If you own a pool, you probably already know that maintenance plays an important role in keeping it clean and safe for use. It comes as no surprise, then, when pool owners ask us questions about how to keep their pools in tip-top shape.
To ensure that everyone has access to this information, we have compiled a list of the most asked pool repair questions.
Do I Really Need to Brush my Pool?
Absolutely! This is undoubtedly an important part of pool maintenance that should not be neglected. That’s because it is crucial to keeping your pool clean. In addition to agitating the water and preventing stains and waterline scale, brushing your pool also stops algae spores from growing on its surfaces. Ideally, we recommend brushing your pool once or twice a week for the best results.
What Is Pool Shocking and When Should I do it?
If you have been doing your research, you may have heard the term “pool shocking.” This process involves adding pool chemicals to the water to kill any bacteria, algae, or other contaminants that may be present.
It is crucial to ensure that your pool is safe for use. We recommend shocking the pool water in these situations:
- If you have cloudy pool water. This might indicate the presence of bacteria, so it’s important to clean the water using pool chemicals.
- Your pool is turning green. If you notice green buildup on the surfaces of your pool or in the water, it indicates algae growth. Pool shocking will help to kill the algae and restore your pool.
- The pool has been used by many people. Have you just thrown a pool party or had a number of family members swimming in your pool? In that case, it’s probably a good idea to shock the pool to restore the chemical balance.
- When opening and closing it for swimming season. We also recommend shocking your pool both before the summer and winter. This ensures that when you use the pool again, the water will be clean and uncontaminated.
How Long Should I Wait to Use My Pool After Shocking It?
It’s usually advisable to wait around 12 hours after shocking your pool before swimming for safety reasons. In order to quickly raise the chlorine level and eradicate bacteria, algae, and other pollutants, a significant amount of chlorine or other disinfecting chemicals are added to the water during the shocking process.
If you swim in your pool immediately after shocking the water, you can be exposed to excessive amounts of chlorine, which could irritate your eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Furthermore, consuming water with high chlorine content can make you sick to your stomach and cause other digestive problems.
This is why it is best to leave the pool alone for around 12 hours to allow the chlorine levels to gradually decrease and stabilise within a safe swimming range. Moreover, it gives the shock treatment enough time to work.
How Can I Ensure That My Pool Water Circulates Correctly?
If you own a swimming pool, one thing you could do to check whether the water is circulating is to ensure that clean water is being returned to the pool from the filter and that dirty water is entering the pool filter. In order to maintain proper water flow, you should do the following:
- Face the jets downward.
- Clean the pump basket and skimmer on a regular basis.
- Run your pool pump for at least 8 to 12 hours every day.
What Is the Ideal pH for My Swimming Pool?
The ideal pH range for the water in your pool is 7.4 to 7.6. Moreover, there should be 80–120 parts per million (ppm) of total alkalinity.
When it comes to pool maintenance, having the right pH is crucial because it prevents the growth of bacteria and algae, ensuring that your pool water is safe for swimming. You should test the water at least once every one to two weeks or more frequently during heavy usage.
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Pool Filter?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. A number of factors will come into play when determining the frequency of pool filter cleaning. Here’s what you’ll need to think about when deciding how often to clean your pool filtration system:
- How big your filter is
- The frequency of pool use
- Whether you have a suction-side pool cleaner
- How much debris typically enters your pool
Ideally, you should clean your pool filter when you notice that the pressure gauge is 8 to 10 PSI greater than the clean reading.
How Do I Keep My Pool Covers Clean?
An essential component of winter pool upkeep is ensuring that your pool cover is free of additional water and debris. Use a soft broom or leaf blower to get rid of leaves that end up on your cover. To remove damp foliage from the cover, just grab a pool leaf rake. If there are many trees surrounding your pool, leaf netting may be useful.
What Regular Pool Maintenance Steps Should I Take to Ensure That My Pool Is Working at Its Best?
If you don’t already have a pool maintenance regimen, then it’s important to establish one to ensure that your pool is clean and safe for your family to swim in. Here are a few things you should do on a regular basis:
- Brush the pool. You will need to use a pool brush to loosen dirt, debris, and algae from the pool walls at least once a week. This is an important pool cleaning method to keep your pool safe.
- Skimming. Use a skimmer net to get rid of leaves that fall into your pool.
- Clean the filter. Backwash or clean your pool filter every one to two weeks to ensure that it is working well.
- Test pool water. Make sure that your pH is in the acceptable range to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae. We recommend doing this once a week or every couple of days during periods of heavy usage.
- Vacuum the pool. This is to remove any dirt or debris that has settled at the bottom of your pool.
- Use shock treatment when necessary. If you notice cloudy water or algae growth, consider shocking the pool to restore water balance.
How Do I Maintain Salt Water Pools?
If you have a saltwater pool, then it’s important to remember that maintenance practices will differ. You will need to monitor and adjust salt levels as necessary and test and balance pH and alkalinity levels. Moreover, you’ll also need to monitor and clean the filtration system and inspect the salt chlorine generator, cleaning it when necessary.
Closing Thoughts
Swimming pools are fantastic additions to any home, enhancing leisure and property value. To keep them operating optimally and safely, regular maintenance is essential. If you need more information beyond what’s covered in our FAQ, don’t hesitate to contact us. Learn more about pool resurfacing in Perth and how we can help maintain your pool in top condition.
