With the weather starting to warm up, chances are you are itching to start using your pool regularly again. After you have spent time reopening your pool, it is important to make sure that your pool is properly cleaned and stays that way throughout the spring and summer months.
And pool cleaning doesn’t have to be a hard task. As long as you keep up with it regularly, you’ll actually keep the water cleaner and save time in the long run.
Having the right tools and knowledge of pro pool cleaning tips is essential for getting the job done quickly and efficiently, and for keeping your pool properly clean moving forward. Read on for the essential tools you should have, how often you should be performing these pool cleaning tasks, and one surface not to forget to also clean regularly.
Make Sure You Have the Essential Pool Cleaning Tools
Cleaning your pool can be a daunting task to think about, but having the right tools makes it much easier. And when it’s easy to do, chances are, you won’t mind doing it as often as you really should.
The most important part of cleaning your pool is keeping debris, dirt, and grime out of the water. So, here is a list of essential pool cleaning tools that every pool owner should have to do just that and keep your pool well-maintained:
A Good Telescopic Pole
A telescopic pole for pool maintenance is an essential pool cleaning tool as it allows you to attach several different tools to it, such as a skimmer net, pool brush, or leaf rake. It enables you to reach deep areas of the pool that would be otherwise inaccessible and can be extended to reach any corner or crevice of the pool. It is an invaluable tool for keeping a pool clean and free of debris. The most useful size for most inground pools will be an 8 ft pole that extends to 16 ft.
Skimmer Net (Pole Attachment)
This net-like tool is used to scoop up leaves, bugs, and other debris that have made their way into the pool. Skimmers come in different sizes and will usually either be a flat net or a bag net. This is another tool that you should opt for the heavy-duty option. These kinds will last longer and save you from having to spend more money constantly replacing them.
Leaf Rake (Pole Attachment)
A leaf rake attachment is also a great tool for skimming. This is especially true if you live in an area that generates a lot of leaf debris in your pool area, as this tool can quickly and easily collect larger debris from the surface of the pool.
Pool Brush (Pole Attachment)
A pool brush is another essential tool for pool maintenance and will usually be used as an attachment to your telescopic pole. It is very handy for sufficiently brushing away any dirt and debris that has accumulated on the walls and floor of the pool, as well as on the stairs, rails, rail bases, etc. Brushes come in a variety of different-sized bristles which can be used for different pool finishes, such as concrete, tile, or vinyl.
Heavy-Duty Vacuum Hose and Vacuum Head
Another essential pool cleaning task you should be doing regularly is manually vacuuming the pool. For this, you will need a long, heavy-duty vacuum hose that is long enough to reach every part of your pool and a vacuum head that attaches to your telescopic pole.
The hose attaches to your pool’s main filtration system, allowing you to use the vacuum head to vacuum away any debris that has settled on the pool floor. It can even be used to vacuum the walls of the pool, helping to keep them free from dirt and grime.
There are robotic pool cleaners/vacuums that you can invest in, which can help clean up a portion of debris automatically. But, still taking the time to manually vacuum the pool will ensure that the pool stays as clean and free of debris as possible.
So, now that you are ready to start using your pool more and know what you need, check your existing tools. Make sure you have all the pool cleaning tools we covered above and replace any that you do have that are damaged.
How Often Pool Cleaning Tasks Should Be Done (Plus Bonus Tips)
Now that you know and have the right pool cleaning tools, you are ready to start cleaning properly. And with more of the right pool cleaning hacks, you can easily make sure that your pool is a safe and enjoyable place to relax. So, here is exactly how often you should be performing the essential pool cleaning tasks:
Skimming the Pool Surface
Regularly skimming the pool surface is essential to maintaining a clean and healthy pool environment. Skimming removes leaves, bugs, and other debris that can make your pool dirty, compromise its chemical balance, and even cause algae to grow.
Ideally, it should be done every day. When you skim, you’re removing particles before they have a chance to sink to the bottom of the pool and contaminate the water. Skimming daily also helps to keep your pool looking clean and inviting. Of course, if you have a pool enclosure, skimming will be needed less often since the cover will likely prevent a majority of leaves from getting into the pool.
Keep in mind that your local weather does affect the frequency that skimming is needed. If you live in an area where it rains frequently or frequent winds blow leaves and other debris into the pool often, you may need to skim the surface of the pool more than once a day.
Brushing the Pool
Brushing your pool helps remove debris, dirt, and algae that can build up in the pool over time. This debris can cause problems with your pool’s water chemistry, and if left unchecked, can eventually lead to bigger issues such as staining or discoloration of your pool’s walls and floor.
The frequency of brushing your pool will depend on the amount of use that it gets, as well as the environment in which it’s located. For instance, if your pool is located in an area that gets a lot of wind and rain, you’ll likely need to brush it more often than if it was located in a more sheltered spot. Generally, you should brush your pool at least once a week, though brushing more often is even better.
Make sure to keep an eye out for any dirt, debris, or algae that may have accumulated on the walls and floor of the pool and scrub those areas well. Pay special attention to areas that don’t get a lot of direct sunlight, as these are more likely to harbor algae growth.
Manually Vacuuming Your Pool
You should manually vacuum your pool one or twice a week. This essential pool cleaning task helps to remove dirt and debris from the pool floor and walls, which can reduce the amount of maintenance required to keep your pool clean.
Vacuuming also helps to prevent algae and other contaminants from building up in your pool. Additionally, vacuuming can help to increase the clarity of the water, making it easier to keep your pool looking great.
Don’t Forget to Clean the Pool Deck & Surrounding Area
After going through the effort of skimming, brushing, and vacuuming your pool, the last thing you would want is for leaves, dirt, and other debris to end up right back in the water the next time a breeze comes through. So to make sure all your hard work does not go to waste, keep the pool deck and surrounding area clean too!
– Keep the pool deck swept off: As soon as you can, sweep away any debris or dirt that has accumulated. This includes leaves, twigs, and other small debris.
– Pressure wash the deck periodically: It is important to also occasionally pressure wash the deck to prevent dirt, bacteria, and even algae from accumulating (which can all get slippery fast!). Ideally, you want to pressure wash the deck/surrounding pool area once per year, especially at the beginning of pool season.
– Make sure the deck surface is sufficiently sealed: Concrete pool decks and other porous surfaces can absorb water and other substances. To protect the surface and help keep it clean, it’s important to make sure it is properly sealed. But, even with proper application, a sealer will eventually wear out due to regular use and exposure to the elements. So, the surface should be resealed every 2-3 years for best results.
Keeping Your Pool Clean Doesn’t Have to Be Hard!
By following the above pro tips for pool cleaning and investing in the right tools, you can help keep your pool clean and save yourself time. When it comes to how to keep a pool clean properly, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can enjoy your pool and keep it looking great all season long!
And if you’re looking to ensure that you’re properly taking care of your pool and saving money while doing it, Pool School Videos is your answer! Not only keeping the pool clean but also the water quality properly balanced is easily possible with the right proactive approach, and our 20 self-paced online videos make DIY pool maintenance more practical and efficient.
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