The pool is one of the most enjoyable features at home. It sets up a relaxing environment that the whole family will surely enjoy throughout every season.
To keep your pool attractive and, at the same time, safe, you have to clean it often. Here are some steps to maintain and make your pool look great even when there aren’t any professional cleaners around!
1. Deal with algae
Does black and green algae cover your pool? Algae makes your pool look ugly, and they are a common sight. There are two types of algae common in pools: black, and green hair algae. While both can be disastrous to your swimming pool, there are various ways to treat them.
What to do: You must clean your pool every week by using a wet rag covered with baking soda. This will stop the algae spreading any further on the sides of the pool.
2. Look after your pool’s pH level
Checking the chemisticals in your swimming pool involves testing the pH level, which should be between 7.2 and 7.6. The chlorine should be maintained at between 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm), while you also have to check your alkalinity and cyanuric acid levels. Don’t let the water in your swimming pool become toxic because of the chemical imbalance caused by adding too many chemicals.
What to do: Keep checking if the pH level is balanced. A too high or too low pH level will harm your skin and eyes and is dangerous for small children or pets. Use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to raise your pool’s pH and muriatic acid to lower your pool’s pH.
3. Get rid of the uninvited insects
You may be able to enjoy swimming without any worries if you have a screened pool. But those who don’t should get used to removing bugs that routinely show up in the pool area.
What to do: You can use clove oil, lemongrass, and rosemary leaves because they work well against mosquitoes. You can also keep these plants in pots around your backyard so that they become natural insect repellants. If you don’t have any, then you can use the old-fashioned way of crushing bay leaves and adding them to your filter system.
4. Learn how to deal with leaves, grass, and other debris which might fall into the pool
Leaves, grass, and other debris can cause bigger problems if you don’t clean them up or get them out right away.
What to do: You should check the pool regularly and take care of any dirt and leaves that might fall into the water. Make sure that you have a skimming net handy so that you can get them out right away. You can make your own skimming net using an old stocking attached to a pole. Just make sure that you tie a string onto the top and bottom of the stocking to keep it in place.
5. Remove rust and metal stains from the pool
Rust can come from metal joints or old chlorinated water, which react with the metals. When not addressed immediately, it might be a bit difficult to remove them.
What to do: Use a dentist’s toothpaste to remove the brownish stains and rust spots in your swimming pool. However, you have to ensure that you do this once a week before any of these stain or rust spots become permanent. You can also use citric acid (from citrus fruits like lemon), as it is another good cleaning agent for metal stains.
6. Remove limescale from your pool
If you don’t clean up the scale regularly, it could be a huge problem for you and your family. This is especially true if scale builds up around the steps or near the deep ends of the pool.
What to do: Mix some vinegar with baking soda, then use a brush to scrub on hard-to-reach areas (like tile grout lines) before they become difficult to remove. Add a bit of salt to the mixture. This would also help to remove molds.
You can also use muriatic acid, but this method has been shown to make metal parts corrode in addition to removing scale. If you have no other choice but to use this method, then be sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear while doing so to protect your eyes and skin.
7. Create a DIY Pool Cover
If you are worried about the safety of your pool, then this might be a perfect tip for you. Covering your pool keeps bugs out of it, prevents leaves from falling in it, and keeps children and pets from suddenly jumping in.
What to do: Make your own pool cover by using old tarps, pool noodles, and wooden planks. You can use a rope, twine, or chain to secure and tie them together. Make sure that they fit properly so that the wind doesn’t blow them away. Place weights at the corners and use straps to keep them secure.
8. Go through regular upkeep
According to SunloverHeating If you are not using your swimming pool often, you should make sure that it’s cleaned regularly to prevent any algae or unwanted materials from getting into the water. Keep your pool covered with a pool blanket when not in use to keep it warm and relatively free from debris.
What to do: Regularly use a leaf skimmer to clean up leaves and other debris on the surface of your swimming pool. If you don’t have one, then you can even cut an old pair of pantyhose and tie each end onto a pole. Use simple household bleach and brush down all dirt from the walls of your swimming pool before scrubbing off stains with hot water and soft-bristled brushes. You can also use a toothbrush to get in all the corners and cracks. Try not to use harsh chemicals that could damage the liner or paint on your pool walls.
Maintaining your pool is not as difficult as you might think. Just make sure that you are doing regular maintenance to keep your pool clean and safe for your family. With these do-it-yourself tips, start getting your pool ready to use all year round.