7 Tips for a Healthy Pool

When you have the chance to spend a sunny afternoon in your inground pool or lying beside it on lounge chairs, it can feel like your home is a vacation resort. Pool maintenance issues can bring you back to reality. Much like a car, pools require routine maintenance. If you aren’t vigilant, your pool’s crystal-clear water can quickly become cloudy and discolored.

Here are 7 tips to follow to keep the water clean and extend the life of your pool.

1. Test the Chemical Levels Frequently

The chemical levels of your pool are the most important whether you have a salt pool or a chlorine pool. These chemicals are necessary to kill germs and bacteria. If the pH levels in the water are off, the chlorine or salt won’t be able to do its job effectively to keep the water clean. The pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH is too high, you need to add a safe acid like muriatic acid or sodium bisuphate. If the pH is too low, you should add sodium carbonate or another alkali. The chlorine levels should be 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million. If it is too low, add more.

2. Clean the Filter Regularly

Your pool’s filter plays almost as big of a role as chlorine when it comes to keeping the water clean and clear. It catches microscopic debris, body oil, dirt and other particles. Whether your pool has a sand filter, cartridge filter or DE filter, it is important to clean it our regularly. Like a vacuum cleaner, if the filter is full, it won’t work correctly. If you notice that your pool’s water is cloudy or has more debris in it, it may be a sign that it’s time to clean the filter.

3. Check the Water Level Regularly

If the water level of your pool is too high or too low, it can cause problems. Too little water can burn up your pump. Too much water will prevent the skimmer doors from working properly and catching debris. The water level for your pool should hit the middle of the pool skimmers and pool tiles.

4. Administer Shock Treatments and Algaecide as Needed

If you keep adding chlorine to your pool but no amount seems to be enough, you need to do a shock treatment. Most pools do not need to be shocked on a regular basis, but it is important to do shock treatments when they are needed. (Check out our post on pool shock treatments to learn more about when they are needed). If you notice algae growing on the walls of your pool, don’t ignore it! Use an algaecide to kill it so that your pool water doesn’t become green or yellow and cloudy.

5. Empty the Skimmer Baskets Frequently

The skimmer baskets around the edges of the pool capture larger pieces of debris like leaves, sticks and insects. You should clean them out at least once a week, if not daily. These baskets tend to fill up quickly especially if there are trees overhanging the pool. Another reason to clean them out regularly is because small animals like frogs, lizards and even mice often get caught in them. You don’t want to have a dead animal decaying in the pocket attached to your pool.

6. Fill in Cracks

Cracks in the walls of the pool, around the perimeter or in an adjoining deck can allow water to leak out of the pool and contribute to bigger problems down the road. It is smart to repair any cracks with clear silicon caulk when you notice them to prevent future problems.

7. Check the Protective Enclosure

Make sure that the gate or enclosure around your pool is working properly. Children and animals can drown in pools in a short amount of time. It is important to routinely check the locking mechanism or latch to make sure it is working properly to keep you little loved ones safe.

If you follow these 7 steps, you can keep your pool safe and in good condition. Give us a call if you need a hand! We provide pool maintenance for homeowners and businesses throughout Polk County, FL.