
5 Common Pool Cleaning Errors and How to Avoid Them
Projections show that the global pool equipment and maintenance market will reach a value of $19.51 billion by 2027.
If you have a swimming pool, it’s important to keep it in a good state so that it’s safe to swim in. A lot can go into pool maintenance, and there are various mistakes that people often make.
For a rundown of 5 common pool cleaning errors and how to avoid them, keep reading.
1. Forgetting to Test the pH Level
One of the key things needed to keep pool water healthy and safe is a balanced pH level. If the pH is too low it can dry out your skin and cause eye irritation. If it’s too high, it will stop the chlorine in your pool from working properly.
An unbalanced pH can also cause things like staining, scaling, and etching. For testing water pH you simply need a pool test kit. You should use these regularly, and you want the pH to be somewhere between 7.2 and 7.6.
2. Forgetting to Brush
There are several steps to a good pool cleaning routine, and this is one of the most important. It’s easy to see large debris in your pool, so you’re likely to clean it out quite often. Brushing, however, is needed to clean contaminants that are harder to see.
A brush should always be among your pool supplies, and you can use it to get into the corners and any small gaps. This will help with removing algae in pools and it can prevent a buildup of calcium from occurring.
3. Putting Shock Straight Into the Pool
The more you use a pool, the faster it will get dirty. Things like sweat and oil will mix with the chlorine, which forms chloramines. These can cause skin/eye irritation and can smell bad.
Shocking a pool is ideal for removing these, but it’s important to do it right. Many people make the mistake of pouring the chemicals needed straight into the pool, but if you do this they can sink to the bottom and the water won’t absorb them. Instead, you want to pour the shock around the edge so that it spreads evenly, and keep the pump running for at least 6 hours after.
4. Overlooking the Water Level
One of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting to check the pool water levels. Some common problems that can come from this include calcium deposits, algae growth, and excessive filter wear. You should regularly check the water level to make sure it’s right.
5. Using Too Many Chemicals
Chemicals are among the most essential pool cleaning supplies, but it’s quite easy to add too much. While these chemicals are crucial, using too many can make the water unsafe to swim in, and it can be bad for the environment. It’s important to pay attention to how much you’re putting in so that you can keep things balanced.
Avoiding Common Pool Cleaning Errors
All of the above are common pool cleaning errors, and they can all lead to larger problems. You should have a regular maintenance routine so that you can stay on top of things and keep your pool in a good state.
For more home improvement articles check out some of our other blog posts.