Keeping your swimming pool in tip-top condition does take work, but regular maintenance will ensure longevity and less grime – which isn’t something you want when you’re eager to take a dip. Although maintaining your pool may seem like a mammoth task, if you perform small tasks on a regular basis, the whole job will be made much easier. Not to mention, any visitors are sure to be enticed by the glistening waters before them if you stay on top of your checklist. So, if you’re looking for a guide that will tell you everything you need to know about swimming pool maintenance, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in… 

Deep cleaning your swimming pool

To control algae growth, your swimming pool will need its floors and walls brushed weekly. By giving everything a good vacuum and wipe, it’ll be much easier for you to keep everything maintained, preventing the risk of significant damage. Arm yourself with a chlorine-based cleaner and brush that’s appropriate for your pool (your pool supplier will know the answer to this), e.g. tile pools will need tile brushes, roll your sleeves up and get scrubbing! 

Your swimming pool’s filter will need to be backwashed too to ensure that it continues to collect debris, which will involve reversing the flow of water through the system. When this is done, the water will instead travel from the swimming pool, through the filter and finally out through the waste pipe, flushing out any grime in its path. Depending on the type of filtration system you have, it may need to be cleaned more often. If you’re unsure on what type yours is, have a chat with your pool supplier. 

Checking the chemical balance

Chemical treatments

Chemical treatments should also be incorporated into your swimming pool maintenance checklist to ensure that both you and anyone who takes a dip are kept safe. As every pool will differ from the next (with regards to the water and construction materials used), specific types of water treatments will be required for each, so reach out to your pool supplier if further clarity is needed.

Shock treatments

Shocking your swimming pool is also essential for keeping your pool algae-free, and this process should be done about once a week. There are signs you can look out for too that will suggest your pool is in need of a shock, such as cloudy, foamy, green, or odorous water. Adding chlorine to the water will get rid of any chloramine, bacteria, ammonia and any other nasties that are taking residence in your waters. 

There will be different types of shock treatments you can use, just be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you’re performing the process correctly, all whilst wearing the correct PPE and keeping any chemicals away from children. 

pH levels 

pH levels are used to reveal how acidic or alkaline your swimming pool water is, so make sure to check this as regularly as you can. It is recommended that the correct pH level for your pool should be between 7 and 7.6, with anything higher than 8 increasing the risk of skin rashes, and anything lower than 7 may lead to stinging eyes. 

DIY swimming pool cover

If you’ve already read our blog on ingenious ways to use bungee cords, here’s another one to add to the list – a DIY swimming pool cover. Being super flexible and water-resistant, this makes them the perfect tool to incorporate into your next crafting project. This cost-effective method will prevent anything falling into your pool, keeping it as clean as possible when not in use. 

For this, you’ll need: 

• Hole punch 
• Vinyl tarp 
• Tent stakes 
• Rust-resistant grommets 
• Bungee cords
• Sewing machine
• Seam seeker
• Scissors 

Start by taking your swimming pool’s measurements and cut the tarp to size, bearing in mind that it will need to be slightly oversized (roughly 8” extra on each side) to ensure that it can be secured down. Then, sew a 2” seam along each edge, which should hopefully leave you with six inches on all sides so that you can secure the grommets. 

Now it’s time to grab your hole punch to create spaces at the outer edge of your tarp for your grommets, leaving roughly 36” between them – just make sure they’re rust-resistant. Carefully lay down your tarp pool cover and start securing your first side. 

For this step, you’ll need your bungee cords and tent stakes, using around six or seven stakes on either side. Stick the stakes into the ground just outside your pool frame, securing with your cords. Now apply the same method to each side, taking your time to ensure that everything is tied down safely and securely. 

When you want to use your pool and get rid of the cover, simply untie the bungee cords and leave your stakes in the ground, ready for the next use. 

Winterising your pool

Your pool will require different maintenance depending on the season, and winterising your pool is another crucial factor to ensuring it’s kept in excellent condition. There will come a time when it’s too cold to take a swim, so prepare for colder months early. Remove your summer covers and any pool accessories (e.g. ladders, floaties, etc), being sure to give them a good clean, and store them away. For additional protection, your pool will need a winter debris cover to prevent any leaves falling in, making sure to secure it as tight as possible. 

You should check your pH range and shock your water with unstabilised chlorine (refer to our previous maintenance steps), making sure to keep your pump on for around 6 to 12 hours so that chlorine is distributed evenly throughout your swimming pool. 

You could then add a winterising algaecide so that your pool is protected against grime for longer periods, again keeping the pump on for up to 12 hours to ensure that the product is distributed to all areas. After this, you can switch off the skimmer valve and start to drain your pool to roughly six to 10 inches below the skimmer. 

Whether you’ll be using bungee cords to create your very own DIY pool cover, or you’re looking to embark on a completely different DIY project, have a chat with a friendly member of our team to see which stock will be the most applicable. From cords to bungee accessories, we’ve got you covered.