- Regularly Test Chemicals-The single most important part of pool maintenance is maintaining proper water chemistry. This will prevent the growth of algae and bacteria, which can be difficult to stop once it starts. Simple test kits can be purchased at any pool supply of home improvement center.
- Maintain Proper Water Chemistry-There are, primarily, five elements of water chemistry that need to be monitored on a regular basis. Chlorine-Sanitizes the water, killing bacteria, which maintains water clarity and prevents algae growth. The acceptable chlorine levels are between 0.5 and 3.0 PPM.
- PH-Measures the acidic quality of the water. Acceptable levels are between 7.2 and 7.6 PPM.
- Total Alkalinity-A measure of the alkaline materials in the water. Acceptable levels are between 80 and 120 PPM.
- Calcium Hardness-The measure of dissolved calcium in the water. Acceptable levels are between 250 and 500 PPM.
- Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid)-Stabilizes the chlorine in the water preventing it from being absorbed too quickly by the sun. Acceptable levels are between 30 and 60 PPM.
Clean Filters Regularly-As your pool water circulates; dirt and other small debris are captured in the filter. This makes it necessary to do regular cleaning. How you accomplish this process, depends on the type of filter you have.
- Sand-This is by far the most commonly used pool filters. The way it works is; as the water is circulated through, the sand traps small particles of debris and prevents them from being re-circulated to the pool. As larger amounts of debris clog the sand, the filter pressure rises and flow is reduced. Sand filters are cleaned by backwashing. Which is the process of reversing the flow of water through the sand to waste water line. The amount of use determines how frequently it needs to be done.
- Cartridge-These filters consist of one or more cartridges made of a pleated mesh type material, which catches the debris. The cleaning is simple. Just remove the filters and clean with a water hose; then re-install. Like the sand filters; the frequency of cleaning will depend on the size of the pool and filter as well as the amount of pool useage.
- DE Filters-These are extremely efficient filters which consist of a fine mesh fabric cartridge coated with a fine white powder called Diatomaceous Earth. The DE powder traps even the tiniest of particles. When the filter pressure rises; it must be backwashed to clean out the trapped debris. The difference is, unlike sand, when you backwash a DE filter; the powder is flushed along with the debris and must be replaced by adding more through the skimmer.
For more detailed instructions on cleaning and maintaining your specific filter; refer to the manufacturers recommendations.
Clean Skimmers Regularly-Skimmers trap large debris such as leaves, bugs, and other trash; preventing it from being sucked into the filter. The removable baskets should be cleaned once or twice a week, depending on the amount of debris present.
Brushing and Vacuuming-Most vacuuming is done using the pump and filter system. Dirt and other small particles can be brushed toward the main drain which will take it to the filter or vacuuming can be done with a vacuum head attached to an extension pole with a hose running to the skimmer, which also takes the debris to the filter. Automatic sweepers and vacuums have become very popular and make the job of cleaning much easier on the homeowner.
