30 Mar Tips for Swimming Pool Maintenance

Feeling overwhelmed to clean your pool? We’re here to make it easier for you.  This is our go-to list for swimming pool maintenance all year round. With the right pool cleaning tools and a method of keeping on top of the pool maintenance, you’ll find yourself enjoying your swimming pool instead of constantly cleaning it.

First, here is a list of must-have pool cleaning tools:

• pool skimmer
• pumice stone or tile brush
• pool wall brush
• vacuum head and hose
• telescopic pole

Then follow these simple steps for swimming pool maintenance and your pool will reward your efforts with debris-free swimming.

1. Skim the surface for floating leaves and debris. Once they sink, they’re a lot harder to remove and may also stain the pool surfaces.
2. Scrub scale away along the water line. A pumice stone or tile brush should be used for tiled areas. If using a pumice stone, be sure to keep it wet to avoid scratching your tile.
3. Empty your skimmer and pump baskets.
4. Unless you have an automatic pool cleaner, you need to manually vacuum your pool. First, attach the vacuum head to a telescopic pole and the hose to the vacuum head. Slowly lower it into the pool. When it reaches the bottom, continue to feed the hose into the pool until all the air has been purged from the hose. If you connect the hose to your pump with air still in it, it can burn out your swimming pool pump. Once all the air has been removed from the hose, pass the end of the hose through the skimmer door and plug it into the vacuum port. Turn on the pump to start the vacuum’s suction. Also, make sure the vacuum inlet is the only open line to the pump. Vacuum like you would sweep your carpet, starting at the shallow end and working your way into the deep end with long, slow, sweeping strokes.
5. Brush the pool’s sides and floor. Simply take an 18″ nylon or poly-bristle brush and move dirt toward the drain. Start on the walls at the shallow end, working your way to the deep end with long, slow, sweeping strokes.
6. Once finished, wash all your pool cleaning tools with fresh water and store them out of the sun. The sun’s rays and the chemicals in the pool water can make them deteriorate a lot quicker.
7. Backwash or clean your filter after sweeping and vacuuming. Your Pinch A Penny expert can tell you just how to maintain your particular pump and filter.
8. Repeat Step #3.
9. If your water level is low, add water. But don’t forget that you’ve got water running and flood the area. Also, don’t use softened water because it will cause corrosion and rapid chlorine loss.
10. SIT BACK AND ENJOY!

If you follow these steps for swimming pool maintenance, there’s a good chance, it will cut down on the number of hours to spend cleaning your pool and increase the number of hours you can enjoy and relax.  The photo includes a pool screen enclosure.  If you don’t have one, you might consider adding a pool cage which will also minimize your maintenance efforts.  Let us know how we can help.  407-847-9322.