Everyone enjoys relaxing around the pool during warmer weather. Keep the water healthy and clear with basic swimming pool maintenance. Family and friends will like spending time by the water in the heat of summer.
Don’t Leave the Pool Empty
Some people drain the pool as part of the closing process at the end of summer, however, it’s not good to leave an in-ground pool empty. Even though you won’t be using it, keep water in the pool to help preserve the pool liner.
A vinyl liner can dry out and crack without water. Later, when the pool is refilled, water will seep through the cracks and may cause damage. Drain the pool to just below the skimmer line, but don’t remove all of the water.
Clean the Filter for Swimming Pool Maintenance
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning your swimming pool’s filter. Generally, it’s recommended that you rinse the filter out every 2 or 3 weeks. Most filters need to be replaced each year.
If you live in a wooded area, leaves, pine needles, and pollen may clog the filter regularly. If this is the case, rinse your filter weekly and consider placing it twice each year, if needed.
Keep the Water Level Up
Pay attention to the water level in your pool and make sure to top it off about every two weeks. Depending on the weather, whether the pool is left uncovered, and how many people have been in the pool, you may need to refill it more often.
The water level in any size pool should be halfway up the skimmer plate. This keeps the pool water circulating and the pump functioning properly.
Balance the pH
Use pool testing strips to check the pH of the water. A high pH level can irritate the eyes and skin. For your swimming pool, an acceptable pH is between 7.2 and 7.8. To balance the water, add chemicals as needed and test the water until it is balanced.
Swimming Pool Maintenance Involves Shocking the Water
Occasionally, it’s good to shock the pool by adding a chemical that sanitizes it quickly. It may be necessary to add shock after heavy use or strong rains. Shocking will raise the levels of chlorine to a point where algae and bacteria are destroyed. It’s best to shock the water just before dark. During the day, the sun will burn off chlorine and the shock treatment will be less effective.
Vacuum the Pool
Basic maintenance involves skimming and vacuuming the pool to remove debris. Insects, leaves, twigs, and other debris will accumulate in your pool. Use a skimmer tool to remove floating debris and a pool vacuum to remove sediment that sinks to the bottom. Keeping the water clean will help prevent the filter and pump from becoming clogged.
Naples–Ft. Myers and Venice–North Port Home Inspection Services offers inspections to customers in southwest Florida. Contact us to schedule our services.