A pool is an excellent home addition, especially with the heat of Arizona summers. Relaxing under the sun next to a crystal clean and inviting swimming pool means regular maintenance to ensure it is safe, clean, and operating efficiently. Here are the top recommendations for keeping your pool beautiful and ready to swim.
1. Skim The Pool & Clean Baskets
Skim the surface of the pool’s water daily to remove leaves and other debris. Things like leaves and other foliage frequently fall into outdoor pools. The strainer baskets also need to be cleaned and emptied at least once a week to help water circulation.
2. Brush the Walls and Tiles
Brush the walls, ladders, and corners of the pool to prevent algae buildup. Pay special attention to areas with little circulation and use some force to remove grime when necessary. This should be done on a weekly basis.
Noticing a white line starting to form on your tiles at the water’s edge? That’s calcium buildup and can appear in even the cleanest Arizona pools. Cleaning it with a pumice stone takes a lot of time and effort and can scratch your pool tiles. If you are noticing this buildup, it’s best to call a professional pool cleaning company to come out and bead blast or salt blast the calcium line.
3. Monitor Chemical Levels
Regularly check and balance the chemical levels in your pool. This includes pH, free available chlorine, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Incorrect levels can cause harm to users and damage to the pool. There are many pool water chemistry test kits available, or you might have a local pool store that will test your water if you bring a sample and recommend the appropriate chemicals to use.
4. Vacuum the Pool
Vacuum your pool weekly to keep the water clear and reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add. This helps in removing debris that the skimmer misses. Some pools have in-floor pool cleaners already installed, while others need a separate pool vacuum.
5. Maintain Water Level
Keep the water level consistent. During the heat of summer or after a rainstorm, check and adjust the water level as necessary. The water should be at the center level of your pool skimmer or pool tile for optimal performance and protection of the pump.
6. Check the Filter
7. Heating Maintenance
If you have a pool heater, ensure it is serviced periodically to keep it running efficiently. This is especially important before the start of the swimming season.
8. Shock the Pool
“Shocking” refers to adding a large dose of chlorine to the pool to break down organic waste and bacteria. Low chlorine levels often cause green or hazy water, so if your water looks a little cloudy and you haven’t shocked it in a while, adding shock is the first step. It is always best to shock the pool in the evening, when the sun is off the water.
9. Inspect and Repair
Regularly inspect all parts of your pool, including liners, seals, and pumps. Repair or replace any damaged parts to prevent further damage and ensure safety.
By consistently following these tips, you can maintain a clean, safe, and inviting pool that will provide endless hours of enjoyment under the sun.
