What better way to beat the heat than diving into your pool, sparkling clean, to get a refreshing feeling? Having a pool in your home can be a source of entertainment and relaxation if properly maintained. It can also be a home of germs and a source of embarrassment if ignored.
Nobody wants to swim in a dirty pool. Neglecting your pool maintenance will cause damage, even making your pool unsafe to swim. Keeping your pool sparkling clean all year long can be challenging if you don’t know how and where to start. That’s why we came up with tips to help you keep your pool sparkling clean in all seasons.
Let’s proceed!
1. Skim the surface
To skim the surface of your pool means to get the dirt off the surface. Skimming, especially in spring, is important. Debris and leaves are more likely to be on the surface of your pool. Skimming them out as soon as you see them will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pool, making them difficult to clean. Regular skimming will help ensure your pool stays sparkling clean at all times.
Skimming provides you with unobstructed access to your pool. It provides an aesthetic feel and view of your home. It also helps your pool function better.
Tool for skimming
When constructing your pool, the constructors installed a pool skimmer at the bottom of the pool. But if it wasn’t installed, there are other types of skimmers to enable you to keep your pool clean.
A robotic skimmer is an automatic skimmer that works efficiently for both pools with an in-built skimmer and those without. It helps keep your pool sparkling clean with minimal effort. On the other hand, a hand skimmer is another type of pool skimmer. While it’s more budget-friendly, it requires more energy to use compared to the regular built-in skimmer.
2. Brush the walls and floor
Regularly brushing the walls and floor of your pool will make it look nicer and more welcoming, keeping it sparkling clean. It will also extend longevity and prevent any high costs of repair in the future. Start brushing from the bottom to the top. Brush in a circular motion to loosen up the dirt stuck to the walls and floor. Use a steel brush to remove tough stains and dirt, ensuring your pool remains in top condition.
Why should you brush your pool?
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- To prevent algae growth and maintain your water quality
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- To remove dirt and debris
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- To help distribute chemicals throughout your pool
3. Vacuum the pool
To keep your pool sparkling clean, vacuuming your pool regularly is essential. Not only will it help eliminate dirt, debris, and algae, but it also prevents foul odors and infections. Vacuum your pool once a week to avoid the accumulation of dirt and debris, ensuring it stays pristine.
To vacuum your pool efficiently, you’ll need a telescopic pole, a vacuum hose, and a vacuum plate. Assemble the vacuum, connect the plate, select the appropriate filter valve setting, and begin the process. Remember, vacuuming takes time and patience—moving too fast can disturb more debris than it collects.
4. Balance the Chemicals
The chemicals in your pool react with each other, and balancing them correctly is key to keeping your pool sparkling clean. Sometimes, chemicals might be too high or too low, so it’s important to check and balance the chemical levels. Your pool shouldn’t be too acidic or too basic to maintain that perfect sparkling clean appearance.
How to balance the Chemical Level For Pool Clean
1. Check the total alkalinity. The ideal range is between 80 -120 ppm if it is below or above, then adjust it.
2. PH level should range from 7.4 -7.6.
3. Calcium hardness should range from 200 to 400 ppm.
4. Add sanitizer (i.e. chlorine or bromine) it should be 3 ppm
5. Measure the dissolved solid. It should be less than 2000 ppm.
5. Clean the Filters
Your pool filter has to be kept clean to maintain a pool sparkling clean. Don’t use suntan lotion, deodorant, or any other chemicals to clean your filter because they will decrease the lifespan of your pool. Let’s show you how to do it.
How to clean your filters
There are three types of filters: cartridge, sand, and D.E. filters. The type of filter you have will determine how you will clean it.
1. Cartridge
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- Switch off the filter system and the pool pump
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- Remove the excess air from the system by turning the air relief valve.
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- Uncover the top of the filter
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- Remove the cartridge carefully and keep it aside
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- Gently spray water between the pleats with a nozzle
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- Use water, and thoroughly rinse the cartridge
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- Use a filter cleaner if the filter is too dirty
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- Put everything back together
2. Sand filter
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- Run the pump for 2 to 3 minutes on the backwash setting
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- Turn off the pump
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- Open the air relief valve
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- Remove the drain plug
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- Open the filter tank
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- Take out the grid assembly and hose it down with water
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- Change the filter lid
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- Assembly back everything
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- Turn on the pump and close the air relief valve when water starts flowing.
3. D.E (diatomaceous earth)
For a D.E. filter, use the same process as the sand filter.
6. Shock the pool
You should shock your pool regularly to keep it sparkling clean and free from bacteria, organic pollutants, and contaminants. These can cause an unsafe swimming environment or even damage your pool.
