Simple In-Ground Swimming Pool Maintenance Methods
What you will need
1. Pool Shock
2. Chlorine Tablets
3. Skimming net
4. Wall brush
5. Pool vacuum
Every Day
You should check the skimmer basket everyday. The skimmer basket traps debris like trash and leaves so that it doesn’t enter your filtration system and clog pipes. If too much material accumulates in the basket it will cause the pump to work harder to circulate water. Eventually the basket will break and become sucked into its housing. If this occurs, try using needle-nosed pliers to pull it out. If even more material blocks the passage of water the pump could burn out, resulting in expensive replacement costs.
While your checking the skimmer basket, you also want to check for chlorine tablets. Chlorine kills the microorganisms living in your water. Always make sure there is at least 3 or 4 tablets in the basket. You can tell when then chlorine level of the water is too low when it has gone from the crystal blue color to a more pondish green.
Since you’re already outside, grab that skimming net and get to skimming. It will only take a few minutes and it will keep the floating debris from sticking to the sides or sinking to the bottom
Twice a Week
Twice a week you need to vacuum the bottom of the pool; although, you could probably get away with doing it only once a week. It’s better to have someone to help you set it all up, but it can be done solo. Once the vacuum is hooked up check to make sure it has a hard suction. It should suck you hand to the intake hole when you put it close enough. If there is a weak or no suction remove the hose from the skimmer end first then take the rest out and start over. Once everything is working properly start vacuuming just like you would vacuum your carpet, just don’t bring the head above the water. If the bottom of your pool has a lot of debris, vacuum slower so you don’t murky the water too much. When you’re done vacuuming remove it by taking out the basket end first and then draining all of the water in the hoses.
Once a week
Once a week you need to brush the sides of the pool. Brushing the sides keeps stains from forming that ugly water line you see on some pools. The best technique is to brush down from right above the surface to about a foot below 3 or 4 times, then move a step over. Then continue until you’ve done this to the entire pool. Pace yourself because this can be quite tiring.
One of the most important parts of pool maintenance is shocking. The shock will kill much of the bacteria and algae that lives in your pool. Depending on the size of your pool, you will need approximately 7-10 lbs a week to keep that glistening blue pigment and keep the bacteria in check. Just measure the amount with the included measuring cup and pour it into the pool while walking around the perimeter. Try to evenly disburse it around the edges of the pool. After shocking you want to wait at least 24 hrs before swimming. Also, make sure the pump is running for at least those first 24 hrs after shocking. You can usually find shock in buckets and bags and sometimes boxes. It’s usually a better value to buy the large bucket of shock instead of purchasing the individual sized bags.
When shopping for your pool supplies, be sure to shop around as pool chemicals and other equipment can be quite expensive. Now that you know how to keep your backyard oasis in optimal condition, it’s time to fire the pool boy, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
