Regardless of how simple or complex your pool system may be, you will typically need to focus on four parts: the pool water, interior, filter system, and skimmer. By paying close attention to these parts and using the right care supplies, you can continue to enjoy using your pool without worrying about bacteria or other dirt floating around.
Find the Right Equipment
Before you can do any of the proper maintenance procedures, you need to have all the appropriate supplies and tools to help you clean your pool. A telescopic pole will come in handy for many cleaning steps since you can easily attach a skimmer, brush, or vacuum head at the head. The length of the pole will allow you to reach the floors and walls of your pool.
Robotic pool vacuums are also growing in popularity today since it can be tiring to vacuum your pool every so often. Robot cleaners can “drive” around your pool and clear out any debris that may be lying on the floor of your pool. Getting a pool filter will also be essential to make sure your water is clean at all times.
General Maintenance
As a pool owner, you need to ensure your pool has clean water and proper chemical balance and chlorine levels. Try to do a shock treatment weekly to steer clear of issues, then test the pH and chlorine in the pool after. Your pool should maintain a pH range of about 7.4 to 7.6 and a chlorine level ranging from 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm) to keep it healthy and safe for humans to swim.
If you notice any issues like algae growing or murky waters, you may need to do your routine treatment another time to get rid of them. Similarly, if you are experiencing extreme weather conditions like heavy rainstorms or extreme heat, then you can also do another shock treatment.
Clean the Pool
You should also clean your pool at least once a week to make sure your water stays clean and clear. Use a long-handled skimmer to catch any leaves or debris that may have piled up on the surface of the pool. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the debris from sinking to the bottom of your pool, as this can cause stains and make it harder to remove. An alternative is to use a company that are expert at providing professional pool cleaning services.
Backwash the Filter
Backwashing refers to a process whereby you reverse the flow of water in your pool’s filter system to get rid of any contaminants. Do this continuously until you see clear water running through the waste line. To ensure you do this step correctly, you need to select a filter that fits the size of your pool and make sure to also clean the filter regularly.
Maintenance for your pool can feel like a chore most of the time, but doing this will help preserve the beauty and cleanliness of your pool. Neglecting to care for your pool can lead to health hazards for those who swim in it and also cause you to spend more money trying to fix the issues. After all, no one wants to swim in a pool with murky and slimy waters or with debris floating around everywhere.
Tips For Care Of Your Spa Pool
Whether you own a spa business or have a penchant for luxury, a spa pool is a no-brainer essential that can relax your muscles and calm your mind on any given day. What makes a spa pool unique from any other pool is a customizable temperature and water pressure setting that allows you to enjoy a warm bath and massage across all seasons. However, owning a spa pool comes with several responsibilities, including the need to care for it.
It is pertinent to take care of your spa pool to ensure its longevity, cleanliness, and safety. Regular maintenance is necessary and can be performed by a trained professional or yourself. Here are some tips on how to take care of your spa pool so you can enjoy its steamy waters all-year-round.
Keep The Water Clean
Much like a standard pool, you do not have to change a spa pool’s water every day. A complete water change for a regular-sized hot tub can cost you over 10,000 gallons of water, so a quarterly change is the most practical option. You can retain the freshness and quality of water through a combination of disinfection, regular cleaning, and temperature tests. However, you may have to regularly fill in with small amounts of water as some cleaning procedures can drain the liquid.
In that regard, it is pertinent to clean your filled spa pool at least three times a week. If the tub is situated outdoors, you may have to remove fallen leaves and debris with a leaf skimmer. Additionally, you have to check the water filter for any clogs — a backwash may be necessary if the pressure goes above the recommended 8-10 PSI. To make things easier, consider washing the filter once a month and replacing it every year or two, depending on the amount of use.
Keep The Chemicals Aligned
The key to allowing the same water to circulate for 3-4 months lies in the spa pool’s chemical components. Generally, you want to maintain a ratio of 1-3 ppm of chlorine and 2-4 ppm of bromine. These chemicals are essential for killing dirt, micro-organisms, and external body waste, such as oils. Meanwhile, you need to maintain a pH balance of 7.4-7.6 and ensure that the water’s total alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm, while Calcium Hardness can range from 150-250 ppm.
Staying within the limits of these numbers is crucial as anything too low will make them ineffective, while anything too high can destroy your tub and can cause chemical imbalances in the body. While the procedure seems complicated, testing the water’s chemical components is easy. All you need are test strips for specific chemicals, such as chlorine and alkaline, or a digital spa reader. Consider testing once a week or twice a month, and administer the appropriate chemicals when necessary.
Keep The Tub Clean
While plenty of spa pool owners are conscious about the quality of the water, many forget about keeping the actual spa tub clean. After a couple of months of use, completely drain your spa pool and use a spa cleaner spray to remove grime, debris, and any other accumulated dirt. Pay attention to corners, which tends to build up with debris.
Your spa pool can also benefit from vacuum cleaning with a dedicated machine. Avoid using regular household chemicals and cleaners as they likely contain unwanted components, such as phosphates and other contaminants, which can negatively clash with the disinfecting chemicals. If your pool has a cover, then air it out twice a week to avoid foul odor, mold, and bacteria.
Owning a spa pool is a wonderful addition to any home, resort, or place of relaxation. While it entails a detailed maintenance procedure, you will surely not regret putting in the extra effort to ensure your safety and the pool’s quality.