Daily Swimming Pool Maintenance

• Check the filter pressure.
• Clean the filter if the water is not clear
• Remove debris from strainer basket

Weekly Swimming Pool Maintenance:

• Use a nylon brush to clean tile and walls of pool.
• A stainless steel brush should be used to loosen algae on concrete walls.
• Check walls or vinyl liner for cracks or tears, and repair immediately.
• Test the water, and add the recommended chemicals.
• Hose off the deck but aim water away from the pool.
• Invest in a pool cover that will reduce evaporation, keep debris out of water and trap the heat.

As many swimming pool owners will know, floating oils, dirt & wastes can combine to form a scum line around the pool.  This is why tile, an easily to clean surface, is placed at water level around the perimeter of the pool. There are many tile cleanser products available which are applied with a scrubbing pad or brush and a little effort. Remember, abrasive cleaners work well, but should be avoided in vinyl lined pools as they can damage the linings.

Automatic cleaners are terrific time-savers when trying to clean your pools, and they also help to distribute and circulate the water.  There is a wide range of cleaners available, for all types of pools and budgets.

Unless you have an automatic cleaner, an in-floor cleaning system or an automatic cover is necessary to clean any debris left in your pool.

To clean your swimming pool simply roll your vacuum hose straight along the length of the pool. Attach one of the cuffed ends onto your vacuum head which is attached to your telescopic pole. Extend the pole and place the head (with the hose attached) into the water so that it rests on the floor of the pool. Point the head across the pool so that it doesn't roll down the slope towards the deep end and prop the pole up against the pool's edge.

From the point where the hose surfaces, begin pushing the hose straight down into the water until you reach the other end. This is filling the hose up with water so there is no air in it which may cause difficulties for the pump when you attach the hose to the skimmer.

Once the hose is primed, remove the skimmer lid and the basket and stick the hose end into the hole at the bottom of the skimmer. Roll the vacuum head on the floor, over the debris and you're vacuuming. The suction will gradually decrease as the pump basket fills with vacuumed debris. When the pressure gauge drops and suction is sufficiently decreased, stop the pump and empty the basket. If pressure rises significantly, stop the pump and backwash the filter. Continue this routine until your pool is clean.

If your swimming pool tiles begin to have crusty white deposits on them, do not worry. Called efflorescence, this calcium deposit usually originates from grout or setting mortar. To remove, simply scrape it off the tile or wall, and acid wash it. There are products available to help make this task easier and save you time.

Dirt, dead leaves, rust and other minerals can stain the finish of your plastered pool. If the stain is organic; left from a leaf or acorn for example, a small amount of granular chlorine added at that location.  Once settled, the stain will usually disappear instantly. Unfortunately, other non-organic stains will not be removed by chlorine. Do not place chlorine tablets directly into the pool...they will stain and etch the plaster.