It’s the peak of pool season, and you’re enjoying plenty of fun in the sun. Now is not the time to relax, though, when it comes to swimming pool maintenance. If you do, you will probably regret it, and failing to spend just a few minutes each day and a few more each week could keep you from being able to enjoy well-balanced, clear swimming pool water for a bit more time than that. If you really don’t want the hassle of maintaining your pool, be sure to hire a well-reputed swimming pool service to do these necessary tasks for you. But whichever route you choose, be certain to make sure it gets done.
Skimming
The Task: Really, it’s not difficult; however, it is certainly necessary. Skimming is exactly what it sounds like: removing any unwanted critters and debris from the surface of your swimming pool. Skimming will help prevent you from clogging up your filtration system and dealing with less-than-clear pool water.
The Timing: Skimming should definitely be done on a daily basis, whenever your pool is being used and uncovered. Depending on the amount of trees and other sources of debris in your yard, the amount of time needed for this task can vary greatly.
The Tools: If you’re outside the pool, you’ll want a long-handled skimmer rake like this one. For skimming from inside the pool, a short-handled version makes more sense. But really, you don’t need any fancy tools to complete this task. While there are skimmer socks on the market, you could also use an old window screen or stretch old panty hose over just about any kind of frame to accomplish the same purpose. All you have to do is release the debris outside your pool and replace your skimming tool as needed.
Scrubbing
The Task: The purpose of scrubbing your pool’s surfaces is to prevent and address algae growth. If you do notice stubborn algae growth in an area, you can address it with a chlorine-soaked sock on the area and leave it to eat away at the algae for a couple hours before scrubbing. In addition to pool walls, pool floors also require occasional scrubbing.
The Timing: Scrubbing should be done at least a time or two each week and more thoroughly at least once or twice a month. The weekly or daily aim is to address any obvious signs of algae growth; on at least a monthly basis, though, all of the surfaces should be thoroughly scrubbed. It will take a little more time than skimming, but as long as you keep up with it, it shouldn’t become overly taxing on your time or energy.
The Tools: Any standard scrub brush will do the job when it comes to pool walls. For pool floors, a robotic pool vacuum like this one is highly recommended.
Wait! There’s more. Be sure to check out Part 2 for more pool season maintenance tasks you should have on your radar.
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