Keeping a swimming pool at your home provides hours of outdoor fun and entertainment for your family and friends, but can be unhealthy or dangerous if you don't maintain the pool. You have to keep the water chlorinated, filtered and free of debris. You also have to treat your pool regularly by removing water-soluble waste that can attract bacteria. Keeping your pool clean on a regular basis ensures its safety and appearance.
Pool Maintenance Tips
Check your pool's pH levels once a week. According to the website Penguin Pool, pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of water. Pure water has a pH of 7. The pH of your pool's water should be between 7.4 and 7.6, which allows chlorine to disinfect the water of most bacteria. Natural conditions such as rain can alter your pool's pH levels, especially if your area gets more acidic rain. Also, highly acidic or alkaline water can damage the human body.
Check your pool's water filter. The filter keeps mud and solid debris from floating into the pool from underground. Crushed-sand swimming pool filters can receive airborne contaminants as well, so replace the sand once every three to five years. If your pool experiences heavy use, you may need to increase this frequency.
Clean your pool by scooping out solid debris such as leaves or branches. If possible, remove any overhanging branches that might drop leaves into the water. Leaves can clog up your filter.
According to the website Pool Manual, you should shock your pool at least once every two weeks, but the exact amount depends on your climate and how often people use the pool. Shocking refers to oxidization and a chemical reaction, not an electrical current. It uses substances such as calcium, lithium or chlorine to break down water-soluble waste that swimmers leave behind, such as body oil, sweat, cosmetics and urine.
Water Conditions
Normally, your pool's water should be a clear blue, only tinted by the chlorine or by the bottom of the pool. If your water appears to be a different color, it indicates problems. A green tint, according to the website Repair Home, shows an algae infestation. This happens when your chlorine levels drop. Fix it by adding unstabilized chlorine. You can also use algaecide to kill any remaining algae. Wipe down the sides of the pool thoroughly to prevent the growth of bacteria.
If your water has a red tint, it indicates rust in the pipes. Drain your pool and clean the tile and lining, then replace the fittings of your pipes with copper fittings. Copper will not rust as easily as iron or steel.
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