Keep your Pool in Tip Top Condition

With a little tender loving care, your pool can sparkle all year round! Pool maintenance varies greatly through the seasons and is also dependent on climate. But for all pool owners, there are a number of key steps you need to take to ensure you keep your pool in tip top condition.

By following a regular maintenance program – either by doing it yourself or by engaging a licensed pool maintenance company – you will save both time and money, and make the most of your very special asset.

Firstly, testing your pool water and ensuring it is safe to swim in is a vital part of managing a pool. It’s important to monitor the pH balance and chlorine levels regularly, not only to ensure the water is safe, but also to keep the water aesthetically pleasing. If you leave pool water untreated it could cause bacteria, viruses, algae and other organisms to develop in the water. The water will also become cloudy and affect the skin and eyes of swimmers.

Secondly, the proper use of chemicals is essential for the longevity of the swimming season and for the health of users. Too much chlorine can cause health problems for swimmers whereas too little chlorine can encourage the breakout of algae which can make the water go green. Not only that, incorrect chemical levels can seriously damage your pool equipment and shorten its lifespan.

And thirdly, maintaining your pool equipment and using it properly will ensure your swim season runs smoothly. Anything that moves needs servicing and a preventative maintenance program is the best approach in the long run.

Seasonal maintenance

Pool owners are increasingly opting to extend their swimming season, thanks to advances in pool covers and more economical solar and gas heating solutions. However, for most of us, the traditional swimming season is tied to the natural seasons – and during winter, our pools remain covered and unused. SPASA Australia has some great tips to keep your pool tip top 12 months of the year and to ensure it’s ready to dive into the first hot day of summer.

 

Summer

• Operate the filtration system six to eight hours a day
• Regularly check sanitiser levels, ideally on a daily basis
• Check the pH every two days
• Check the Total Alkalinity (TA) weekly
• Check and clean the skimmer basket and hair and lint pot basket weekly
• Have your pool water checked at your local pool shop every two weeks
• Thoroughly backwash your sand or DE filter or remove and clean the cartridge from your cartridge filter, depending on pool use
• Maintain the water level at least half way up to the skimmer box opening
• Clean the pool and vacuum the walls and floor of the pool regularly

 

Autumn

• Clean your pool more regularly to remove autumnal leaves and other debris
• Use your pool cover more often to prevent leaves and debris causing damage to your skimmer
• Reduce filtration hours to two to three hours a day or in salt pools, reduce the chlorine output as the days get cooler
• ‘Winterise’ your pool using a winter treatment kit

 

Winter

• Cover the pool completely
• Check the chlorine and pH levels every two weeks
• Empty the skimmer basket when full
• Occasionally check the water level is half way up the skimmer box opening
• Occasionally check the pressure gauge on the filter is not indicating ‘backwash’
• Turn the pool lights on for at least 30 minutes a week to prevent build-up of moisture within the light and wiring

 

Spring

• Thoroughly clean the pool and vacuum the walls and floor
• Check the pump is working properly and organise a full pool equipment service by a licensed pool and spa technician
• Check or replace fittings and check for leaks
• Check the chlorine and pH levels every two weeks
• Empty the skimmer basket when full
• Occasionally check the water level is half way up the skimmer box opening
• Occasionally check the pressure gauge on the filter is not indicating ‘backwash’
• Turn the pool lights on for at least 30 minutes a week to prevent build-up of moisture within the light and wiring