Swimming pools are a common sight almost everywhere in the world. Unless you live in Alaska, it can get very hot in the summer, and it is during this time that swimming pools seem like they're the greatest invention in history. They look pretty simple, too—a deep basin filled with water. But there are actually a lot of things that goes into keeping a swimming pool clean and sanitary. Let's dive into the world of swimming pools and find out.
How to Maintaining Both In-Ground and Above-ground Swimming Pools ?
In-ground swimming pools are easily distinguished by their curvy, more complex designs. Anyone will tell you this is the way to go when building your own private pool in the backyard. But there is one serious drawback you should know: that in-ground pools are harder and more costly to maintain.
The most common above-ground pool shapes are square, oval, and circular swimming pools. Their simple shapes make above-ground swimming pools smaller and shallower on average than most in-ground pools, and thus are easier to maintain. In any case, conventional pool cleaning methods apply to both types of swimming pools.
Deck and cover cleaning – Deck and cover cleaning includes sweeping the area around the perimeter of the pool as well as removing debris and dirt above the pool cover, if you got one. It is advised that you hose the deck area at least once a week to get rid of dirt and debris before they get in the pool. If you're using a non-mechanized cover, be sure to fold it on a clean surface so dirt don't stick onto the wet canvas.
Surface skimming – You know what skimming the surface means—that is, removing dead leaves and debris from the water surface. To skim, use a leaf rake and telepole. There isn't any particular technique on how to skim, but do scrape along the tile line as it acts as a magnet for dirt and leaves. Empty the rake into a trash can and not on the lawn as the debris could easily be blown by the wind back into the swimming pool.
Cleaning the tiles – This is the most time-consuming aspect of pool cleaning. Use a tile brush and soap to clean the tiles. You can apply a squirt of soap directly on the surface, and start scrubbing. You can also use pumice stones to break down stubborn stains.
Adding chemicals – Chlorine acts as a disinfecting agent from bacteria. Chlorine for swimming pools is available in powder, tablet and liquid form, and should be added following the filtering process. You can use a chemical feeder to evenly mix the chlorine into the swimming pool water; manual feeding often results in chlorine being too concentrated in one area and not enough of it in another.
The main difference in cleaning an in-ground pool from an above-ground one is that the former takes more time and effort due to its bigger size. Cleaning an in-ground pool, it could take anywhere from a couple hours to twice the time it takes you to scrub the tiles of an above-ground swimming pool. Apart from that, the cleaning method is the same.
When is the Best Time to Clean Your Swimming Pool?
Cleaning times
: Any pool expert will tell you that there is no standardized schedule on when to clean your swimming pool. It depends on how often you use it, where you live, and strict you adhere to the pool's regular maintenance schedule. If you have a pool cover and use the pool only once or twice a week, it could take anywhere from three to four months before your pool requires a refill. However, a good cover and pool filter can add a good couple weeks more to this estimate.
A popular approach to determine the water's cleanliness is by checking if the main drain is clearly visible from the deck as far away as eleven yards. If at this distance the water appears a murky, you need to change the water soon.
Lastly, you need a vacuum to clean the bottom of the pool. Run the vacuum slowly over the floor—too quickly and you'd stir up the dirt instead. The suction is too strong if the pool surface is being sucked by the vacuum head. So lower the suction settings a bit. You need to find the right amount of suction if you want to be able to clean effectively.
Prevention is better than cure. The same applies to swimming pool maintenance. Save yourself a lot time and effort by maintaining your pool regularly instead of cleaning it only every few months. Keep in mind a filthy swimming pool is the one place you wouldn't want to be in. Call Chicago Pool Maintenance & Services for the best rates on cleaning services in Chicago.
Swimming Pools Cleaning Services