Summer is the perfect season to enjoy your pool, but keeping the water crystal clear and safe requires regular maintenance. With higher temperatures and frequent use, pools can quickly accumulate dirt, bacteria, and algae. To help you maintain a sparkling clean pool, here are three essential tips to keep in mind this summer.
1. Maintain proper water balance
One of the most important steps in keeping your pool clean is ensuring that the water chemistry is properly balanced. Regularly test the pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels to prevent bacteria and algae growth. Here’s what you should aim for:
- pH level: Between 7.2 and 7.6
- Chlorine level: 1.0 to 3.0 ppm (parts per million)
- Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
Testing kits or digital testers can help you monitor these levels, ensuring that your pool water remains safe and healthy. If the levels are off, use appropriate chemicals to adjust them.
2. Skim, Brush, and Vacuum regularly
Debris such as leaves, bugs, and dirt can accumulate on the surface and bottom of your pool, making the water cloudy and unsanitary. Follow this routine to keep your pool clean:
- Skim the surface daily using a net to remove floating debris before it sinks.
- Brush the walls and floor at least once a week to prevent algae buildup.
- Vacuum the pool weekly to remove dirt and small particles that may not be caught by the filter.
A robotic pool cleaner can make this process easier by automatically removing dirt and debris from the water.
3. Run the pool filter efficiently
Your pool’s filtration system plays a crucial role in maintaining clean water. During the summer, when the pool is used more frequently, the filter should run for at least 8-12 hours per day. This ensures that the water circulates properly and contaminants are removed efficiently.
Additionally, be sure to clean the filter regularly to prevent clogging. Depending on your type of filter:
- Cartridge filters should be cleaned every 2-4 weeks.
- Sand filters should be backwashed every 4-6 weeks.
- Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters require backwashing and DE powder replacement every 4-6 weeks.
If your pool water looks cloudy or has a strong chlorine smell, it may indicate a clogged or dirty filter that needs immediate cleaning.
