The Necessity of Pool Maintenance
Everyone loves a clean swimming pool, but not everyone loves the maintenance. While hiring a professional is ideal, it can be an unrealistic cost for many people. However, with the right knowledge and tools, pool maintenance is something you can confidently handle on your own. Neglecting to maintain your pool can cause many problems, but staying on top of maintenance is within your control. This blog post will empower you with the knowledge of how to keep a swimming pool clean.
Regular Skimming and Scrubbing
Many airborne debris eventually finds its way to the pool. Grass clippings, bugs, sticks, and other unwanted items can regularly be found gliding on the pool’s surface. Skimming the surface of your pool should be done at least once per week. To skim the pool, grab a skimmer and remove any foreign bodies on the top of the water.
Grime can also appear on the tiles along the waterline. Use a stiff-bristled scrub brush, pumice stone, or a commercial cleaner to scrub away any grime, algae, or mineral deposits. For the best results, we recommend doing this weekly and before vacuuming.
Consistent Water Testing
Regularly testing the water in your pool is important to keep it clean and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The process involves using a pool test kit to check for the appropriate pH levels, alkalinity, calcium hardness, chlorine, bromine, and more. The pool testing kit will help you determine what levels your pool is at and what chemicals you need to add to restore the water to ideal conditions. You should check water levels at least weekly.
Proper Filtration
Maintaining a clean, functioning filter is critical for proper water circulation. A poor-functioning filter can cause a cloudy or green pool. Millions of particles pass through and can cling to the filter, clogging it up and causing other issues, such as a sluggish pump. Similarly to testing the pool water, we recommend cleaning the filter weekly.
How Do You Clean the Bottom of a Swimming Pool?
Cleaning the bottom of your pool is important for several reasons. Debris, algae, and other common pool contaminants can build up on the bottom of your pool, leading to compromised pool quality and the growth of bad bacteria. There are a few ways to clean the bottom of your pool: manual cleaning with a pool vacuum, automatic pool cleaners, and a pool brush.
Manual Cleaning with a Pool Vacuum
While it is a little more work than using an automatic pool cleaner, using a manual cleaner is still an excellent way to get it clean. For this process, you’ll need a pool vacuum head, telescopic pole, pool vacuum hose, and skim vac (optional). Start by attaching the vacuum head to the telescopic pole’s open end, then attach the hose to the vac head. Fill the vacuum hose with water to remove any air bubbles, then attach the hose to the pool skimmer. Begin vacuuming at the shallow end and move to the deep end using long, sweeping strokes. Overlap strokes to ensure you’re not leaving any debris behind.
Automatic Pool Cleaners
The main benefit of using an automatic pool cleaner is the ability to plug it in and have it do all the work for you. Once you place the cleaner in the water, it vacuums the pool’s floor, stairs, and walls to ensure your pool is squeaky clean. These specialized cleaners have rotating brushes to help dislodge debris from the pool.
Using a Pool Brush
While we recommend using either a manual or automatic pool vacuum, cleaning the bottom of a pool without one is possible. Using a long-handled stiff brush, begin scrubbing at one end and scrub towards the other end. Push any debris towards the pool’s skimmer and drain for easy removal.
How to Get Rid of Mustard Algae in Swimming Pool
As a cousin to green pool algae, mustard algae is a problem in many pools. While it’s not harmful to humans or animals, an overgrowth can lead to other problems, such as harboring E. coli. If left untreated, it can also cause permanent damage to the surface of your pool.
Identifying Mustard Algae
Mustard algae often have a yellowish hue and grain-like texture. It’s frequently mistaken for dirt, sand, or pollen in your pool. Because it is usually confused with other substances, it can be misdiagnosed and untreated. When touched, it does not feel slimy. It also appears quickly and can cause cloudy water.
Treatment Steps
Once you’ve correctly identified mustard algae in the pool, you’ll want to create a treatment plan. While mustard algae is notoriously tricky to remove, it’s possible with some work and patience. First, begin your standard pool maintenance, such as cleaning the filter and pump and testing the water. Brush the pool with a wire-bristled brush for hard pool surfaces or a softer nylon brush for vinyl or quartz pools. Apply a pool chemical specifically designed to remove mustard algae.
After adding the chemical, the next step is to shock the pool several times, waiting at least 12 hours between each shock. Once the final shock has finished, turn off the pool pump and clean the filter. Then, turn the pump back on and add a clarifier before testing your water again and adjusting any levels, if necessary.
Preventing Recurrence
Like other pool issues, regular maintenance can prevent mustard algae. After learning how to keep a swimming pool clean, you can watch for and prevent mustard algae. You can also consider adding algae-fighting products to your routine to avoid algae problems.
Trust Stevenson Brothers for Custom Pool Renovations
When pool maintenance goes beyond water testing and cleaning, Stevenson Brothers provides custom pool renovations that leave your pool looking incredible. We can design custom pools that are stunning and unique with exceptional craftsmanship. Whether you need help with swimming pool maintenance, want a new installation, or are interested in custom patios, trust Utah’s leading custom pool builder, Stevenson Brothers. Get a free quote today!
