Most pools require the same maintenance schedule, and as long as a pool owner completes the regular projects required of maintenance such as chemical care and cleaning, it’s easy to keep a pool in clear condition all summer long. There are a number of “unusual” additional activities you can employ to save you time, effort, and money in the long run resulting in an even cleaner pool. Check out these unique pool care tips and see if they inspire any other out of the box ideas.
1. Buy some baking soda
Stores that sell pool cleaner will usually offer something called an “Alkalinity Increaser,” which is a simple option for maintaining the pH levels in a pool. Purchasing some inexpensive baking soda from the store accomplishes the same goal yet does for much less money. An Internet search will tell you how much baking soda you will need for a pool your size.
2. Toss in a tennis ball
Suntan lotion and sun block often end up in the pool after they’re applied to a swimmer, and these substances can make the pool dirty quite quickly. Throwing a standard tennis ball into the pool to float for a while will suck up all those extra oils and chemicals that don’t belong in the pool. It’s fine to leave the tennis ball floating in the pool at all times.
3. Toe the tile line
Residue, dirt, and contaminants form over time and stick along the water line and tile area. Cleaning this area on a weekly basis should reduce the rate at which the pool gets cloudy and dirty since the residue on the tile doesn’t get washed into the pool. Weekly cleaning of this area also reduces calcium buildup. It’s also a good idea to clean the cement or walkways around the pool area to reduce the transference of dirt and grime into the water.
4. Keep dogs out
Dogs often love to jump in after their owners and play around in the pool, but chlorine isn’t good for canine companions. Not only will the pool irritate Fido’s skin, but the pool will get dirtier and hairier faster. Keeping up with dog hair in the filters may become a full time job in the summer with dogs in the pool. If the family just can’t stand to let the dog wait out the fun on the sidelines, the chlorine levels need to be kept below 3.0 PPM for safety.
5. Keep a cool pool
Pools cost energy to run and maintain, and keeping a pool above 82 degrees may offer a homeowner a much higher electricity bill. Instead of keeping the temperature so high, it’s less expensive to keep a solar cover on the water. There are also options for solar-powered pool heaters, which will also save energy.
6. Track water usage with a bucket
Although environmental factors such as humidity and temperature will impact the rate at which the pool loses water, the average water loss shouldn’t be much more than a quarter of an inch per day. Measuring water loss is easiest by placing a weighted bucket on the stairs and marking the water level on the side of the bucket. Big drops in water levels might signal a leak in the pool.
Using these easy and unique pool maintenance tips allows for a pool owner to have a cleaner pool each summer, which requires less maintenance and time spent pouring chemicals into the water. A clean and clear pool also offers a much more enjoyable swimming experience for the family. A well-maintained, regularly serviced pool will save you money in the long run. Check out the offerings from American Home Shield when it comes to pool care.
Post Author: andyc.
