Cleaning a swimming pool may seem like an easy task to handle. However, there are several factors that could affect the result of the pool cleaning process. It is important to recognize the necessary steps in pool cleaning and know what to do for different situations.
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Check the water level
Cleaning a pool can be a daunting task. It can take hours and cost a lot of money. If you’re like most people, you may not have the time or money to hire a professional to do the work. But with just a few simple steps, you can clean your pool yourself and save some green in the process.
- Check the water level. Before you start cleaning your pool, make sure that the water is at least two feet deep everywhere except for where you’ll be working.
- Remove debris and dirt from the bottom of your pool. Use your skimmer net to remove any leaves or other debris floating on top of your water’s surface.
- Remove any dead bugs or leaves that have fallen into the pool via an underwater vacuum or skimmer basket, these items will sink down into your filter if left behind.
- Clean algae off walls and floor with an algae brush or scrubber pole. Scrub walls and floor until they are free of algae stains
Skim the pool surface
- Skim the pool surface. Before you begin, check the water level and make sure there is enough chlorine in the pool to keep bacteria from growing.
- Use a skimmer net with a long handle to remove floating debris from the surface of the water. You can also use a long-handled scoop or net with a mesh bottom.
- Use a leaf rake to remove leaves and other debris that have settled on the bottom of your pool, particularly if you have an above-ground pool or vinyl liner.
Clean out the skimmer baskets
- Clean out the skimmer baskets. Remove leaves and other debris from the skimmer baskets, and check for blockages. If you find any, remove them with tweezers or a cloth to avoid damaging the mesh.
- Clean out your filters. Vacuum the filter pads regularly until they’re clean and dry, then replace them in their respective slots. Cleaner water will flow into your pool when you use new filters.
- Clean your pool walls and bottom with a brush or net.
- Use a net to remove large debris like leaves and bugs, then scrub away built-up algae with a brush or scrubbing pad. If you have an in-ground pool, use a leaf rake to collect leaves before they can settle on the bottom of the pool and contribute to algae growth there.
Brush the walls and floors
To clean a swimming pool, first use a net or skimmer to remove any leaves, twigs and other debris from the water. Many people prefer to clean their pool with chlorine, but this can be harmful to your skin and eyes. If you choose to use chlorine instead of bromine or salt water, wear rubber gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes.
Use a brush or net to clean the floor of your pool. Some pools have automatic scrubbers attached to their walls that do this job for you. If not, use the long-handled brush or net to vigorously scrub the floor of the pool until it is sparkling clean.
Clean the walls of your swimming pool with a long-handled pole scrubber or by hand with an old toothbrush if there is no automatic wall cleaner available. Scrub all surfaces from top to bottom as well as along each side of the walls. Remove dirt and algae from every part of the wall so that it is spotless before proceeding with any other steps in cleaning your pool.
Vacuum your pool manually
The first thing to do is to vacuum the pool manually. To do this, you will need a pool net or skimmer, which you should attach to the end of your hose. You can then use it to remove debris from the surface of the water and collect it in the net.
Once you’ve done this, you’ll need to remove any leaves and other large objects that have collected on the bottom of your pool. To do this, you will need a leaf rake and some sort of suction device that can pick up leaves from the bottom of your pool.
After vacuuming, you should also scrub down any areas where algae has grown using an algae brush. This will help keep your pool looking clean and healthy for longer.
Backwash the sand filter
Pool maintenance is essential to keep your pool clean and healthy. This includes cleaning the pool filter and backwashing the sand filter.
Backwash the sand filter. A sand filter uses water pressure to push dirt and debris through a filter media bed of sand, which traps them before they can get into the circulation system. The amount of backwashing required for a sand filter depends on how dirty the water is, but it is usually done once a week or more often if necessary.
- Turn off all pumps and power sources that are connected to the pool equipment. Remove any skimmers, baskets or other debris from the skimmer box.
- Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at one end of your in-ground pool.
- Place one end of another garden hose into an empty bucket or other container large enough to hold all of your pool’s water during backwashing. Plug in an automatic timer so that it will automatically shut off when you reach your desired level of backwash depth.
Clean the pool pump strainer basket
Cleaning the pool pump strainer basket is one of the most overlooked aspects of pool maintenance. The strainer basket catches debris that gets sucked into the pump, and it should be cleaned after every use.
If you have a pool with a cartridge filter, you can remove the strainer basket from inside the pump and clean it in your kitchen sink or bathtub. You’ll need to take off the top cap and pop out the screen with a screwdriver or pair of pliers. Then you can rinse it off and let it dry.
If you have a sand filter, you’ll need to remove the entire machine from your backyard and take it inside for cleaning. Sand filters are not designed for indoor use, so don’t even think about draining all that water on your kitchen floor!
Balance your pool chemicals
Your pool water must be balanced before you can clean it. A properly balanced pool will not have a chlorine smell or taste, and the pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If you don’t know how to balance your pool, follow these steps:
Go to a local hardware store and buy an electronic test kit. You’ll need to test the water before you do anything else, so that you know where to start.Test your water using the instructions provided with your test kit. The results will tell you what’s in your water, and how much of each chemical is needed to get it into balance.
Return home with your new chemicals and add them according to the instructions on their packaging.
Conclusion
Cleaning a swimming pool can be a really great way for the entire family to spend some quality time together. It’s also great exercise and a good opportunity to get some fresh air from being outdoors. Whether you’re trying to deep clean your existing pool or thinking of getting one installed, it’s going to take some effort but it will be well worth it when you have a beautiful pool all summer long!