Having a pool in your backyard is a superb way to stay cool during the hot summer months. But with great fun comes great responsibility.

Photo swimming pool in tropical garden villa - wood deck

Maintaining your pool is crucial to ensure it stays clean and safe for swimming. In this article, we will explore several tips for improving your pool maintenance, from proper chemical balance to routine cleaning and maintenance. By following these tips, you can enjoy your pool all season long without worrying about potential health hazards.

How to improve your pool maintenance

Think Of The Filter As Your Pool’s Kidneys

Maintaining a clean and healthy swimming pool requires regular upkeep and attention to detail. Just as our kidneys work tirelessly to remove impurities from our bodies, a pool’s filter system keeps the water clean by removing dirt, leaves, and even small toys.

To ensure that your pool’s filter is functioning at optimal levels, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Clean your filter basket at least once a week by turning off the filter, removing the filter cap on the pool deck, lifting out the filter basket, and removing any debris before replacing everything.
  • Backwash your filter pipes monthly to keep them clear of any clogs. Simply set your filter to “backwash,” remove the leaf basket, and clean it out. Then turn on your pump and let it run until the waste pipe ejects clear water.
  • Avoid turning your filter system on and off too frequently, as this can cause the filter’s mechanics to crack. Instead, set your filter on a timer and allow it to run for at least six hours daily.

Consistent and Regular Pool Water Balancing

Maintaining consistent chemical levels is essential to keeping your pool healthy, safe, and crystal clear. Unbalanced chemical levels can lead to murky water, skin and eye irritation, and the growth of harmful bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends testing your pool water at least once a week to ensure proper chemical balance. Here are the six chemical levels to consider:

  • Cyanuric Acid: Protects chlorine from sunlight and measures the required Free Chlorine level. Aim for an ideal reading of 30-50 for outdoor pools.
  • Free Chlorine: A sanitizer that keeps your pool water safe and germ-free.
  • Acidity/Alkalinity (pH): Also known as the pH level, acidity needs to be kept between 7.5 and 7.8 to prevent irritation and protect the pool equipment from eroding.
  • Total Alkalinity: Helps keep the pH in balance. Keep levels within the range of 60-120.
  • Calcium Hardness: Appropriate levels help avoid plaster damage. Aim for 220-350, but lower for pools with vinyl siding.

Testing the water is easy and can be done by purchasing testing kits from your local pool store. Here’s how to do it:

  • Fill the testing kit with a sample of your pool’s water.
  • Add the provided solution to the testing kit and close the vials.
  • Wait a few seconds for your sample water to change color.
  • Compare the sample water to the colors shown on the testing kit to determine the current chemical levels.
  • Adjust the levels as necessary to achieve an ideal balance.

When all the chemicals are properly balanced, the water should be crystal clear, scent-free, and leave a little residue on your skin.

In addition to regular testing and balancing your pool water, staying informed on the latest pool maintenance tips and tricks is essential. For pool enthusiasts, websites like Pool Passion provide a wealth of information, tips, and guides for pool owners. Whether you’re new to pool ownership or have been maintaining a pool for years, visiting these websites can help you stay up-to-date on the latest best practices and techniques to keep your pool in top shape. So be sure to visit Pool Passion and other similar resources to stay informed, motivated, and inspired to keep your pool healthy, safe, and beautiful all season long.

Check the Water Level Regularly

The proper water level is as essential as maintaining chemical balance in your pool. Keep it halfway up the skimmer opening and adjust using a garden hose or submersible pump as necessary. After changing, check the chemical levels, as the water level fluctuations can throw off balance. Keeping a consistent water level will ensure the proper functioning of pool equipment and provide a safe and comfortable swimming experience for all.

swimming pool yellow float

Using Tennis Balls to Combat Oily Pool Water

We typically envision tennis balls used for games and entertainment when we think of tennis balls in a pool. However, these versatile balls can also come in handy for pool maintenance. After swimming, certain oils such as suntan lotion, hair products, and even natural oils from our skin can linger in the water, leaving an unsightly slick sheen on top. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to combat this issue.

