Top Tips for Cleaning a Swimming Pool

Sparkling Pools Are the Product of Careful Upkeep and Maintenance Throughout the Season

In addition to checking your pH levels and keeping your water levels at the proper height, cleaning your pool also keeps swimmers safe from irritation and keeps the pool and equipment from danger. If you’re looking for tips on how to clean your pool in Chicago, it’s only a matter of getting into a routine.

Reducing the Buildup

Dirt, chemicals and sediment can build up quickly, even when you’re not using the pool everyday. Vacuuming the water every week allows you to tackle the removal when it’s manageable. A manual vacuum works in the same way as your regular vacuum, running over the surface of the pool and sucking the solids into the filter. You’ll need to check, clean and change the vacuum filter as needed. The algae and calcium on the walls or tiles can be removed with a stiff brush for plaster-lined concrete pools or a soft brush for fiberglass of vinyl pools. Or you can use a putty knife or a pumice stone if the tiles need a better scrub. These tools help to protect the grout and the integrity of the tile.

Filters and Heaters

Clean pool filters don’t actually work as well as mildly dirty ones as the dirt in the filter will work as a magnet for a variety of other particles. You should clean the filter when the difference between your pressure and flow is between 10 and 15 pounds per square inch. The actual cleaning process will depend on whether you have a cartridge, diatomaceous or sand filter. When it comes to heaters, electric and gas ones won’t need maintenance for two years or more. However, when you do need to clean them, you’re better off having a professional disassemble and handle rather than doing it yourself.

Odors and Leaks

If you super chlorinate a pool, it can rid your pool of ammonia or nitrogen build up. If your pool has an intense chlorine odor, add a large amount of chlorine to the pool to get your levels back to normal. For some pools, this may be every week while others may not need it for more than a month or more. Also, keep an eye on your water levels when you’re cleaning as leaks can lead to bigger structural problems. If your pool seems to be low on water, you can test if you have a leak by placing a bucket filled about three quarters of the way with water. Mark the level of the water in the bucket. If the water in the pool has decreased more than the level in the bucket, you may need to patch the leak.

If you’re looking for more pool cleaning tips in Chicago, then Sunset Pools & Spas can help you figure out the best ways to maintain your pool throughout the season. See why we’re the trusted source in Chicago for installation, design and maintenance.