It’s the start of summer and you’ve finally found the perfect place to relax by the pool. You take a dip in your backyard oasis, but when you get out, you notice that it looks cloudy. Like really cloudy. What should you do?
Keeping your pool clean and clear is important for saving time and money. Plus, it can be pretty gross to swim in a dirty pool. Here are five tips that will help keep your pool crystal-clear all summer long!
Clean Your Filter
One of the easiest ways to keep your pool clean and clear is to clean your filter. When a filter is dirty, it cannot do its job efficiently. The filter needs to be rinsed, scrubbed or replaced every few months to maintain a clean pool. If you have a manual filter, you can easily clean it by following these steps:
- Turn off the pump and circulate valve
- Open the lid of the filter compartment
- Remove all dirt from the media with a garden hose
- Scrub away any algae using an algae brush
- Rinse the media thoroughly with a garden hose
- If necessary, replace or scrub new media depending on the condition
Check The Water Balance
One of the most important things to do is to keep the water balance. Use a Pool water testing kit to test your water periodically throughout the season. Make sure you have enough chlorine in your pool because this can help prevent bacteria from growing and will also kill any algae that might be present.
Keep AChlorine Tablet On Hand
The first step to clearing up your pool is by maintaining the chlorine levels. You can use a chlorine tablet on hand at all times to help maintain your pool. Simply drop one tablet into the water and let it dissolve. The tablet will naturally release chlorine into the pool, which will keep your pool clean and clear all summer long.
If you’re not sure of how much chlorine you need for your pool, consult an expert or do some research online. Many useful charts can help you determine how much chlorine you need for your size of pool and type of filtration system.
Maintain Your Water Temperature
Keeping your water temperature at a consistent level is the most important thing you can do to keep your pool clean. A water temperature that’s too hot or cold will cause the pH levels in the pool to fluctuate, which will cause algae growth and other problems.
If you notice your water is cloudy, check your thermometer first. If it says anything less than 78°F, then it’s time to add some chemicals and adjust the temperature if necessary.
Test Your Pool Before You Swim
The first step to keeping your pool clean is testing it. You can do this with kits at the store, but most pools have a built-in test kit that you can use. If you’re not sure where your kit is, try looking on the inside of one of the legs or in the cabinet underneath the pool cover. Check for instructions and follow them carefully.
Once you’ve determined that your pool is safe enough to swim in, there are other precautions to take to keep it clean and clear. For example, don’t run any electricity near water or turn on any equipment nearby (like pumps) when it’s raining outside.
