Owning a pool is a great luxury; however, it is also a big responsibility and has to be regularly cleaned. Pools should be cleaned once a week in order to stay clean and uncontaminated. As well as weekly cleaning, there are many other pool cleaning practices to be aware of. Let’s break it down.
Weekly Pool Maintenance
At the most basic level, pools need to be cleaned once a week. This is the best way to keep it uncontaminated and protect from accidents, diseases or infections.
What does pool cleaning involve?
The first step of cleaning your pool is skimming the surface of your pool to remove debris such as bugs and leaves that may have fallen in during the week. This should be done at least weekly, if not more. At certain times of the year, such as during autumn where there are more leaves falling into the water, you may need to skim the pool even more frequently.
Along with skimming the surface of the pool, you should brush the walls and floor of your pool once a week. This helps to prevent the buildup of algae. You can also vacuum your pool once a week to remove any debris or dirt that has sunk to the bottom. This could be done with a manual vacuum or an automatic pool cleaner.
Keeping your pool safe
One key action to keep your pool safe and clean is testing its water chemistry. This involves testing the pH, chlorine and alkaline levels. You should do this at least once a week, adjusting where necessary to keep the water balanced for safe and comfortable swimming.
Fortnightly and Monthly Pool Cleaning
As well as weekly cleaning, your pool will require other types of cleaning fortnightly and monthly.
Cleaning the pool filter
Your swimming pool filter is crucial in keeping the water clean and making sure the water circulates properly. There are different types of pool filters – including cartridge and sand. Depending on the type of filter you have, it should be checked and cleaned every two weeks to a month.
Shocking your pool
Every two weeks to a month, you should shock your pool. This is done by adding a big dose of chlorine which kills off bacteria, algae and other contaminants. The frequency of these shocks will depend on how often you use your pool as well as environmental factors.
How To Clean Your Pool Seasonally
As well as regular cleaning, there are certain things to bear in mind during the change of seasons.
In the UK, the temperamental weather means it is extra important to open and close your pool when necessary. In the warmer weather, when you’re planning to swim more, you should remove the pool cover, ensure the filtration system is set up and adjust the water level. When it is time to put the pool away for the season, make sure to close your pool properly to prevent any damage.
Every season, you should also review your pool equipment including skimmers, pumps and heaters to make sure they are working efficiently. These items are regularly impacted by leaks and wear and tear so may need to be replaced.
Why Do You Need To Clean Your Pool?
It is crucial to keep your pool clean to prevent the build up of germs and bacteria in the water. If not cleaned properly, anyone who swims in the pool can be at high risk of viral infections and diseases.
Not only that, but when you allow algae and moss to build up in your pool, it can make it more slippery. This gives rise to falls and accidents.
Keeping your pool properly and regularly cleaned means that you can enjoy it as safely as possible.
