Having a custom swimming pool installed is an exciting time. You've taken the time to think about the purchase and carefully plan out your swimming pool size, shape, and other additions to the pool/yard. The next step after it's installed is keeping it clean and clear. If you don't take care of your new purchase properly, you'll end up with a swamp in no time at all. See below for five tips to help you care for your pool.
Test The Chemical Levels
Test the chemical levels in your pool by using a water test kit. You can find the test kit at your local pool supply store. The test kit will give you your chlorine, pH, alkalinity and stabilizer levels. There are a few different types on the market—choose whichever type is easiest for you. You can also take a sample of the water to the pool supply store and have it tested. They can tell you which chemicals you need to add to make your water safe for swimming and to clear it up.
Vacuum Often
Vacuum your pool often to prevent a buildup of dirt from staining your pool floor. Your pool can also build up with algae, which can stain your pool and eventually eat a hole in the liner. Use a manual pool vacuum or an automatic vacuum to remove dirt and algae. Be sure to blow out all of the air from the hose to get a good enough suction in the vacuum. If you have air in the hose, all you'll be doing it pushing around the dirt, rather than sucking it up.
Keep The Filter/Pump Running
Keep the water moving around by running the filter and pump often. This helps circulate your water and circulate the chemicals throughout the pool. It can also help prevent the pool from turning green. Be sure to backwash the pool to clean out dirty water.
Check The Skimmer Basket
Remove leaves and dead bugs that were sucked into the skimmer basket every other day or more often if you have a lot of trees in your yard. If the skimmer basket gets full, it can prevent water from getting to the pump, which can eventually blow up the pump. Turn off the pump/filter and then remove the basket to empty it. Replace the basket and turn your pool back on.
Add Water As Needed
The water level can go down in your pool for a number of reasons, whether it's from backwashing the pool, or from evaporating. Your water level needs to be kept up. If the water level gets too low, it can blow up the pump. Add water so it is at least up to the middle of your skimmer opening. If you don't have enough water in the pool, you won't be able to vacuum the pool either, so it's important to keep plenty of water in the pool.
Your swimming pool was a big investment. Keep up with your investment and protect it by cleaning your pool, adding the proper chemicals and circulating the water often.
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