Weekly Pool Maintenance:
- Check the water levels to ensure that the pump can work efficiently
- Test the water and adjust the pH if necessary
- Test the chlorine levels in the pool water
- Test and adjust the alkalinity
- Test oxidizer and stabilizer levels and adjust if needed
- Inspect the pool water and check for clarity and algae growth
- Remove any leaves or debris from the bottom of the pool and skim the surface of the water to remove debris
- Add the appropriate amounts of weekly chlorine
- Check the filter pressure and backwash if necessary
- Shock the pool at least once every 2 weeks to eliminate contaminants and restore clarity to the water
Monthly Pool Maintenance:
- Test the calcium hardness and adjust accordingly
- Test the total alkalinity
- Clean the filter using chemicals
- Inspect equipment such as pump and filter for proper functioning
- If your pool has a liner, inspect the liner for holes and tears and make any necessary repairs
- If you have a concrete, gunite, or fiberglass pool, inspect for cracks.
- Check all other pool equipment including ladders, handrails, diving boards, etc. to make sure nothing is loose and it is working properly
Annual Pool Maintenance:
Winterize and close your pool by doing the following:
-balance the water levels: pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness
-lower the water levels to avoid freezing and blow out the lines to remove any excess water
-run the filter continuously for about 24 hours
-drain the pump and filter to remove any water
-Thoroughly clean the pool by vacuuming and removing all debris
-Remove skimmer baskets, ladders, and other exterior pool equipment
-Cover the pool
Whether you complete these tasks yourself or hire a professional, proper maintenance is an essential part of owning a pool. Regular maintenance will help to keep your equipment working properly and it will also help you to achieve a clean pool that is healthy and free of bacteria. This is the best way to extend the life of your pool and get the most enjoyment out of it.
General Pool Maintenance Tips
Check your Filtration System
The filter system removes debris by trapping small particles that get into the pool and do not dissolve. The filter system components are the pump and the filter. The pump is the electrical component that drives the pool water through the filter. Most
swimming pool filters use
sand,
diatomaceous earth (DE) or
cartridge elements to filter the water. Be sure to operate and maintain your filter according to manufacturers specifications including procedures to routinely clean and/or backwash it.
Clean your skimmer/pump basket
Your skimmer and pump basket are designed to collect large debris before it reaches the filter. You should empty out and clean these baskets frequently. Failure to remove collected debris often results in poor water circulation, inhibiting maximum filtration efficiency.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming your swimming pool helps to ensure a clean, healthy water environment.
Most
manual pool vacuums attach to the skimmer and use the pump pressure to bring debris off of the bottom of the pool through the filter system. *Note: There can be no air in the vacuum hose when using a manual vacuum. Air can be driven out of the vacuum hoses by either submersing the vacuum hose under water or by placing the vacuum hose over one of the return fittings before hooking it up to the skimmer.
Leaf Skimming
Use a Leaf Skimmer attached to your vacuum pole to gather up leaves, insects and other floating debris on the surface of the water. By removing the debris before it reaches your
filter system or the bottom of your pool, you can save time, increase filter efficiency, and prevent staining of the pool bottom.
Brushing
Use a wall brush to clean and scrub pool walls and bottom. Brushing the pool will allow debris and dirt to be caught in your pool’s filtration system as well as prevent algae growth and staining due to stagnant dirt. Brush your pool as needed or as part of weekly maintenance.
Keep Surrounding Deck Areas Clean
A good practice in maintaining a clean pool is to keep the deck and surrounding areas free from loose leaves, dirt, and debris. This dirt and debris will either be brought into the pool by the users or blow into the pool where it will have to be cleaned out. A regimen of regularly hosing down the deck or raking the surrounding yard is recommended to prevent needless pool water cleaning.
Additional Maintenance Information:
IRC Code Information - Pool/Spa:
IRC (International Residential Code) code information regarding pools and spas can be viewed at the following link:
IRC Pool Code