Your swimming pool is the centerpiece of family fun and home to hours of summertime fun. Unfortunately, without the proper maintenance, your sparkling pool will become smelly, dirty, and just plain gross. Swimming pool management in California isn't nearly as fun as splashing and swimming, but the right techniques can make it a breeze that allows you to quickly get back to enjoying the water. This article covers all the details of general pool maintenance which will help you not only enjoy your pool more this season, but make your pool and it's equipment last longer year-to-year. .We'll be covering the following topics:
- Basic Pool Maintenance
- Cleaning (Pumps, Filters and Skimmers)
- Cleaning (Vacuums and Robots)
- Water Chemistry
- Covers
- Winterizing Your Pool
- Opening Your Pool in Spring
- Vinyl Liner Leaks and Repairs
5 Steps to Basic Swimming Pool MaintenanceBasic cleaning of your swimming pool includes cleaning the water, scrubbing the vinyl walls, keeping filters maintained, and clearing the area around your pool. Use these five steps to make cleaning your swimming pool an easy task that will barely interrupt your summer fun.1. Skim the SurfaceDebris accumulates on your pool's surface every day. Removing this matter will keep the water fresh and allow you to deep clean less frequently. Attach your skimmer net to a telescopic pole and sweep it across your pool's surface to remove debris. As the net gets dirty, shake debris onto the ground before putting the net back into the water. Skimming the water daily will prevent debris from sinking to the bottom of the pool. 2. Brush the WallsThe walls of your pool need to be scrubbed to remove dirt, chemical residue, and potential algae growth. Grab that telescopic pole again and attach the pool brush. Brush the walls, ladder, and corners of your pool. Take the time necessary to ensure you don't skip any tight spaces that could allow algae to grow. Brushing pushes stuck-on dirt and algae into the water making it easier for chemicals or your pool vacuum to remove. 3. Vacuum the Floor Attach your vacuum head and hose to the telescopic pole to clear debris from the bottom of your pool. To eliminate air from the system, lower the vacuum to the bottom of the pool and push the other end of the hose against a jet. When bubbles stop forming, air is purged from the vacuum and you're ready to get to work.Remove the strainer basket from your skimmer inlet and plug your vacuum hose into the suction port at the bottom of the skimmer. Slowly move your vacuum head over the entire floor of the pool to remove settled dirt and debris. Avoid rushing this job and stirring up debris that will eventually settle back to the bottom of your pool. When cleaning is complete, turn the filtration system back on to remove anything you missed.Note: Automatic cleaners are also available. While they're more expensive than a manual vacuum, they make the job considerably easier. Read more on the different type of auto cleaners here.
4. Clean the Filter
Cleaning your pool is useless if you neglect the filter. In fact, you'll be cleaning a lot more often if your pool's filter isn't clean enough to circulate the water effectively. Your pool likely has one of three types of filters. Each type requires a different cleaning method. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean your filter.
5. Wash the Deck
Sweep the area surrounding your pool to remove leaves, grass clippings, and other debris that will potentially end up back in the pool. Spray the area with a high-pressure hose or pressure washer to remove algae growth and chemical residue. Occasionally, you may need to disinfect your pool's deck to remove algae growth and bacteria. Use a specialized pool services for deck cleaner and a stiff brush to clean the area thoroughly in California.
