How to Keep Your Pool Clean and Sparkly: Essential Tips for Pool Maintenance

Owning a pool is a luxurious and enjoyable experience, especially during the hot summer months. However, maintaining that crystal-clear water requires regular care and attention. Here are some essential tips to help you keep your pool clean and sparkly all season long.

1. Regular Skimming and Scrubbing

• Skim Daily: Use a pool skimmer to remove leaves, bugs, and other debris from the water’s surface. Doing this daily prevents debris from sinking and decomposing.
• Scrub Weekly: Brush the pool walls and floor weekly to prevent algae buildup. Pay special attention to corners and areas with little water circulation.

2. Maintain Water Levels

• Check Levels Weekly: Evaporation and splashing can lower water levels, which can affect the pool’s chemical balance. Refill as needed to maintain optimal water levels.

3. Monitor and Balance Chemicals

• Test Regularly: Use a pool test kit to check pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels at least once a week. Adjust chemicals to keep water balanced.
• Shock the Pool: Shocking, or super-chlorinating, the pool helps to kill bacteria and remove contaminants. Do this every two weeks, or more often after heavy use or rainstorms.

4. Clean the Pool Filter

• Backwash Sand or DE Filters: For sand and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters, backwash according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically once a month.
• Clean Cartridge Filters: Remove and hose down cartridge filters monthly, and replace them as recommended by the manufacturer.

5. Use a Pool Cover

• Cover When Not in Use: A pool cover helps keep out debris, reduces evaporation, and maintains the temperature. Invest in a good-quality cover that fits securely over your pool.

6. Invest in a Pool Vacuum

• Manual or Automatic: Use a pool vacuum to clean the bottom of the pool. Automatic pool vacuums can save time and effort, running on a set schedule to keep the pool floor spotless.

7. Manage Surrounding Landscape

• Trim Nearby Trees and Shrubs: Overhanging branches can drop leaves and insects into the pool. Keeping them trimmed reduces debris and keeps the pool cleaner.
• Landscaping Tips: Consider using non-shedding plants around the pool area to minimize debris.

8. Professional Maintenance

• Routine Checkups: Hire a professional pool service for regular checkups and maintenance. They can spot potential issues early and keep your pool in top condition.

Maintaining a pool does require effort, but with these tips, you can ensure that your pool remains a refreshing and inviting oasis. Regular attention to skimming, chemical balance, filtration, and cleaning will keep your pool water sparkling clean, making every swim a pleasure. Enjoy your summer with a pristine pool! If you need help with your Pool Construction and Maintenance and you’re anywhere in South Florida, Contact One Stop Handyman at (305) 442-2799!