Your swimming pool can be an endless source of fun, exercise, and relaxation — but not if you’re coping with over-chlorination or excessive algae growth. Keeping your water clean and balanced is essential to enjoying this home feature. Here are a few tips to keep everything in good shape and ready for a swim.

How to Maintain Your Pool Water

1. Test Frequently

At the very minimum, your pool water needs to be tested weekly — although it’s best to test it every two to three days. This may sound excessive, but it’s reasonable when compared to the standards for commercial swimming pools that require hourly testing. Doing so will ensure your safety so you can enjoy your pool to the fullest every summer.

2. Balance the pH

This is a measurement of how acidic or basic a substance is, with perfectly neutral substances having a pH rating of seven. Your pool should stay between 7.4 and 7.6. To lower the pH, add acid — dry acid can be found at any pool chemical supply store. Raising it requires a base like soda ash or baking soda.

3. Chlorinate

When testing your pool water, you should check your chlorine levels as well as your pH. Your chlorine level should be about one to three ppm. This will help kill off algae and bacteria in the water with minimal effect on swimmers. The last thing you want is your pristine pool turning into a murky pond. 

4. Shock

As chlorine kills bacteria and algae, it creates compounds in your pool water that stay until they can be oxidized out. Adding a large amount of chlorine or a non-chlorine shock product helps these compounds oxidize. You should shock weekly, then wait for chlorine levels to return to normal before swimming.

5. Skim & Vacuum

Finally, to eliminate visible debris and other contaminants, skim your pool regularly and use a pool vacuum to clean the floor. An automatic pool vacuum can help minimize the effort needed to keep your pool clean and inviting. It’s also wise to do a quick clean after a storm.

 

Whether you’re considering a new swimming pool for your yard or just looking for pool maintenance supplies, B & H Pool & Patio Shop in High Point, NC, has everything you need. Serving Greensboro and surrounding areas, they offer a full range of pools, spas, liners, and pool chemicals. For any questions, call them today at (336) 841-3222 or get in touch online.