If you are interested in taking excellent care of your pool on your own, I have outlined a detailed cleaning procedure below. By following these simple steps, your pool will remain in tip-top shape the entire swimming season!
Pool Cleaning Procedure
- Skim the Surface
Use a surface skimmer or leaf skimmer to collect all floating debris, such as insects, grass clippings and leaves. Remove all leaves and large debris from the bottom of the pool with a leaf bagger or leaf rake. - Clean the Tile or Vinyl Sides
Scrub the tile or vinyl sides above the water line with a liquid or powdered tile cleaner and a brush. - Brush the Pool
Spending 10 to 15 minutes twice a week brushing the pool walls and bottom actually saves time by making the weekly pool cleaning less extensive. A nylon-bristled brush may be used on all pool surfaces. - Shut off the surface skimmer to provide maximum suction at the main drain.
Start at the shallow end and work towards the main drain. Using a nylon-bristled brush, slowly brush the pool walls. Brush strokes should be slow and smooth and should overlap. Brush from the tile line down, always working toward the main drain. - Check the Skimmer and Pump Strainer Baskets
Check the pool surface skimmer and the pump strainer baskets weekly (daily or more in windy conditions). This will ensure proper filtration and efficient suction for brushing and vacuuming. Failure to clean baskets will result in their damage and possible damage to the pump. - Vacuum the Pool
The pool should be vacuumed at least once a week and even more often during windy conditions. When vacuuming, use slow, overlapping strokes. An automatic pool cleaner makes this easy. - Clean the Filter
As a general rule, the filter should be cleaned (backwashed for sand or D.E. filters, cleaned for cartridge filters) when the filter pressure gauge indicates a rise of 8 to 10 pounds above the starting pressure.
Notes: The Pump on most pools must run a minimum of 4 hours per day. It is your responsibility to keep the water level up during the summer months. If you have any questions or a problem with your pool please call me as soon as possible.