Pool maintenance document 58

Sometimes when you want to find out about pool maintenance you can access an overwhelming myriad of advice when all you want is a basic explanation of what chemicals to use and how much and how often. So in an effort to keep it simple here are some guidelines for keeping your pool well-maintained without having to shell out a fortune on all the chemicals that are available on the market. If you follow the recommended simple and regular routine testing procedures then you should be sorted for the summer.

First of all you need to maintain correct pH levels, which should fall between 7.2 and 7.6. If the pH level is correct then this ensures that other chemicals, such as chlorine are working at their most efficient. Test the water with a pH testing kit and if required lower the pH with small doses of hydrochloric acid or bicarbonate of soda if you want to increase pH levels. Remember its all about a balance of alkalinity and acidity. Make sure the pool is free from algae by using algicides or pool blocks. There are all sorts of seasonal varieties which you can buy. You need to add this to the pool before chlorine as chlorine only acts as a sanitizer to destroy bacteria, but without the back up of an effective long-term algicide will not work. Once the water is treated a small dose of chlorine is all that is required to kill bacteria.

Run the pool daily as the water should be kept on the move to provide clean and filtered water for a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the afternoon.

Once treated with algicides, pools will not turn green but will still need a level of chlorine.. The best way is to use a pool chlorinator. Your particular pool will determine how many tablets you’ll need as they each have a different capacity, or gallonage. Most pools need a minimum of 1.0ppm of free chlorine available and to ascertain how much you need to add use a test kit. Through trial and error add more tablets into your feeder until you know what it takes to achieve a consistent level. Check the residual again in 12-24 hours. If it is too high take some chlorine out if it is too low add some. Chlorine demand, however, will change during warmer months and periods of increased use, among other things. Chlorine is an expensive and corrosive compound, so make the attempt to avoid consistently over chlorinating the pool, which may also irritate your swimmers. Finally, keep your pumps, filters and pool cleaning equipment well maintained. Check the pH balance and chlorine levels regularly following the procedures explained on all bought products.