Swimming pool ownership means swimming pool upkeep and maintenance. What goes into pool maintenance is a question that the swimming pool contractors from Tipton Pools in Knoxville, TN answer all the time when working with new swimming pool owners. Not all new pool owners are aware of what goes into pool maintenance and upkeep even though many do know it is a task they will be willing and able to undertake themselves. Note, though, that many people find it’s less expensive (and certainly less time consuming) to hire a pool service contractor than to do it themselves.
If you’re going to clean the pool on your own there are a few things you will want to make certain you address regularly in order to keep the pool water clean and free of bacteria.
What goes into pool maintenance?
- Clean the pool tiles. The dirt you cleaning off the tiles will settle into the pool and that’s why you want that gone first so it doesn’t blow into the already-cleaned water. Use a pool brush made for the specific pool construction material of your pool. Clean with a pool water safe cleaning product. Scrub the tiles above and below the water line, then move onto the rest of the pool cleaning tasks.
- Daily pool tasks. Skimming the pool water, especially to remove floating debris is a daily — usually multiple times a day — task. Debris like leaves and twigs are easier to clean from the top of the pool rather than waiting for them to settle to the bottom of the pool.
- Clean the pool cover. Remove and clean debris from the cover before removing it to prevent debris from falling into the water. A quick spritz with the hose may remove the debris or you may want to use a light pool cover broom.
- Add water. Water will need to be added to account for water that’s evaporated or been splashed out. Don’t let the water level drop below the skimmer.
- Inspect equipment. The pool equipment keeps the pool functional and needs to be maintained.Clean out the skimmer basket and empty it. Check the pump strainer basket and clean it out as the next step. Check the pressure of the filter. Check timers to assure they are on the schedule you originally set.
- Test chemicals. Add chemicals as necessary.
- Vacuum the pool after you’ve brushed and cleaned the pool tiles and after you’ve brushed and cleaned the pool walls and floor to loosen any debris or algae spores.
Run the pool pump for at least 12 hours a day — you need to run it often enough to completely turn the pool water over at least twice a day. Ask a pool contractor to calculate the volume of water in your pool, how long it will take to turn it over then run the pump for as many hours as he recommends. Run it overnight when electricity charges are lower.
If you decide to hire a pool contractor to take on the maintenance tasks, give us a call and we can give you an estimate.