How to Keep Your Pool Clean

Tips for Keeping Your Garden Pool Clean

It is important to remember that your swimming pool needs proper maintenance in order to make sure it is safe for use. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your swimming pool clean.

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Covering Up Your Pool

Whether you use your swimming pool all year round or not, keeping it properly covered up when not in use is essential. Not only can the pool itself become dirty as a result of exposure to the elements, it can also attract insects and allow a build up of leaves to fall into the pool.

All of these can cause damage which can easily be avoided simply by using an appropriate cover. Some swimming pools may only need a basic cover, such as a tarpaulin.

However, you can also now opt for more specialised cover ups instead if you so choose. These cover ups come in a variety of designs, including ones that fold over the water, which not only help to protect your swimming pool but can also heat the water too.

These sorts of covers are ideal for those who want to use their pool whatever the weather and need consistently clean, temperature controlled water.

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Location of Your Pool

It may sound surprising, but the location of your swimming pool can also play an important role when it comes to keeping it clean. Ideally, you want to place your swimming pool in an open location, without other trees or plants growing too closely.

This will help avoid leaves and other debris from falling into the water, as well as discourage insects from also flying too close and falling in. As most outdoor swimming pools do not have independent temperature controls, you may also want to place it in a location where it can enjoy plenty of sun.

This will make sure that the water is always at an ambient temperature, which can be difficult to do if your pool is placed in a constantly shady location.

Pool pH Levels

Checking the pH of your swimming pool water may not be necessary for those with smaller paddling pools. However, larger swimming pool owners should always check the pH of their water.

Finding the balance between a correctly disinfected pool that won't be too harsh on the skin can be tricky, but testing the pH allows you to find out this information quickly and easily. Ideally, the pH should be no less than 7.2 and no more than 7.6.

By knowing the pH level of the water, you can swim and relax with confidence. In order to check the pH of the water, you will need to use specialist test strips.

These are very easy to purchase online, or you can ask your swimming pool manufacturer for advice. If you are concerned that the pH is too high or too low, you will need to add the correct amount of pH to readdress this acid / alkaline balance. Always speak to a professional if you are unsure.

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Chlorine for Your Swimming Pool

Chlorine has been widely used for decades to disinfect swimming pool water and make it safe for swimming. But it is important to be aware that too much chlorine can actually do more harm than good.

Not only can too much chlorine hurt your skin, it can also cause damage to your health too. It is therefore essential to carefully measure the amount of chlorine you are adding to your swimming pool. Using chlorine tablets can be an easy way to monitor exactly how much you are adding to the water.

The level of chlorine in the water should be between 1-2ppm/litre for an already clean pool and 3ppm/litre for pools that may need a little extra cleaning. Too much chlorine in the water is known as bound chlorine.

This basically means the chlorine is no longer able to clean and instead just floats freely in the water. It is this bound chlorine that will end up causing health issues and irritation to eyes and skin, so always be sure to correctly measure how much chlorine is being added to your swimming pool.

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Swimming Pool Water Sources

When it comes to filling up your swimming pool, always use an outside water source. This will ensure that the water is free from any chemicals or minerals that might be unsafe to swim in and also cause damage to your pool.

For this reason, it is vital to avoid the temptation to use either ground or well water. Happy swimming!