4 Pool Maintenance Tips to Stay Pool Party Ready
Summer is almost here, and we’re excited for all the fun in the sun to be had! But before you can enjoy your outdoor paradise, you have to make sure it’s safe and clean for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Here are some pool maintenance tricks and tips to help keep your pool clean and fresh all year long.
Invest in a Robotic Pool Skimmer
Skimming the leaves, dirt, and grime that collects in your pool seems the most obvious of these tips, however, with how hectic most of our lives are, it’s no surprise it’s one of the pool-care steps that gets put off until right before you decide to use your pool. Investing in a robotic pool skimmer, like the Solar Breeze Ariel Pool Skimmer or the BWT D300, will not only keep your pool looking party-ready all the time, but will save you the valuable time you can put into something else.
There are a variety of styles, and they all include different features including solar charging, remote controls, and even accompanying apps that help you to keep track of important chemical levels, so your pool stays safe for everyone. A robotic skimmer is one investment you won’t regret to help you keep your pool clean and your pool maintenance to-do list short. Who wouldn't love a pool cleaning robot?
Check Chemical Levels and Clean Your Pool Filter
Your pools' filter works hard for you. It traps unwanted debris and keeps it from getting into your pool. But like with any filter, it needs to be checked and cleaned. Ideally, you should check your filter once weekly. Remove any debris and clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step should never be skipped as filters need these cleanings to continue to work effectively.
Since you’ll be clearing the filter already, it would be a good time to check your pool chemicals. The CDC recommends doing this once a week as well to keep your pool safe for use. Your first line of defense is Chlorine and pH. “Chlorine is added to the water to kill germs. But it does not work right away. If used properly, free chlorine* can kill most germs within a few minutes. CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8 and a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs/spas.
If using cyanuric acid, a chlorine stabilizer, or chlorine products with cyanuric acid (for example, products commonly known as dichlor or trichlor [see product label]), the CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8 and a free available chlorine concentration of at least 2 ppm in pools. CDC recommends not using cyanuric acid or chlorine products with cyanuric acid in hot tubs/spas.” (CDC, Water Treatment and Testing).
To keep the chlorine working to disinfect your pool water, it’s a must to keep the pH balance just right. Too high of a pH level reduces the disinfecting properties of chlorine. Keeping the pH level balanced also helps prevent the corrosion of pools pipes and helps to prevent skin and eye irritation. The recommended pH level for a residential pool is in the 7.2 – 7.8 range, to help do all these things at once.
Photo: CDC recommendations for residential pool pH levels. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/residential/disinfection-testing.html
Power Wash Your Coping and Surrounding Deck Areas
One often forgotten part of keeping your pool looking clean and inviting is keeping your pool coping and surrounding areas clean. Over time, even the most beautiful coping or decks will develop debris and muck from rain, foot traffic, pets, you name it! Keeping your pool deck clean is a step not directly involved with your pool but makes a huge difference for your loved ones using it. Nobody wants to get out of a pool and walk on dirty grime build-up.
Likewise, you don’t want those same guests walking on that grime and bringing it into the clean, perfectly balanced pool you’ve maintained! Power washing these areas is a task that doesn’t have to be done often but should be done at least once every 6 months, more if you see the buildup re-appear sooner.
If you think your coping is beyond help, even with a good power wash, or maybe you’re just tired of the old rough look of what was used previously, we can help! We’ve recently added the luxurious collections from U.S. Porcelain Pavers.
Made 100% in the United States, these products include high-end pool coping and matching pavers. From sleek and modern cool tones to warmer shades imitating the beautiful unique properties of wood, there is something for everyone to elevate their pool paradise to the next level.
Eco-Friendly Tile Cleaner
There are many safe, and eco-friendly solutions that can be used to keep your pool waterline tile looking fresh and clean. It’s absolutely normal for waterlines to build up with calcium deposits and other mucky substances as that’s exactly what it’s intended for! That said, nobody wants their beautiful tile to start looking less than inviting. You’ll be surprised to know that you don’t normally need any industrial strength cleaners to take care of this. In fact, you probably already have what you need right in your kitchen!
A solution of one part water and one part distilled white vinegar will do the trick. For tougher stains, try baking soda and a few drops of water to create a paste. Using a scrub brush (don’t use wire as your run the risk of scratching the tile surface), dip the brush into your solution, and using a circular motion, scrub away at the buildup. You can also use a toothbrush; however, this may be less efficient if you have many areas to cover. A soft-bristled brush is best for glass pool waterline tile to prevent damage.
If you’re still having trouble with removing the buildup, try using a pumice stone. Make sure to keep the stone and tiles wet at all times during this process to prevent scratching the tile surface. Work slowly, with very light pressure in circular motions. 
If after trying all these methods you still find yourself unable to get rid of this pesky buildup, it may be time to consult a professional. They can attempt removing it with a baking soda blast, or if all else fails, industrial-strength cleaners. Always make sure to ask if there are any other eco-friendly solutions before attempting this as you want to keep your pool as safe as possible.
Following these steps will help you keep your pool and outdoor space looking fresh, clean, and inviting, while more importantly, keeping you and your loved ones safe. For more information, please contact one of our AquaPros at 800-971-1442. We’re here, ready to help you create and maintain your paradise.
