Safe Swimming: Your Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist
Swimming pools are a very luxurious asset and give homeowners the prime opportunity to cool off and unwind after a hectic day. However, these facilities can be incredibly hard to maintain and can cause a lot of issues for new owners who are not particularly aware of their inner workings. Luckily, this article will provide you with everything you need to know about domestic pools as well as the things that you should add to your weekly pool maintenance checklist.
Signs Your Pool Needs to Be Maintained
You Avoid Using the Pool All Year Round
If the sight of your swimming pool makes your stomach turn, even during incredibly hot weather, it may be time to build a weekly pool maintenance checklist. Pools can be very expensive to run, so if you and your family feel uncomfortable about using them, you are potentially wasting a ton of money each year. Thus, if your pool is not being cleaned and cared for on a regular basis, your bank account could suffer the consequences. In addition, if your pool is out of use for most of the year, it is probably taking up valuable space in your garden, which could be used for more attractive assets such as outdoor furniture or children’s play areas.
The Water Shows Signs of Discoloration
Discoloration of your swimming pool’s water could mean many things, but it usually indicates that your pool is in dire need of a deep clean. If the water has become cloudy or murky, it is probably infested with bacteria and needs a wealth of treatment to bring it back to normal. On the flip side, if the water presents a thick layer of foam on the top of the surface, this usually means that your water is contaminated with high levels of toxins and may also show that your pool filter is severely clogged. All of these issues show that your pool is under great strain and requires the help of an expert pool contractor to help resolve its ever-growing list of issues.
Your Entire Garden Smells of Chlorine
It is a common misconception that a pool’s water smells like chlorine. In fact, the strong smell that is given off is actually chloramine, a by-product of chlorine that is usually produced when the chemical mixes with waste products such as sweat and dead skin. Thus, if your backyard is starting to give off a strong odor, it is a sign that your pool needs a deep clean. Chloramine can also cause irritation to the eyes and skin, so it is vital that you adhere to your weekly pool maintenance checklist to ensure that none of the inhabitants are harmed.
The Water Has Turned Green
Your swimming pool should exhibit an abundance of crystal-clear water. So, if you notice that the water has turned green over the course of a few weeks, it is a sign that you have a big problem on your hands. Green water signifies high levels of algae, a type of plant that typically grows in large bodies of water. Although in small doses, this plant can be very good for you, it can be very unhygienic to swim in. Thus, it is vital that you clean your pool as soon as you notice a green haze appearing in your water and contact a professional if you feel like you need some more advice on the matter.
The Pool Is Teeming With Pests
Alongside large amounts of bacteria, your swimming pool can also become a common spot for various insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and beetles. Though these bugs are harmless on land, they can wreak havoc in your swimming pool, filling it with harmful bacteria and viruses. Plus, these bugs also have the opportunity to enter your home, causing you distress in other key spaces such as the bedroom and the kitchen. Therefore, it is good practice to clean out your swimming pool as soon as you notice one of these frustrating pests in your water.
7 Things to Add to Your Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist
1. Ensure Your Backyard Is Well Manicured
If you have placed your swimming pool in your garden, it is vital that you conduct regular yard maintenance activities to help keep it running smoothly. Although it can sound like an arduous task, you must mow your lawn on a regular basis, so that this debris cannot find its way into your swimming pool. This is also relevant to those who own an above ground pool, as inhabitants are still able to drag insects, bacteria, and waste from the garden into the pool. As such, in order to keep your pool looking as good as new, you also have to take care of the rest of your garden.
2. Adjust the Water Level
Your swimming pool can experience a plethora of complications if its water levels are not consistently maintained. Low water levels can cause key elements of your pool to degrade, such as filters and pool pumps, which can allow harmful bacteria and debris to enter the water system. If these elements experience complete failure, they can be very expensive to replace, adding even more to your usual expenses. In contrast, overfilling your swimming pool can cause water to seep into the foundation of your backyard, ruining the pH balance of your soil and potentially damaging surrounding structures and furniture. If you are unsure how much water you should put in your swimming pool, reach out to some local pool companies for some expert guidance.
3. Change the Liner
A swimming pool liner is used to cover the floor and walls of the pool as a way to prevent leaks and protect them from any damage. Despite their durability and strength, these liners do not last forever and tend to deteriorate over time. If you begin to notice your water levels fluctuating or spot signs of wear and tear in your pool, it may be time to purchase a new liner. Many experts state that these liners should be changed every 10-15 years, but note that certain factors such as harsh weather conditions and frequent use can cause this material to wear down faster than usual. Therefore, although this task may not fit into your weekly pool maintenance checklist, it is important that you keep an eye on the condition of your liner throughout the year.
