Pool maintenance is an essential part of owning a pool. Pool owners have to understand the chemical composition of water and be able to manage it in order to keep their pools clean and free from damaging contaminants. Pool chemicals should always be handled carefully with protective clothing and safety glasses, as many of them are highly dangerous if ingested or come into contact with skin. Pool chemicals that are safe for humans can still cause irritation or burns, especially on sensitive skin areas or open wounds.

Pools must also be properly cleaned and filtered before every use, though this is a simple step most commonly overlooked by inexperienced pool owners. However, those who do not maintain their pools often find themselves struggling with algae growth, cloudy water caused by debris, and chlorine smell from improper chemicals.

owners need to understand their pool’s chemical balance in order to properly maintain it, also known as the Pool Chemical Level. Pool chemicals should be tested at least once a week with Pool Test Strips to ensure they are safe for swimming pool use, and Pool Water Conditioner/Pool Shock or Pool Bromine Tablets can be used when necessary. Pool chlorine levels should always be kept below 4ppm (parts per million) in order to prevent irritation of skin and eyes, though most public pools do not go above 2ppm. Many people prefer the smell of chlorine over that of bromine because they find it less irritating when in contact with the skin, but many others prefer bromine due to its lack of strong odors when applied. Pool owners should remember that Pool Chlorine Granules or Pool Shock can irritate the skin more than Pool Bromine Tablets, which often have a pleasant smell when in contact with the skin. Pool owners who do not use Pool Shock/Pool Bromine Tablets on a regular basis must wait 24 hours after the water is treated before swimming so as to prevent irritation from chlorine inhalation.

In addition to Pool Chlorine and Pool Bromine levels, Pool pH levels should be checked regularly for proper balance. Acidic water can cause damage to pool surfaces and equipment if allowed to remain for long periods of time; it also causes certain oils and hair products in human swimmers’ bodies to react in ways that create unpleasant odors.

Water Chemical Maintenance, and Checking Pool Chemicals

1. Chlorine – maintain
2. Chloramines – maintain
3. Total Chlorine (includes Chloramines) – maintain
4. pH (Potential Hydrogen) – maintain
5. TA (Total Alkalinity) – maintain
6. Calcium Hardness (Water Hardness) – check (this is a startup chemical)
7. Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer / Conditioner) – check (this is a startup chemical)
8. Temperature (For pH Factor Calculation) – check
9. Saturation Index (Calcium Precipitation Point) – check
10. Salt Content – maintained on saltwater pools
11. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – check

Pool Equipment Checks

12. Skimmer baskets checked and emptied
13. Pump strainer baskets checked and emptied
14. Filter backwashing monthly for DE Filters and weekly for Sand Filters
15. Sweep debris bags checked and emptied
16. Sweep finger screen/wall screen checked and cleaned
17. Sweep operation checked
18. Valves monitored/maintained for suction and circulation adjustments

Pool Cleaning

19. Brush walls and steps
20. Brush spa
21. Net pool surface and pool bottom
22. Hose Vacuum
23. Venturi / Leaf Vacuum

A properly maintained pool can save you hundreds of dollars over time. It will also keep your pool cleaner for a longer period of time. Proper water testing and filtration are critical to your pool’s system and safety for swimmers. Having a professionally cleaned pool can ensure your family has a safe summer!

When hiring a pool cleaning service, make sure to discuss pricing in detail. There are several options to choose from, including a one-time cleaning and a maintenance contract. Some contracts include daily or weekly visits to the pool and other services. You can even decide to have them open and close your pool for you on certain days of the week.

Another important aspect of residential pool cleaning is vacuuming the pool. This will remove debris from the water and make it easier for the skimmer to remove it. A vacuum head and hose are important for this task. A vacuum plate is also necessary to clean the bottom of the pool. It is advisable to brush the pool at least once a day and vacuum it once a week to remove dirt and debris.

Residential pool cleaning companies also perform repairs. If your pool is old, the company might need to replace some of its components, like filters, heaters, or filters. A professional will check the equipment regularly, including filters and motors. They may even perform leak detection. These services can cost a small fee. Most of these companies will also provide you with a service plan that includes regular filter cleaning.

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