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How to clean a swimming pool

No one wants to swim in a dirty pool! Learn how to keep a pool clean and clear all year long.

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Children swimming in a clean pool

No one wants to swim in a dirty pool! Learn how to keep a pool clean and clear all year long.

Owning a pool is a great idea - you can go swimming any time you want, cool off easily on hot days, and get that all important exercise! But it isn’t all fun and games. As much as you might put it off, pool care is a vital part of maintaining a swimming pool, especially if you want to enjoy yours for years to come! If you’re not sure how to clean a swimming pool, check out this guide for everything you need to know.

Outdoor pools are best kept clean and free of debris if they are covered after use. Not only can a swimming pool cover help keep your pool clean but it also serves to lock in any heat the pool gets from sunlight during the day.

Keep a Pool Clean: Steps to Cleaning a Pool

If the water in your pool is looking a little less than clear, it’s probably time to give it a clean. These steps make for a super easy way to clean a swimming pool:

  1. Use a net to clean out any debris like leaves and bugs.

  2. Brush the walls and floor to get rid of any algae and dirt from the pool liner.

  3. Give the built-in pump filter a good clean, and the sand filter too.

  4. Check the pH of your water to make sure it’s at the right level for all your chemicals to work properly. Your pH should be at 7.4 - if it’s not, take the necessary steps to fix it.

  5. Follow the instructions on your chlorine and add the sufficient amount to your pool to help clean up the water.

  6. Add flocculant into a skimmer basket to bind together small particles in the water to make them easier for the filter to catch.

  7. Backwash the sand filter for a second time after 12 hours.

How to Maintain a Pool

On a daily basis:

  • Net out debris and clear any algae growth in the water.

  • Empty skimmer baskets.

  • Clean around the outside of your pool.

Two Times a Week:

Clean the walls and the floor of the pool.

If you think your water is looking a little cloudy, backwash your sand filter for a few minutes to give it a little clean.

Weekly:

  • Check and adjust the pH and chlorine levels in your swimming pool.

When it comes to pool maintenance tips, the best thing to remember is to simply stay on top of the cleaning. If you start to skip days, you’ll soon be left with green water.

Keeping your pool safe and ready to use really isn’t that hard once you’ve got the hang of it. Now go for a dip!

Make sure the pH, chlorine, phosphate, and cyanuric acid levels are correct.

If any of the levels are wrong, take the necessary steps to sort the problem.

Make sure all the filters are cleaned and working.

Bring in a professional if you still can’t identify the cause of the problem.

Find more out of home tips and articles on Cleanipedia today!

Originally published