Your swimming pool can either be an investment or can tear down your property value, it all depends on the maintenance it receives. You want your pool to last for a very long time and have years to enjoy the summer months relaxing by or in the pool. So, why do pool owners spend a lot of time caring for and maintaining their cars but totally ignore their pools? With proper care, your pool will last for many years but you need to know what to do and how to go about it. If you have a super busy life, hire a pool cleaning service to care for it. Ignoring the pool will only lead to serious problems down the road.
The pool in your backyard can give you so many benefits from relaxation, exercise, entertainment, and barbecuing with neighbors. But to get the most out of your pool, you must maintain it and keep it in great shape.
Why You Need To Clean Your Pool
There are several important reasons why cleaning and caring for your swimming pool is good for the pool and good for you. Here are some important reasons you should take into consideration:
- Longer life of the pool
- Fewer expensive repairs
- Safe, clean water with proper maintenance
- Better functionality & operation
- Could add value to your home
- Hours of fun and relaxation over the summer months
You should take heed about cleaning and caring for your pool whether doing it yourself or bringing in a pool cleaning service. If you don't, here are some results you will not enjoy:
Clogged Drains -
If you don't check your drains regularly, you will end up with clogging which in turn can lead to damaging the pool's motor. If the motor is damaged, it will create a huge gap in your bank account to have it repaired or replaced. Simply paying attention and cleaning out the filters will be well worth your time.
An Increased Growth Of Algae -
If you notice the water in your pool is taking on a greenish tint, it could be the growth of algae. This is probably caused because the pool's water has not been given proper maintenance and treatment. There are so many products available for you at pool supply shops. You can easily remove or prevent algae from forming in your pool. Your best bet, find a pool cleaning service to take care of it for you. Keep in mind, the pool cannot take care of itself, but without proper care, it won't be around for very long.
Illnesses -
If you cannot take care of your pool by maintaining the proper quality and cleanliness of the pool's water you could face some serious health issues. Some illnesses could include skin, ear, eye, and respiratory infections. You could have a build-up of bacteria that will quickly contaminate the water and lead to issues such as eye infections, rashes, or wound infections.
If you have been using the pool without absolutely no maintenance and are now ill, we'd strongly suggest you get to your doctor.
How Can I Tell If My Pool Is Clean & Safe?
Before you decide to just jump in, take a look at the water's texture and color. The water in the pool should be clear enough to see underwater objects such as a metal grating on the pool floor that's approximately 10 feet down. If the edge of the pool has foaming or bubbling, you've got a serious problem. Chances are, you've got organic matter building up such as bacteria or pollen.
How To Keep Your Pool In Great Condition
This is what your schedule should look like on a weekly basis:
Skim debris off the top of the water with the skimmer or pool net. You might have to do this over again for a few days or longer depending on the weather. Also, if your pool is near trees that can make a difference.
You must thoroughly clean the walls and floor of the pool. The best and easiest way to do this is to get a robotic pool cleaner to do it all for you. If you prefer to do it manually, you will need a pool brush and a vacuum.
Clean out the skimmer and pump baskets, check the filters to ensure they are working properly. Also, a clogged filter must be cleaned out.
Test the chlorine, alkalinity, and pH levels in the water and adjust as needed. Once the water is balanced, you must shock the pool and add an algaecide to keep the water clear. Algaecides are like a backup to your sanitizing program to prevent algae from forming in the pool Algaecide should be performed after every shock treatment.
Again, if you will be shocking the pool, make sure everyone stays out of the pool. The chemicals can seriously burn and even damage their eyes.
If maintaining and caring for your pool is just not something you want to get into, hire a pool cleaning service to take care of it for you. Just make sure the pool is properly cared for to protect your friends and family as well as the pool!.