With Christmas only a few days away, many homeowners are ensuring that their swimming pools are in pristine condition in readiness for the festive season.
Having a swimming pool in your home is a desirable idea. You can use it for hosting poolside parties or include it in your training routine. Regardless of your intended use, you need to remember that pools need regular maintenance to remain in top shape. This particularly applies during the Christmas season, when most people are in a partying mood.
Here are some useful tips on handling the extra use of your swimming pool this Christmas.
Skim and Scrub Regularly
Skimming removes leaves and other debris from your pool's surface. Ideally, skimming should be a daily routine. If you have extra cash on your Christmas budget, consider investing in a robot vacuum that will clean the bottom of the swimming pool.
Like skimming, scrubbing is also essential to keeping your pool clean, as it prevents the build-up of algae. However, scrubbing is not done as often as skimming. You only have to do it once weekly. If you notice any stubborn stain when scrubbing, soak it with chlorine for a few hours before scrubbing it off.
Check Chemical Levels
Chemical levels are a crucial aspect of pool maintenance. When the balance is improper, the water appears dirty, irritates the eyes and the skin, and provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This Christmas, ensure that you test your chemical levels at least once weekly.
Testing the water is a straightforward process. After buying test kits from your local dealer, fill them with samples, and follow the instructions. Depending on the results, you will know what you need to make your pool water safe. When all chemicals are at the required level, the water should be clear and odorless.
Check Water Levels
Because of the extensive use of your pool over Christmas, it is essential to keep an eye on the water levels. The level should always be halfway up the opening of your skimmer. If the level is too high, use a submersible pump to drain the excess. If it is below the recommended level, use a hosepipe to fill it.
For people with fiberglass or vinyl swimming pools, it is advisable to call a professional to drain excess water. This is because the pump's weight can damage such swimming pools.
Wash the Poolside
The area surrounding your pool is as critical as the water itself. You can keep the poolside clean by pressure washing, which removes all stains caused by weather elements and other factors.
Conclusion
The tips mentioned above are an excellent starting point for keeping your pool in pristine condition this Christmas. Besides them, ensure that you schedule a yearly service appointment with your local pool expert. These professionals also help in pool maintenance, particularly with issues affecting mechanical equipment like filters, pumps, and heating systems.
Lastly, enforce safety measures such as fencing and pool covers to avoid accidents during this festive season.
