How to Keep A Pool Clean & Safe for Swimmers

Keeping your pool clean is essential for providing a safe swimming experience for you and your pool’s bathers. A well-maintained pool not only looks great but also reduces the risk of waterborne illnesses and accidents. In this basic guide, we will share some tips and tricks for how to keep a pool clean and keep your swimmers safe this season.

Skimming and Brushing

Skimming the surface of the pool water with a leaf skimmer every day helps remove debris such as leaves, insects, and other organic matter. Meanwhile, brushing the pool walls and floors regularly can help remove algae and other stubborn debris that may be stuck on the interior surfaces. Skimming and brushing can also help prevent bacterial growth.

Vacuuming

In addition to skimming and brushing, vacuuming your pool regularly helps keep it clean and safe for swimmers. You can use a manual or automatic pool vacuum to remove dirt, debris, and algae that may have settled on the pool floor. Vacuuming your pool once a week can help prevent the buildup of harmful contaminants and algae while maintaining crystal-clear water.

Maintaining Proper Water Chemistry

Maintaining proper water chemistry is a critical step in how to keep a pool clean. You should test your pool water regularly using a reliable pool testing kit to ensure that the water chemistry is balanced. The pH level of your pool water should be between 7.2 and 7.8, and the chlorine level should ideally be between 2.0-4.0, with commercial pools also adhering to state code. If the pH or chlorine levels are too low or too high, you may need to adjust them to maintain proper water chemistry.

Shocking the Pool

Shock treatment is another crucial part of maintaining a clean and safe pool. Shocking the pool involves adding a large dose of chlorine or other oxidizing agents to the pool water to kill harmful bacteria and algae. You should shock your pool once a week or more frequently if needed, such as after a heavy rainstorm or a pool party. Shocking the pool helps maintain and kill off bather waste, clear up water, maintain chlorine levels, and ensure that the water is safe and clean for all swimmers.

Cleaning the Filter

The filter is an essential component of your pool’s cleaning system. It helps remove dirt, debris, and other impurities from the pool water. To keep your pool clean and safe, you should clean your pool filter regularly. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need to backwash, rinse, or replace the filter cartridge to keep it functioning correctly.

Maintaining Proper Water Levels

Maintaining proper water levels is an important part of keeping your pool clean and safe. The water level should be high enough to keep the skimmer functioning correctly but not so high that it overflows. You should also ensure that the water level is not too low, as this can damage the pool pump and other equipment. Maintaining proper water levels can help prevent equipment damage and keep your pool functioning properly.

Covering the Pool

Covering your pool when not in use can also help prevent debris, leaves, and other organic materials from entering the pool. A pool cover can help reduce water evaporation too, lower heating costs, and prevent algae growth. You should choose a pool cover that fits your pool size and shape and is easy to use and maintain.

How to Keep a Pool Clean: Contact Pool Operation Management

Keeping your pool clean and safe requires regular maintenance and proper care. To ensure your pool is always clean and safe while affording yourself more free time to focus on other responsibilities, we recommend hiring a professional pool service. The expert team at Pool Operation Management will successfully skim, brush, vacuum, shock, clean, maintain, and cover your pool. We offer a host of commercial and residential services for homeowners and businesses in New Jersey, including pool inspections, staff training, and weekly maintenance. Want to learn more? Reach out to Pool Operation Management today.