Owning an inground pool is a great way to make the most of the summer season. To keep your pool clean and ready for fun, regular maintenance is essential. This article offers straightforward, step-by-step instructions for maintaining your inground pool without overwhelming you with information. When in doubt, call your pool cleaner or head to the local pool store where knowledgeable staff can dispense some advice.
Importance of Regular Pool Maintenance
Consistent pool maintenance is vital for ensuring a clean, safe, and enjoyable swimming experience. Proper upkeep helps prevent algae growth, keeps water chemistry balanced, and extends the life of your pool equipment. With a well-maintained pool, you can enjoy worry-free summer fun.
Step 1: Test and Adjust Water Chemistry
Test your pool water at least once a week with a reliable testing kit. Focus on maintaining the following key parameters:
- pH levels: Ideal range is between 7.4 and 7.6.
- Alkalinity: Aim for a range of 100-150 ppm (parts per million).
- Chlorine levels: Maintain a consistent level of 1-3 ppm.
Use appropriate products to adjust water chemistry as needed.
Step 2: Clean Surfaces and Skim Debris
Regularly skim the surface of your pool to remove leaves and debris. Clean the pool walls and floor with a brush and vacuum to prevent algae buildup. Don’t forget to empty the skimmer and pump baskets frequently.
Step 3: Manage Adequate Water Flow
Ensure proper water circulation by running your pool pump for about 8-12 hours per day, depending on the size of your pool. Check and clean the pool filter regularly, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific filter type (sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth).
Step 4: Winterize Your Pool
As the swimming season comes to an end, prepare your pool for the off-season by “winterizing” it. As we live in a much warmer climate and freezing temperatures are not as common (but do happen), our version of winterizing is a little lighter than our neighbors up north. Here, it is best to keep your pool pumps running and preparing for those days where the temperature dips below 37 degrees.
As the thermometer approaches freezing, remember to check to make sure any temperature sensing switches are functioning so that they can control your pool and keep the water flowing to help prevent freezing. Moving water is your friend in the cold. We recommend having a pool company check your pool in the winter to give the pumps a tune up and keep things in tip top shape so you can weather the few cold snaps we experience.
Key Takeaways
Remember these essential tips for maintaining your inground pool:
- Test and adjust water chemistry regularly.
- Keep surfaces clean and debris-free.
- Ensure proper water circulation.
- “Winterize” (our South Texas version) your pool at the end of the season.
By maintaining your pool pump, cleaning often, and using the right chemicals, you can enjoy a clean, safe, and inviting pool all summer long.
image courtesy of youranedopekin on Freepik
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