4. Check the Temperature
The average temperature for a domestic swimming pool should be anywhere between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius, allowing swimmers to feel comfortable and safe at all times. However, it can be difficult for owners to effectively measure the temperature of their swimming pools due to their size and shape. For example, those who own a plunge pool will notice that their water runs a lot colder than conventional pools in order to give it a spa-like feel. Therefore, be sure to add checking the temperature to your weekly pool maintenance checklist so that you can continue using this facility without the risk of burning yourself or becoming too cold.
5. Ensure It Is Accessible
Swimming pools can be a great source of hydrotherapy for disabled individuals, so it is vital that they can be customized to better suit these people. A custom in ground pool builder can construct your dream swimming pool, allowing you to get in and out of the structure with ease. These pools can essentially be any size or shape, so the possibilities are endless. Moreover, this is a great option for those with an unconventionally-shaped backyard, as they can still have all the benefits of a swimming pool without having to compromise on shape and style. However, since these pools are custom-made, you may find it difficult to find adequate accessories such as pool covers and liners.
6. Create a Safe Pathway
If you are fortunate enough to have a very spacious backyard, it is important that you create a safe pathway to access your pool. Thus, it is good practice to reach out to an acclaimed landscaping contractor, who can help make your garden more convenient and ensure that homeowners will not hurt themselves as they travel to the pool. These contractors may also use a common residential landscaping material like artificial grass to offer you a smoother walking experience, whilst still offering you the chance to own a striking lawn area. A clearer walkway will also help to keep your pool clean since you will no longer be coming into contact with any dirt, gravel, and grass.
7. Remove Any Debris
For those looking to build a very effective weekly pool maintenance checklist, you must consistently check your water for any debris that has built up over the past few days. This can be a very time-consuming job, but a few common pool supplies like nets, telescopic poles, and pool brushes, can make it a lot easier. These tools can help to access hard-to-reach places, ensuring that no stone is left unturned during your regular maintenance routine. Plus, by removing debris regularly, you are less likely to need to do a deep clean as you will be able to keep on top of these tasks every week.
Benefits of Using a Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist
Extends the Life of Your Pool
Swimming pools are undoubtedly a very costly investment and, unfortunately, experience traditional wear and tear, just like any other household appliance. However, other aspects of your home are usually a lot cheaper to repair, whereas when your swimming pool is showing signs of decay, it can cost a small fortune. That is why it is so important that you adhere to a weekly pool maintenance checklist because it can help you resolve any issues before they get any worse, giving you the chance to avoid any expensive replacements and repairs. In turn, homeowners are free to revel in their swimming pools without having to worry about how it is going to affect their financial future.
Keeps You and Your Family Safe
Even the smallest microorganisms can cause the biggest harm, especially if they are breeding in your swimming pool water. Bacteria, viruses, and algae love nothing more than inhabiting your swimming pool, allowing yourself and your family to fall vulnerable to all kinds of illness. Thus, by taking care of your pool on a regular basis, you can stop these creatures from infecting your family, eliminating the chances of falling ill. Moreover, maintaining the area around your pool can also decrease the chance of any trips or falls, giving you peace of mind at all times.
Host Parties and Reunions
Pool parties are a fantastic way to spend some quality time with those you love and can be a great excuse to follow your weekly pool maintenance checklist. When your pool is properly looked after, you can begin to feel more house-proud and may also feel more inclined to invite people over. Thus, with an adequate maintenance routine, you can continue to form cherished memories with those around you.
Improve the Appearance of Your Entire Home
A dirty swimming pool can alter the perception of your entire house, making you appear unkempt and messy. Simply, cleaning your pool on a weekly basis and ensuring that it is kept safe and hygienic can help elevate your entire property. As such, your humble home can stand out from the crowd and continue to make passers-by green with envy. This is particularly important for those looking to enter the ever-competitive property market and are eager to get the best price possible for their home.
Swimming pools are a very affluent asset, transforming even the most boring of homes into bustling hubs of joy and happiness. However, if these facilities are not regularly maintained, they can have the opposite effect, making your home appear like a slum. Luckily, there are a ton of things you can do to resolve this issue and keep your pool functioning at an optimal level. If you are interested in building a weekly pool maintenance checklist for yourself, be sure to follow the advice offered in this article.