By throwing a tennis ball into the water, the fibers used to make the ball can act as a natural oil absorbent. The tennis ball will quickly soak up the oils, keeping them from creating a slick film on the water’s surface. It’s a clever and effortless way to maintain the cleanliness and clarity of your pool water.

Maximize the Use of the Pool Care Schedule

Regular pool maintenance is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. Using a pool care schedule is a simple yet practical way to maintain the cleanliness and clarity of your pool water.

A pool care schedule conditions you to regularly test the water, clean the pool, and manage chemicals, saving time and reducing decision overload. Staying on top of maintenance can prevent issues from escalating and avoid costly repairs. Using a pool care schedule guarantees that your pool remains in top condition, allowing you to enjoy a worry-free summer.

Use Lime Juice to Eliminate Metal Stains

Eliminate stubborn metal stains from your pool walls with an all-natural solution – lime juice! This household hack is not only practical, but it’s also chemical-free, making it a safe alternative to harsh commercial stain removers.

Acquire a handful of fresh limes, extract their juice, and combine it with a pinch of salt for added abrasiveness. The resulting solution will effectively remove metal stains while undisturbing your pool water’s chemical balance.

With this straightforward and eco-friendly pool care solution, you can say goodbye to metal stains and enjoy crystal-clear waters all season.

Wrap Pantyhose to Your Skimmer Basket and Improve Filtration

Improve your pool’s filtration system with a simple DIY hack: line your skimmer basket with pantyhose. By wrapping the pantyhose around the basket and tying it tightly, you’ll create a protective barrier that catches leaves, twigs, bugs, and other debris.

This reduces the load on your pool’s filter and saves you time and money by reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance. Experience the immediate benefits of this quick and effective pool care hack.

Incorporate Fountains to Enhance Circulation

Enhance your pool’s look and function with a simple yet effective pool care hack: add a fountain. It adds a beautiful aesthetic touch to your pool and improves water circulation, which is crucial for maintaining healthy and clean pool water. Fortunately, adding a fountain doesn’t have to break the bank.

Various affordable options are available online that can be quickly and easily set up in just a few minutes. Why not give your pool the upgrade it deserves and enjoy the benefits of improved circulation and a stunning water feature?

Keep Bees Away by Adding Lemon Grass and Dryer Sheets

This simple and eco-friendly pool care hack keeps bees at bay while enjoying your summer swim. While bees are essential to the environment, their presence around your pool can be a nuisance. Fortunately, you can naturally deter them by placing a few lemongrass plants and dryer sheets around the pool’s perimeter.

Surprisingly, bees are attracted to the smell of certain things, including hot dogs and Coca-Cola, but dislike the scent of clean laundry. So, strategically placing baskets of lemongrass and dryer sheets can create a barrier that will repel bees and allow you to enjoy your swim without interruptions.

With this easy and natural pool care hack, you can keep both the bees and your pool party under control.

Run Pool Pump for 8 Hours a Day

Ensure crystal clear water with minimal maintenance by operating your pool filter pump for at least 8 hours daily. A properly functioning filtration system is essential to maintaining the hygiene and clarity of your pool.

While it may seem tempting to only run the filter during swim times to save energy, this approach often leads to increased manual cleaning and maintenance. Allowing your filter to run for at least 8 hours daily optimizes water circulation and promotes a healthy pool environment. Say goodbye to cloudy, green water and hello to a sparkling oasis.

In conclusion, maintaining your pool pump is crucial to ensuring the longevity and performance of your pool’s filtration system. Regular cleaning and inspections, replacing worn-out parts, and properly sizing your pump can contribute to better performance and efficiency. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your pump, reduce energy costs, and keep your pool water crystal clear and healthy. Remember, investing a little time and effort into your pool pump maintenance can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable swimming experience for years to come.

Pool Maintenance, How to Improve Your Pool Maintenance, Days of a Domestic Dad