Practical tips and essential steps to keep your pool water clean and transparent all year round
1. Clean the pool at the beginning of the season
When the swimming season starts, your pool needs a good cleaning to get ready. The first step is to empty the water a little. To do this, set the pump selector valve to the "drain" option and open the bottom valve of the pool. Close the valves on the skimmers and extra systems (such as the pool cleaner). When the pump starts, water will start to come out. As it goes down, you will see how the dirt that was stuck to the walls begins to show.
Here are two ways to clean:
Manual cleaning: If you prefer to do it yourself, put on some rubber boots and start cleaning the remains stuck to the walls. Of course, keep in mind that dirt may be somewhat more difficult to remove if it is already dry.
Cleaning while the water goes down: Another way is to use a special pool broom, which will help you clean the walls while the water goes down, preventing dirt from adhering and drying out. However, be careful with anti-fouling products, because if they are spilled on the coping stone, they can damage it.
Remember that for these jobs, there are specific products for each type of pool. Furthermore, at the end of emptying there will always be a little water left that cannot be vacuumed, especially in polyester pools. For this water, the ideal is to use a small pump or do it by hand.
2. How to keep water crystal clear
To keep water clean and crystal clear, there are two things you cannot ignore: filtration and disinfection.
Filtration: You have to make sure that the filtration system is adapted to the size and volume of your pool. This will remove any suspended particles such as dust or dirt.
Disinfection: To keep water free of bacteria and microorganisms, use chemicals such as chlorine and pH regulators. If you want more comfortable maintenance, you can opt for automatic systems such as salt chlorinators or ozonizers.
Visual example: Imagine that water is like a sponge. You need a good filtration system (like a very fine strainer) to keep it clean and clear.
3. Pool with green water due to algae
If your pool water starts to turn green due to algae, don't panic. The first thing is to adjust the pH to 7.2 (with products to increase or reduce it). Then, perform shock chlorination: apply chlorine quickly until a concentration of 3-5 PPM is reached. This will kill the algae within a couple of hours.
Run the filtration pump so that the chlorine is distributed well and within a few hours, or the next day, the water should be clean and crystal clear again. It's like magic!
4. Clean the bottom of the pool
The bottom of the pool is one of the areas where dirt accumulates the most. You have two options:
Manual cleaning: If you prefer to do it by hand, with a hose, a pole and a special brush, connect everything to the pool cleaner outlet, activate the pump and start vacuuming the dirt from the bottom. It's like vacuuming, but under water. When you're done, don't forget to wash the filter to remove all the grime.
Automatic cleaning: If you want to save yourself the work, you can use an automatic cleaning robot. These work alone, but make sure you choose one that fits your pool well. A good tip is to consult with a professional to choose the best model.
5. Weekly pool maintenance
To keep your pool always ready, do regular maintenance. It's not just about removing visible dirt, but also preventing residue from building up.
If there are trees nearby or people coming and going frequently, I recommend using a cover or mesh to protect it. In addition, installing automatic disinfection systems makes the job much easier. This way, you won't have to worry as much about chlorine or pH.
6. How to clean the pool filter
The pool filter needs maintenance for everything to work well. Use the pressure gauge to know when to clean it. If the pressure is high, it's time to clean.
To do this, move the pump valve to the wash position and start it so that the water flows in the opposite direction and cleans the filter. Then rinse it to make sure no dirt remains. You have to do this from time to time so that the water remains clean.
7. Using well water to fill the pool
If you do not have access to mains water, you can fill the pool with well water, but before doing so, it is advisable to do a water analysis. Make sure it is in good condition so as not to affect the quality of the pool. In these cases, it is best to contact a specialized company to advise you on the appropriate treatment.
With these steps, you can keep your pool in excellent condition, clean and ready to enjoy all summer long. The key is good regular maintenance and using the right products to keep the water crystal clear and bacteria free.
