Building a swimming pool for your home can be a rewarding investment with little overall upkeep and maintenance, providing that you stick to the essential methods for preserving its health, structure, and longevity. Regular pool maintenance is also essential in maintaining a safe swimming environment the entire family can enjoy, including the dog.
On the other hand, if you’re unaware of the intricacies regarding pool maintenance, you can inadvertently decrease its water health, and compromise its structure as well as auxiliary equipment. To avoid these problems, here is the ultimate maintenance guide that will help you preserve the health and aesthetic appeal of your above-ground swimming pool.
Balancing the chemicals
First things first, the water in your pool should boast certain healthy chemicals that create a safe swimming environment devoid of algae, harmful bacteria, and pollutants. Using a water testing kit, you will be able to assess the alkalinity, pH levels, calcium, and chlorine levels in the pool and act accordingly to create healthy homeostasis.
The alkalinity levels should range between 80-120 ppm, while the pH level shouldn’t go below 7.2 or above 7.6. Chlorine should sit between 2.0 and 4.0, and calcium levels between 250-400 ppm. Check your water chemicals every week in order to prevent the formation of algae or bacteria, making sure these agents are within the prescribed parameters in order to get the desired effect.
Sanitizing the water
Water sanitisation is also an important maintenance step that will determine the safety and cleanliness of the pool, preventing bacteria or algae build-up. Contrary to popular belief, chlorine is not toxic and it is an essential chemical that preserves a healthy swimming environment. You can find chlorine in numerous forms, including sticks, tablets, and granules.
You can also place automatic chlorinators in the pool that release tablets into the water at regular intervals so that you don’t have to worry about skipping weekly chlorination. Be sure to look for stabilized chlorine that has been specifically processed to maintain its effectiveness despite the sun’s damaging rays.
Cleaning the surface according to the pool type
Pools come in all shapes and sizes, and nowadays, contemporary above ground swimming pools are not only built to last, but they are also built to withstand rigorous cleaning treatments on a regular basis, so you wouldn’t have to worry about damaging the surface. Nevertheless, there are certain cleaning rules you want to keep in mind.
Firstly, you want to use a skimmer to clean the surface of the water of any debris, and proceed to put an automated vacuum to clean up the base of the pool. However, vacuums do need a helping hand from time to time, so be sure to give the floor and the walls a thorough scrub-down with a medium bristle brush to remove any bacteria and contaminants.
Cleaning the water
The water in the pool gets dirty on a regular basis, or rather clouded due to the constant use of sunscreen, oils, and various cosmetic products. This leaves the water looking unsanitary and unpleasant to be in, even if it doesn’t necessarily impair the overall health and safety of the swimming environment. Luckily, clarifying the water is a straightforward process. You can choose between synthetic and petroleum clarifiers. Both will get the job done, however, petroleum clarifiers are also environmentally friendly and contain no harsh chemicals.
Preparing the pool for off-season weather
Finally, you want to prepare your pool for the colder seasons of the year. You can start by removing the ladder and storing all pool equipment and chemicals in a dry, indoor area. Check the water balance during this period as well, and don’t forget to keep running the filter for one hour on a weekly basis. Cover the pool with a winter cover and make sure it is secured tightly across the surface.
Maintaining the structural integrity and water cleanliness of your swimming pool on a regular basis is imperative in preserving a safe swimming environment and prolonging the lifespan of your unit. By following this guide, you will have an easy time taking good care of your above-ground swimming pool.
