Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Pool Clean This Summer

How to Keep the Pool Clean

These 10 steps will keep your pool water crystal-clear and prevent you from having to troubleshoot major problems during pool season.

1. Create a pool cleaning schedule. A cleaning routine will help you keep your pool cleaner for a longer period of time, without having to change the water.
2. Operate the pump to keep the water circulating. Keep the pump running for at least 10-12 hours a day.
3. Test and balance the pool water. The pH level should be around 7.5. Add pH increase if needed, and if there’s a high pH level, use an alkalizer to balance it.
4. Find and repair leaks. Check for cracks, leaks, and other problems with your pool at the beginning of the summer as you’re opening your pool.
5. Use a robot or a manual vacuum. If unexpected dirt gathers – clean it right away or when you’re done with the pool for the day.
6. Spot-clean the edges, tiles, skimmers, backwash, and the jets using a brush or wet cloth.
7. Skim debris. If you have trees, bushes or other plants around your pool, the wind can blow debris into your pool. Use a hand or leaf skimmer to get the debris out so it looks clear before anyone jumps in. This will need to be repeated on a semi-weekly basis.
8. Use algaecide as needed. This will keep your pool water clear by helping to kill existing algae and minimize new bacteria and algae growth.
9. Check the pool’s sanitizer levels. Chlorine and bromine levels should be between 1 and 4 parts per million. If the level is lower, add sanitizer, but remember that the warm sun will evaporate and burn the sanitizer if it’s too high.
10. Prepare for the off-season. Prepare for winter by upping the pH levels, covering the pool with a net, and, if possible – sheltering it for when it will stay dormant. Cover your pool when it is not in use.