How to Keep Your Pool Clean

by Gillian Markson | More from this Blogger

16 Jun 2006 04:19 PM

Keeping your pool clean is a relatively simple task, but it requires a real commitment of a few minutes every day during the months that it is open. Basically, keeping your pool clean means that you keep the chemicals balanced, the fungus away and the surface clean and sparkling. Here are some how-to basics.

Chemicals It is important that your chemicals are balanced so that dippers have the right PH level for their swim. Purchase a basic PH testing kit from your local pool or hardware store. The PH testing kit will come with instructions, but here's a basic overview of what you will be expected to do. 1) Gather a sample of the water by dipping the testing tube about one foot into the pool. Pull the tube out of the water, leaving the water in it. 2) Drop the two dyes included in your kit into the testing tube and shake. The dyes will change the color of the water to a different hue, depending on how much acidity is in the water. 3) Measure the color of the water with the chart included in your kit. Follow instructions listed with the color of the water. Many times, you will not have to do anything. Sometimes you will have to add more chlorine to balance the levels of the pool.

Skimming Skimming the pool means taking the device that is a net on the end of a pole and passing it over the surface of the water with 3-5 inches of the net dipped into the water. Always pass the net in the same direction to avoid losing the contents of the net. As the net passes over the water, it will collect any small debris on the surface, such as leaves, bugs and sticks. By regularly skimming the pool, you will help to keep it well maintained and inviting.

Vacuuming It is important to vacuum your pool at least once a year when you open it. Vacuuming requires the use of special under water vacuuming equipment, which you can purchase at any pool supply store. Most vacuums work through the suction on your pool pump, though some work through a water pressure method. Using goggles and a deep breath, dive to the bottom of the pool to set up the vacuum. Most vacuums are attached to a pool that you can whisk around from the surface of the pool. Many newer vacuums, called Spiders, are automated, so you will never even have to lift a finger to make sure your pool stays vacuumed.

Brush You will likely have to brush away mildew and fungus from the walls of your pool at least once in the season - usually when you open the pool. Using a standard scrub brush, brush around the pool where the water meets the wall. After a pass, you will determine whether the entire wall needs brushing or not. An extra dose of chlorine can help to eliminate any build up as well.

Keeping your pool clean will help to ensure that you and your loved ones will always have a fun place to spend a summertime afternoon. Enjoy!

Learn more about Gillian Markson

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger