a heavy rainfall. This is done to clean urine, sweat, and body oils from the water and eliminate other contaminants.

Keep the Water Balanced 

No one wants to swim in a dirty pool. It may not be visible to the naked eye, but even clear water can have many pathogens in it. Before you dip into your pool, check the pH and chlorine levels of the water. You should check your pool's chemical levels at least once a week. The pH level of your pool should be kept between 7 and 7.6. A pH level higher than 7.8 will reduce the effectiveness of the chlorine. This can lead to skin rashes and the water may get cloudy. 

Final Take

Keeping your pool well maintained can prolong its life and save you from the cost of repairs. Unfortunately, many of us do not have the time or resources to clean their pools on their own. At Signature Maids, we understand how challenging it can be to deal with a dirty pool. To help customers like you, we provide pool cleaning and maintenance services. Whether it's a residential or commercial property, our team is trained to handle every situation. For more information about our pool cleaning services, don't hesitate to contact us. 

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