As great as it is to have a pool on your property, keeping it clean and properly maintained can feel overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be, however. The best way to handle cleaning and maintaining a pool yourself is by following a regular schedule that includes these tasks.
Run Your Pump Every Day
Your pool pump is arguably the most important piece of pool equipment you have. It circulates the water to prevent algae growth, moves debris to the filter, and distributes chemicals evenly throughout the pool.
Try to run your pump for 8 to 10 hours every day during the summer when your pool will get the most use. For cooler times of the year, you can get away with running your pump for 4 to 6 hours. If you’re concerned that running the pump this much will raise your electric bill, you can always install a variable-speed pump. This can help you save as much as 75 percent on your utility bills.
Test Your Pool Water Weekly
Test your pool water weekly to make sure that the chemicals are properly balanced. Your pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6, your alkalinity should be between 100 and 150 ppm (parts per million), and the chlorine should be between one and three ppm. Your pool should be safe for use at these levels and not be a breeding ground for bacteria. If your levels aren’t in these ranges, gradually adjust the levels as needed.
Skim, Brush, and Vacuum Your Pool Once a Week
These tasks are likely what come to mind when you think about cleaning your pool. Skimming the pool will remove large pieces of debris that might not filter well, while brushing the tiles and walls will keep algae from growing. Finally, vacuuming the bottom of the pool will remove dirt and debris that likely can’t be filtered out. These tasks should be completed once a week, probably when you test the water to make everything easy to remember.
Choose the Best Heater and Filter for You
You’ll need a heater to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature, and you have a few options available. Gas heaters offer the most heating power but can be costly to operate, while electric heat pumps use less energy and heat water slowly. Solar heaters are more expensive upfront, but they are even more energy-efficient and could save you money in the long run.
As for filters, the most common types are sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth, or DE. Sand filters are low-maintenance but less effective at filtering out small particles, while DE filters are the most effective yet the hardest to maintain. Cartridge filters fit right in the middle; they are more effective than sand filters and easier to maintain than DE filters. Overall, choosing the “right” heater and filter will depend on your budget and how much time you’re able to spend on maintenance and cleaning.
You should also get expert help. A pro can come and test your pool and inspect your components to ensure all is well. If you have any questions about cleaning your pool or if you need a professional pool cleaning service in Cumming, GA, contact Yummy Pools today.