A swimming pool at your home adds luxury and value to the property. You can take a dip on hot summer evenings or host fun parties by the poolside. But maintaining it is a responsibility that requires a lot of care and hard work. Neglecting regular maintenance means that the water wouldn’t be as clean and healthy as you would want it to be. You wouldn’t want to risk your health by taking a dip in the water unless it is crystal clear. Here are some proactive measures that you can follow to maintain your home pool and ensure that it is clear and sparkling through the season.
Image by Charles Rondeau
Disinfect periodically
While visible impurities are not something any homeowner would want in their swimming pool, you need to be even more careful about the invisible ones. The water may have germs, funguses, and viruses, which can cause disease. Treatment with Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (SDIC) makes it completely safe and germ-free. The chemical is also capable of strongly inhibiting algae and has a specific effect on the hepatitis virus. The best part is that it is non-toxic and harmless to humans if used in the correct concentration. Apart from the health benefits, SDIC has aesthetic value too. It can make water clear and the swimming pool walls smooth.
Pay attention to chemical levels
The most important aspect of pool maintenance is paying attention to chemical levels, specifically the chlorine and pH levels. Chlorine kills bacteria and germs, so you cannot overlook its importance when it comes to keeping the water clear. The pH level is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of the water and influences the efficacy of chlorine. You must invest in regular water testing once or twice a week to check these levels. The ideal chlorine level is 1.0-3.0 parts per million, while the optimal pH level ranges between 7.2 and 7.6. If the chlorine level is low, you will have to replenish the chlorine supply. Similarly, you will need to add an acid or alkali to the water if the pH level is not in the normal range.
Skim regularly
Although organic materials such as debris, leaves, and insects are a less serious concern, you wouldn’t want them to be floating around. The pool’s filter will take care of the smaller particles, but larger ones need to be removed by skimming. You cannot leave them sitting in the water because they will eventually break down and leave the pool cloudy and dirty. Skimming the pool once or twice a day would be enough to handle the cleaning needs. You can go the extra mile by investing in a cover that keeps debris from entering the water and maintains the temperature as well. Keep an eye on the structure of the pool because cracks and weakened walls can also make it dirty.
While pool cleaning requires a lot of effort and time, it is something no homeowner should overlook. After all, a clean and sparkling swimming pool is something you would love to flaunt.
