If you’ve been falling behind on your pool maintenance, the new year offers you the ability to start fresh and commit to better pool care. Here are some simple steps you can take to usher in better pool water quality in the new year.
Keep Your Pool Surface and Baskets Clear
Keeping foreign contaminants out of your pool is essential if you wish to avoid algae growth and the accumulation of dirt. There are a few ways you can ensure you’re keeping your water clean. The first is to make sure that you’re regularly skimming your pool to remove any plant matter. The second is to regularly empty your baskets to clear out any trapped dirt and debris.
If you’re really looking to go the extra mile this year, pay close attention to the landscaping around your pool. If you have fewer plants that are shedding leaves or other debris into your pool, it will be less work for you overall.
Shock and Test Weekly
Test your pool water to determine its alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness on a weekly basis. This will keep your pool water in good condition and will allow you to monitor any changes that need to be addressed quickly for good water quality. If you use your pool often, you should also shock the water on a weekly basis. However, you can get away with doing it less often if you’re not swimming in your pool regularly.
Vacuum Your Pool Regularly
If any debris does manage to get past the surface of your pool, you’re not going to be able to use your net to remove it. That’s why it’s crucial to invest in a pool vacuum and use it at least weekly to remove any settled debris from the bottom of your pool. If you wait too long, it can affect the quality of your pool water and lead to more issues you’ll need to take care of.
Run Your Filter Daily
Filtering your pool is going to make it substantially easier to keep your water clean. Generally, you’ll want to run it anywhere from eight to 12 hours each day. If you use your pool often, you may want to run it longer. The key here is consistency. Good filtration ensures good circulation and fewer contaminants. You should also check your filter often to ensure it’s running effectively.
It’s never too late to improve your pool’s water quality, and it’s an achievable goal for the new year. If you want to know what your water quality is like and what to do next, contact us here at S&R Pool & Spa in Hillsborough, NJ for water testing support.