Did you know that swimming even just two and a half hours per week can help decrease your risk of developing a chronic illness? If you’re thinking of getting a pool to help you stay healthy, you can’t go wrong.
That is, however, until you go to dive in and realize that the once crystal clear water is now murky and algae is starting to form on the walls. Have no fear; we’re here to help!
Read on to learn the proper steps to cleaning a pool so you know how to keep your water sparkling no matter how often you go for a swim.
Remove Debris
At least once per week, you should use a leaf skimmer to scoop up any leaves, bugs, and other outdoor debris that is floating in your pool. These are called “organics” and they can affect your water’s chemistry if you don’t remove them.
Try to remove any debris while it’s floating on the surface of the water instead of waiting until it falls to the bottom. Sunken debris is much harder to remove and it’s more likely to form stains on the surface of your pool.
Brush the Walls
If you notice dirt or algae growth on the sides of your pool or fixtures like ladders and slides, learning how to clean a pool properly can help. Use a pool brush to gently remove dirt and algae from the walls and bottom of your pool. Then, do the same thing to the ladder and any other pool accessories.
As you brush the dirt away, push it toward your pool’s main drain so it gets sucked up. Read more about the importance of pool maintenance here.
Once you’re finished brushing, run your automatic pool cleaning vacuum to suck up the debris to keep the pool clean. Again, you should plan to do this about once per week.
Balance Your Water
If you’re wondering how to clear a cloudy pool, the answer probably lies in your water chemistry. If the water is starting to look off or smell funny, use a pool water testing kit to check the pH level of the water. Ideally, you’ll want the pH levels to stay between 7 and 7.4.
If your water is unbalanced, you should head to your local pool supply store to pick up the appropriate chemicals to help get it back to the proper levels. Some pool stores can even test a water sample for you to give you a better idea of what you need to keep it balanced.
Sanitize and Clarify the Water
Finally, when cleaning a pool, you’ll want to use a sanitizer weekly to help keep the water disinfected. If you don’t, you risk skin irritation or red eyes after you go swimming. This is also a good time to use a water clarifying treatment, to help keep the water clear. The clarifying treatment can also help to make chlorine treatments more effective.
Follow These Steps to Cleaning a Pool
Now that you’ve read through these steps to cleaning a pool, it’s time to get to work! Follow the steps we’ve outlined here to make sure your pool is always ready for your next swim.
To read more like this, be sure to check out our other articles on a variety of different topics.
