Installing a sparkling new swimming pool in your backyard is an exciting process. But once the pool is installed, the real work begins. It requires frequent maintenance to keep the pool safe, and hygienic. As a new pool owner, you’ll be learning how to balance chemicals and keep the water pristine. It’s important to understand some of the common pool maintenance mistakes that everyone occasionally makes.
Not Cleaning the Pool Regularly
One of the most common mistakes that every pool owner makes is neglecting regular pool cleaning. Consistent pool water maintenance is essential for removing debris, preventing the growth of algae, and ensuring proper chemical balance. It involves daily surface skimming, weekly wall brushing, and regular floor vacuuming as fundamental tasks. Failure to do so allows contaminants to accumulate, leading to cloudy green water, slippery surfaces, and potential health hazards.
Improper Chemical Levels
Testing and adjusting chemical levels is crucial for sanitation and water balance. Many pool owners neglect to check chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels frequently. Insufficient chlorine can lead to algae overgrowth and infections. Low pH makes the water corrosive which can be harmful not only for your pool but also for your equipment. While high pH will irritate to skin and eyes. Unbalanced alkalinity causes scale buildup, cloudy water, or plaster damage. Remember to test 2-3 times per week and add chemicals as needed to balance alkalinity and acidity
Infrequent Filter Cleaning
Clogged, dirty filters cannot effectively remove particles, leading to hazy, unsanitary water. Backwashing DE filters monthly and replacing cartridge filters seasonally is recommended. Check pressure gauges and inspect filters regularly. If the flow is reduced, water is cloudy, or you can see debris accumulation, it’s time to clean or replace the filter. Keeping your filters well-maintained is key to ensuring optimal water clarity and cleanliness.
Neglecting Water Levels
Evaporation causes water levels to drop over time. Failing to top up the water places strain on pool equipment and can lead to damage. Monitor water levels weekly and add water as needed to keep levels optimal. Maintaining proper water balance depends on having a sufficient volume of water in your pool.
Adding Shock Directly into Your Pool
Adding pool shock directly to the water can cause issues like extreme bleaching to your liner, discolouration, and pool pump & other equipment damage. Shock contains concentrated chlorine that needs time to dissolve properly. Instead of pouring granules right into the pool, it’s best to first create a diluted shock solution in a separate container. This method allows the chlorine to fully dissolve in the water.
Improper Winterisation
In colder climates, improper winter pool closure can lead to extensive damage. Draining all water from the pool and pipes, adding algaecide to control algae growth, putting antifreeze in the pipes, covering the pool securely, and turning the equipment off are key winterisation steps. Consult a pool pro if unsure how to properly winterise your pool.
Delaying Repairs
It’s tempting to put off minor repairs, but delaying fixes often leads to bigger, costlier issues later on. Re-grouting tiles as needed, patching cracks in plaster, replacing loose rails, and fixing leaks quickly should be priorities. Leaks especially can erode underneath surfaces and cause extensive harm if left unaddressed. Catching repairs early is prudent maintenance.
Not Run The Pool Filter Regularly
Installing a pool filter is an important investment – but it becomes pretty useless, If you do not run your pool filter. For clean, clear pool water, it’s essential to operate your filtration system regularly. An inactive filter allows contaminants to build up, leading to cloudy green water and debris accumulation.
To get the most out of your filter, aim to run it for at least 8 hours per day. This gives enough time for all the water in the pool to pass through the filter. The longer your system runs, the more effectively it grabs particles, traps debris, and removes algae spores. For larger pools, extend the running time even more, up to 12-15 hours daily. The more gallons of water, the longer it takes for full circulation filtration.
Final Thoughts
We are humans and bound to make mistakes and some disasters. With our instruction and care manuals, you can avoid common pool maintenance mistakes and enjoy clear, clean, inviting water for swimming and fun. Staying on top of regular cleaning, chemical levels, filtering, and repairs prevents problems and keeps your pool sparkling all season.