Tips & tricks....
Every pool is different, that means there can be a certain knack to pool maintenance. Check out our tried and true tips below. We’ve shared some videos we like, they aren’t perfect, but they are a good refresher on how to carry out some of the jobs around your pool. We’d love to hear your fave pool tips, send them in to us by email or add them to our facebook page.
Keep your pool water balanced
Improperly balanced water looks murky, irritates skin and eyes, and can cause your pool to become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Ideally, you should test the water at least once a week. Below is what you need to test for:
Keep your pool water balanced
Improperly balanced water looks murky, irritates skin and eyes, and can cause your pool to become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Ideally, you should test the water at least once a week. Below is what you need to test for:
- Chlorine - A sanitizer which keeps your pool water safe and free of germs. To be maintained between 2.5 - 5
- PH - acidity needs to be kept between 7.2 and 7.6 to prevent irritation and protect the pool equipment
- Alkalinity - Helps keep the PH in balance. Levels should be within range of 80 - 120
- Calcium Hardness - Appropriate levels help prevent plaster and equipment damage
- Plaster and concrete pools - Aim for 200 - 300
- Vinyl and fiberglass pools - Aim for 100 - 150
- Cyanuric Acid - Protects chlorine from sunlight. An ideal reading for outdoor pools is 30 - 70
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Backwash your filter
The most common type of filter used in pools are sand filters. Sand filters need to be backwashed every 2-4 weeks depending on the use of the pool. Cleaning the filter more often than recommended can actually hinder the filtration process. A clean filter is less efficient than one with a mild amount of dirt in it because the dirt helps trap other particles, which removes debris from the water. However, you don't want to let the filter get too dirty. The pressure gauge can assist in determining when it is time to backwash your filter. |
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Vacuum the pool and brush the walls A pool should be vacuumed every week to keep water clear and reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add to it. There are many types of pool vacuums. If you have a manual vac take your time, the slower you go the more effective it will be (and don’t forget to prime the hose.) Alternatively, there are robotic vacuums, these are a really easy solution to vacuuming your pool. Check them out here! But vacuuming isn't the only maintenance that should be done once a week. Brushing the walls and tile helps minimise algae buildup and calcium deposits so they don't become larger problems. |
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Skim debris and clean our baskets
Skimming the pool's surface by hand every few days is one of the fastest and easiest ways to keep your pool clean. Floating debris will eventually sink, becoming harder to remove. Use a leaf rake to remove leaves, bugs and other unwanted items. Cleaning the skimmer and pump baskets regularly is important to the overall maintenance of your swimming pool. Clogged baskets make your pump have to work harder to circulate the water which can add stress to your pump and reduce its life With water flow impeded by baskets full of debris, you are not getting the proper circulation to filter your pool water. For your pool to stay clean and clear the water must be filtered. With your skimmer and pumps baskets full of debris, you are not pulling as much water to the pump, and not filtering as much water as if the baskets were kept clean. |
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Check and maintain water level
A lot of water will be lost in summer largely because of evaporation and normal wear and tear, such as swimming, splashing and exiting the pool. When you remove debris with your skimmer throughout the week, that's also a good time to check the water level. Ensure it doesn't fall below the level of the skimmer, otherwise the pump could be damaged (ideally it needs to be half way up the skimmer). If the water is low, use the hose to top it up.
Find and repair leaks
Sometimes it's difficult to determine if the water is low because of evaporation or a leak. You can discover leaks in your pool by conducting a simple bucket test. Fill a plastic bucket three-quarters full of water. On the inside of the bucket, mark the water line. Place the bucket in the pool, then mark the water line on the outside of the container. (If the bucket has a handle, remove it to allow for better stability while floating.) Let it float for two or three days. If the water inside and outside the bucket has gone down the same amount, your pool is losing water due to evaporation. However, if the pool water level has gone down more than the water inside the bucket, your pool has a leak. That's your cue to call us to have it repaired.
A lot of water will be lost in summer largely because of evaporation and normal wear and tear, such as swimming, splashing and exiting the pool. When you remove debris with your skimmer throughout the week, that's also a good time to check the water level. Ensure it doesn't fall below the level of the skimmer, otherwise the pump could be damaged (ideally it needs to be half way up the skimmer). If the water is low, use the hose to top it up.
Find and repair leaks
Sometimes it's difficult to determine if the water is low because of evaporation or a leak. You can discover leaks in your pool by conducting a simple bucket test. Fill a plastic bucket three-quarters full of water. On the inside of the bucket, mark the water line. Place the bucket in the pool, then mark the water line on the outside of the container. (If the bucket has a handle, remove it to allow for better stability while floating.) Let it float for two or three days. If the water inside and outside the bucket has gone down the same amount, your pool is losing water due to evaporation. However, if the pool water level has gone down more than the water inside the bucket, your pool has a leak. That's your cue to call us to have it repaired.
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