The Beginner’s Guide to Swimming Pool Maintenance

  

Regardless of where you live or how frequently it's used, pool maintenance in Perth is essential in having a healthy pool. Pool maintenance consists of balancing water chemistry, removing debris, maintaining the pool's equipment, and many more tasks. Every pool requires proper attention and care from its owners. And while you've already got a long list of tasks to do on the weekend, the cleaning and maintenance of your swimming pool need to be a priority.

 

The Handy Maintenance Schedule:

A. Weekly Schedule

• Checking the water levels to make sure that the pump works efficiently

• Testing the water and adjusting the pH level, if required

• Testing stabilizer levels and oxidizer and adjust if needed

• Testing the chlorine level of the pool water

• Inspecting the pool water and check for algae growth and clarity 

• Test and adjust the alkalinity

• Check the filter pressure

Removing the debris or leaves from the bottom of the pool, skimmer basket, and skim the surface of the water to remove debris

 

B. Monthly Schedule

• Testing and adjusting the calcium hardness accordingly

• Testing the overall alkalinity of the pool water

• Thoroughly cleaning the filter

• Inspect the pool liner for tears and holes and make the necessary swimming pool repairs in Perth

• If you have a gunite, concrete, or fiberglass pool, thoroughly check for cracks and breaks.

• Check all pool equipment, including the filter, pool pump, ladders, handrails, diving boards, etc., to make sure nothing is loose and functioning correctly.

 

Testing the Waters

One of the most critical tasks for the pool owners is to test the water regularly. There are four significant tests that need to be performed:

a) Calcium Hardness

b) pH Level

c) Chlorine Level

d) Total Alkalinity

 

While it is funny to think that most people will test their pool daily, it is recommended that you must do so at least once a week. This helps to make sure a clean, healthy water for your pool.

 

Understanding the PH Balance

pH is the scale to measure how acid or alkaline your pool water is. The average pH level of the human body is 7.2; that is why this number is ideal for pool water. 

 

Problems Associated with Low pH:

When the pH level is below 7.0, the water becomes acidic. It can cause corrosion of all the metals associated with your pool (ladders, rails, pumps, filters, valves, etc.). The liner will dissolve, staining from the metal corrosion, rapid dissipation of chlorine resulting in having to use more, and dry and itchy skin.

 

Problems Associated with High pH:

When pH rises above 7.0, the water becomes alkaline. It can cause scaling or calcium buildup on the waterline, pool surfaces, and accessories, clogging of filter medium or elements, dull or cloudy water, dry, itchy skin, and drop-in disinfection potential of chlorine resulting in algae growth.

 

We're Here For You!

The easiest way to get more free time as a pool owner is to hire a pool professional. Our pool professional at Indigo Pool Care can access your pool's current needs and foresee any potential problems that could cost you money and time.