Monitoring the water’s safety and quality is essential to ensure you can spend as much time in your pool as possible and to guarantee the swimmers’ safety. No one wants to dive into gross, murky water nor come out with red, irritated skin and eyes!
Additionally, poorly maintained water can lead to the growth of algae or to the build-up of limescale deposits. It can even cause the pool’s components and lining to deteriorate. To achieve crystal clear water that will make your neighbours green with envy, follow these tips.
Balance the Water’s pH Level
Your pool water’s pH level must stay between 7.2 and 7.4. Proper pH balance ensures that swimmers are comfortable and that other water treatment chemicals work as effectively as possible. Check the pH frequently with a test kit (once a week is recommended) and, according to the results, adjust the level with the appropriate product, such as a pH reducer or increaser.
Monitor Chlorine Levels
Chlorine is the most commonly used pool sanitizing agent. It kills bacteria and prevents the appearance of algae. The concentration of free chlorine in the water must be kept between 0.8 mg/L and 3 mg/L according to the Government of Québec’s website. Check the chlorine concentration regularly and adjust it by adding chlorine in granular, liquid or tablet form as necessary.
Use an Algicide
Algae can cause the water to become cloudy and feel slimy. And the bad news is that it’s hard to eliminate once it has appeared! To prevent and control algae growth, use the appropriate algicide. Moreover, a weekly preventative treatment is recommended to keep algae at bay.
Ensure Adequate Filtration
This is crucial to ensure clean and safe pool water. Run your filtration system at least 8 to 12 hours a day during swimming season. Clean the filter frequently to prevent clogging, and make sure it’s operating efficiently.
Regularly Brush and Vacuum
Brush the pool’s walls and floor to prevent the build-up of dirt and organic deposits. Vacuum the floor often to remove debris (like leaves, sand and sunscreen residue) that could accumulate and cause water quality issues.
Correct Water Hardness
Overly soft water can corrode components, while too-hard water can lead to limescale build-up. Regularly test the water’s hardness and rectify as required with specific products.
To increase water hardness: dissolve 120 g of calcium per 10,000 litres of water, then pour the solution into the pool.
To reduce water hardness: use a store-bought anti-limestone treatment.
Employ Stabilizers Appropriately
Stabilizers, such as cyanuric acid, help protect chlorine against the effects of solar UV radiation. However, the overuse of stabilizers can reduce chlorine efficacy.
An Ounce of Prevention in Fall…
In Québec, closing the pool in autumn is a crucial step in maintaining water quality and protecting the pool’s component over winter. Thoroughly clean the pool, adjust the pH and chlorine levels, and finish by adding a winterizing chemical before covering the pool.
Purchasing a Home With a Pool
Have you just bought a house with a pool and don’t feel that you have the required know-how to “open” it properly? Why not hire a company specializing in pool maintenance to take care of it for you this first year? This way you’ll be sure to get off to a good start!
The main thing to remember is that prevention is the key to avoiding water quality issues. So, take time to check and adjust your pool water’s parameters regularly. Those who swim in it will thank you!