Nothing feels better than lazying around in your pool and staying cool in hot weather, hosting a pool party for your friends, or swimming every other morning for health purposes and physical fitness. But the water in the pool may cause more harm than good in you don’t maintain it. Water may contain solid items and bacteria that can injure you or trigger diseases. And so, you should take the necessary to maintain your pool.

Always Observe the Water Level

It’s natural to see the water levels in your pool fluctuating. The levels can rise after a rainstorm or reduce after you and your children swim for extended periods, or you take long to refill your pool. If the water level is much too high, you may rent or buy a submerge pump from your local home improvement store to reduce the water volume. On the other hand, if the water level is too low, use a garden hose to add water. Be sure to consult an expert if your pool is made of fibreglass or vinyl.

Skim, Scrub, and Get Rid of Oils Regularly

You need to skim your pool several times a week to remove leaves and other solid debris; otherwise, your pool will be full of bacteria. Use grease to scrub off algae buildup. Chlorine and other chemicals may come handy when removing stubborn stains. Be sure to wear the right shoes when you’re cleaning your pool and swimming to avoid slipping. Wondering what use you can make of your old socks? Attach them to a rod and pass it on top of the water to absorb oils.

Check Chemical Levels

Chemically imbalanced water looks cloudy and causes an eyesore. Also, such water may harbour bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms. But what are the chemicals you can use in your pool?

• Chlorine to keep away germs
• Calcium hypochlorite to ascertain water hardness
• Sodium hypochlorite
• Cyanuric acid to protect chlorine from sunlight

To test the chemical levels, buy a test kit from your local pool supplies store, and follow instructions to check and adjust the current chemical levels.

Winterise

Proper care for your pool during winter saves you lots of repair costs and time. After all, you don’t want to uncover your pool after winter, only to find that the water levels are so high and there’s a leak. While most microorganisms die at extremely low temperatures, there are some bacteria that may still survive, predisposing you and your loved ones to health dangers. Always drain out excess water and apply some chemical solutions into the pool. Additionally, cover the pool properly to prevent the snow and debris from getting in.

The Bottom Line

Think that you’ve done everything to care for and maintain your pool? Probably, yes, but you may be missing out on a few crucial things. Schedule an annual or bi-annual service appointment to look at your pools mechanical equipment. Be sure also to drain out all the water, and leave the pool empty for some hours before refilling it.