Swimming pools can bring a great deal of joy, especially in the summertime, offering a place to relax, spend time with family and friends, and escape the heat. However, swimming pools also require a lot of preparation and maintenance to ensure they remain enjoyable throughout the summer. To keep your pool in top condition and for an optimal swimming environment, keep reading to find out more about The Three Cs of pool maintenance!
Chemistry
One of the most important factors in maintaining a safe swimming environment is the chemistry of the water. Maintaining a balanced water chemistry prevents the development of cloudy water or algae and bacteria growth, and helps prevent skin irritations. We encourage you to perform water tests one to two times per week during the summer to monitor chlorine/sanitizer, alkalinity, and pH levels. Each of these plays an important role in the chemistry of the water, and it is vital to know the appropriate levels for your pool, understand how to read them, and know the necessary chemicals to balance those levels.
- Chlorine helps reduce the growth of bacteria, algae, and viruses, and disinfects the water. The ideal level of chlorine is 1.0 – 3.0 parts per million.
- Alkalinity levels help avoid drastic pH fluctuations. Too much alkalinity causes cloudy water, while not enough alkalinity can lead to pool stains. The ideal alkalinity range is 80 – 120 parts per million.
- pH levels monitor the acidity of the water. The ideal pH level is 7.2 – 7.6. If the pH is too low, the water becomes extremely acidic and can cause corrosion. If the pH is too high, the water can become cloudy, and the chlorine is less effective.
Circulation
Circulation plays a significant role in proper pool maintenance for several reasons. For one, water that is constantly moving is much cleaner and safer to swim in. Ideally, the longer you run your pool pump, the better off your pool will be. The pool circulation system consists of three parts: the pump, filter, and skimmer. At a minimum, you should run your pump so that the volume of water in your pool turns over twice daily, or for at least 8-12 hours per day. You should also backwash your filter, reversing the flow of water to remove debris, dirt, and contaminants from the filter.
- The pump circulates water from the pool through the filter, reducing the likelihood of cloudy water, algae, and bacterial growth.
- The water is run through a filter that catches any debris or dirt and cycles the clean water back into the pool.
- The skimmers remove dirt, debris, and bugs from the surface of the pool and hold them in the skimmer baskets. You should clean the skimmer baskets regularly to prevent clogs and ensure the water flows freely.
Cleaning
Cleaning is probably the most common maintenance tip for keeping your swimming pool in excellent condition. A clean and sanitary pool not only makes swimming safer, but it can also help to extend the lifespan of both the pool and the equipment. Regular brushing, skimming, and vacuuming can help reduce the number of contaminants and bacteria in your pool. Cleaning is also made easier when you have regular circulation and the proper chemical balance.
- Skimming and surface cleaning prevent debris and dirt from sinking to the bottom of your pool. This also keeps your filters from working too hard and keeps algae from growing. You should skim the surface of your pool every day.
- Brushing and vacuuming the walls and floor of the pool helps collect and remove the dirt that has settled at the bottom. Robot vacuums make this task easier, but doing it yourself allows you to target specific areas more precisely. You should brush and vacuum your pool at least once a week to prevent buildup.
Pool maintenance and upkeep can seem overwhelming, but there are numerous benefits to having a clean and safe swimming pool. To enjoy your pool all summer long, and for many summers to come, follow the Three Cs of pool maintenance. For more information on pool maintenance or to learn how we can help you keep your pool clean and sparkling, contact the professionals at Carolina Pools and Maintenance today!