There's something wonderfully luxurious about having a swimming pool in the back garden, especially when the weather is warm and the skies are blue. It's always worth remembering, however, that outdoor pools are not maintenance-free; they require plenty of upkeep over a the years. One of the most important jobs is to keep the pool itself free from debris, so
pool cleaning should be right at the top of the to-do list.
1. Avoid the build-up of small particles of debris
Unwanted materials, including dust and sand, can get into a swimming pool from the feet of swimmers or as a result of the wind. A pool vacuum or specialised filtration system may be required to clean the pool bottom. If you don't use one, the fine particles accumulate over time, forming a layer of sediment at the bottom of the pool. This causes algae growth, reduces visibility and makes it harder to see objects in the water.
2. Use a combination of vacuum and filter
A pool vacuum removes large debris and helps prevent sediment formation. However, it does nothing to remove fine particles. For best results, use a pool vacuum combined with a filter. You can buy a pool vacuum separately, but purchasing a filter that includes both functions costs much less. A pool vacuum works by sucking up small particles while a filter traps the larger ones. Some models include a pre-filter stage that catches smaller particles before they reach the main filter basket. Pool filtration can help to extend the life of all types of pools.
3. Keep the walls of the pool as clean as possible
While it may seem surprising to hear that the walls inside the pool must be cleaned, it's true. Dirt and algae build up on the walls and cause problems like cloudy water and a build-up on the bottom of the pool itself. Regular cleaning prevents these issues from happening, and a good way to do that is to brush the walls when the pump isn't working. This can loosen much of the debris and should be a regular feature of your pool maintenance efforts.
4. Remember the importance of old-fashioned skimming
If your pool is not covered, such as during busy summer periods, it's a good idea to skim the water daily. This task can be performed by a solar-powered robotic appliance or an automatic pool cleaner these days, but manual skimming is still a regular job for many. To hand skim effectively, use a telescopic pole with an attached net, and don't forget to agitate the water surface from time to time to get the underwater debris onto the top. If you don't have a telescopic pole and skimmer basket, you can skim with a leaf rake instead. As always, using a pool skimmer requires a great deal of patience. However, you will still need to use a vacuum and pump.
5. Keep your pool filter free from clogging at all times
The filter is one of the most important parts of a swimming pool system. By cleaning the debris off the surface of the pool, it helps to keep the water clean and clear. If there are too many leaves or sticks floating around, the filter won't be able to do its job properly. You will sometimes notice leaves or sticks caught in the filter, so make sure you unclog the area as thoroughly as possible. The clearer the filter, the better it will work. Cloudy pool water is to be avoided at all times, of course.
6. Don't avoid debris clearance just because it's winter
There's a temptation to leave the pool untouched in the winter because it's not being used. The cover is on, and nobody has been swimming, so why should you bother with such chores? Well, your pool can still attract debris in the winter, even when it's covered. Twigs, stones, leaves and other items, including larger debris, can become trapped within and, at some point, could become entangled in the pipes or drains. The growth of live and dead algae in an unused pool can also cause serious issues, so make sure you clean the area regularly.
7. Manually remove accumulated debris on the floor of the pool
In some pools, especially those without filters, there will be a need to manually remove underwater debris. First, brush the sides of the pool to remove algae and other smaller particles. Next, slow down the sweeping motion and sweep the debris on the pool floor into a pile. Take great care to do this slowly enough to avoid making waves in the water on the pool floor. Now, dive to the bottom and carefully scoop it into a dustpan. Finally, empty the dustpan into the trash bin.
Your swimming pool has been designed and built to give you many years of excellent service, but it can only do that if it's thoroughly cleaned and properly maintained. With help from a pool brush, clean water and a good quality pool cover, swimming pool owners can get the most from their facility for a long time.