You might be able to do this process yourself, but it’s better to call a professional, so it’s properly done and your pool is safe.
7. Maintain proper water level For Pool Clean
To keep your pool sparkling clean, it’s essential to monitor the water level, which can fluctuate daily due to evaporation and rainfall. Checking it regularly ensures your pool remains at its ideal level. If the water level is too low, increase it, and if it’s too high, reduce it to maintain balance.
Your water level should be between one-third and half up your skimmer box opening. Avoid letting the water level drop too low, as this can damage your pump. On the other hand, high water levels can reduce the efficiency of your skimmer or even cause damage.
8. Keep Your Pool Surrounding Clean
Most of the dirt and debris that enters your pool come from the pool area. To keep your pool sparkling clean, ensure the pool area is properly maintained. If there is carpet grass and trees around, trim them regularly to avoid insects from entering the pool. Sweep the floor and mop it with a mopping stick to keep everything sparkling clean. If the area around your pool is clean, then half of your cleaning job is done, and your pool will be mostly clean and free from dirt and debris.
9. Use a pool cover
Covering your pool when not in use is an important tip to keep your pool sparkling clean. Imagine a few minutes after cleaning your pool only to come back and find it dirty. This can happen as a result of leaving your pool open. You can prevent dirt, insects, bird poop, and leaves from entering your pool when you cover it, helping keep your pool sparkling clean.
A Sunny test is best for covering your pool perfectly because it is foldable and can maintain the water temperature of your pool.
10. Call the professionals
Weekly maintenance for your pool is important to keep your pool sparkling and refreshing at all times. Even though your pool serves as a spot for relaxation, it can wear you down with unique problems, if not properly maintained. Maintenance will save you the cost of expensive repairs for your pool. For more effective maintenance, employ the service of a good pool maintenance company.
When to Call a Pro
Are you tired of dealing with stubborn calcium build-up on your pool walls and floor? Don’t let a dirty pool ruin your summer. For, tough and stubborn stains employ the help of a professional.
Allow Calcium Killers, a pool cleaning service in Palm Springs, California, to restore the pool to its original state. For areas within 35 miles, we offer free estimates. With our years of experience, we can restore the glow of your pool. For calcium deposit removal, power washing, tile cleaning, and your pool maintenance reach out to us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep my pool sparkling clean all year round?
To maintain a pool sparkling clean year-round, regular skimming, brushing, and vacuuming are essential. Balancing chemicals and cleaning filters also play a critical role in keeping the water clear and fresh.
Why is it important to balance pool chemicals for a sparkling clean pool?
Balancing your pool’s chemicals ensures the water remains clear and free of contaminants, which is essential for maintaining a pool sparkling clean. Proper chemical levels prevent algae growth and help protect your pool equipment from damage.
How often should I clean my pool to keep it sparkling clean?
For a pool sparkling clean, skimming should be done daily, brushing weekly, and vacuuming every 1-2 weeks. Additionally, regularly testing and adjusting pool chemicals will keep your pool in pristine condition.
What should I do if I notice my pool isn’t sparkling clean?
If your pool isn’t looking sparkling clean, check the chemical balance, clean the filter, and vacuum the pool. It may also be time to shock the pool to eliminate any bacteria or contaminants.
How can I keep the area around my pool clean to maintain a sparkling clean pool?
Keep the surrounding area tidy by trimming plants, mowing the lawn, and sweeping regularly. This reduces the debris that can enter your pool, helping to maintain a pool sparkling clean appearance.
Can I cover my pool to keep it sparkling clean?
Yes! Using a pool cover when not in use is an excellent way to maintain a pool sparkling clean. It helps prevent leaves, dirt, and debris from entering the pool, reducing the amount of cleaning required.
Do I need professional help to keep my pool sparkling clean?
While regular maintenance can keep your pool sparkling clean, tough stains or calcium deposits might require professional assistance. Calling a pool cleaning service can ensure your pool stays in top condition.
How does skimming help keep my pool sparkling clean?
Skimming the pool surface removes debris like leaves and insects before they can sink to the bottom. Regular skimming helps prevent dirt buildup, ensuring your pool remains sparkling clean and inviting.
Is vacuuming necessary for a sparkling clean pool?
Yes, vacuuming is essential for maintaining a pool sparkling clean. It removes dirt and debris from the bottom of the pool, preventing accumulation and keeping the water clear and fresh.
How can I maintain a sparkling clean pool if I’m not using it often?
Even if your pool isn’t in use, you should regularly check the water level, balance the chemicals, and clean the filters to keep it sparkling clean and free from contaminants.