Has it ever happened that you are by the pool, looking at the dirty water and thinking, “This is just too much for me”? I’ve been there. I felt that it was a lot of work to maintain my backyard pool so it stayed clean and sparkling. There was always something to do such as cleaning, testing the chemicals and checking that the filter was working, so it never seemed to end.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way! I have found that by following a few easy habits and planning ahead, looking after a pool is not difficult and can even be fun. I am sharing the things I do every summer to keep my backyard pool in great condition.
Why Maintaining Your Pool Regularly Is Very Important
Here’s the part I didn’t expect…
After getting my pool, I believed I could just leave it alone, jump in occasionally and the water would stay fine. Spoiler alert: that’s not how it works. If you do not maintain your pool regularly, you can get cloudy water and also create conditions for algae, bacteria and equipment problems.
Why It’s Crucial
Routine pool care prevents many issues that might happen if your pool is not maintained. The purpose is to keep your pool safe for use and to keep all the equipment in good working order. Here’s why it matters:
- Algae growth is prevented: If algae grows, your pool can suddenly look green and swampy.
- Protects your equipment: When filters are clogged, chemicals are not balanced or debris builds up, your pump or heater may be damaged which can cost you money to fix.
- Makes the pool safe for swimming: If the pool is not maintained, it can collect bacteria and other contaminants which can make swimming unsafe.
What I Learned
I realized that it doesn’t have to be a big commitment every week. It means making little changes each day that become part of your regular routine, so maintenance is easy.
3 Easy Ways I Use to Keep My Pool Clean
Let me show you how that worked out…
When I started taking care of my pool, I felt there was a lot more to do than I expected. I tried several ways and after a while, I realized there are only three easy steps to it. These have saved me time and frustration — and kept my pool looking amazing!
1. Testing the Water Weekly
Testing the water regularly became my secret weapon. I have found that monitoring the pH and chlorine levels is very important for a healthy pool. Failing to keep the right balance can result in cloudy water or damage to the pool surface.
It is a good idea to use a quality test kit or digital tester to check the water each week.
2. Skimming and Cleaning the Filter
The main thing is, I would often forget to clean the filter. I didn’t think it mattered until I saw that the water quality was going down. I now try to remove the filter and clean it once a month and I scoop out leaves and debris from the surface every few days using a skimmer net.
It helps to cover the pool with a leaf cover when you are not using it.
3. Balancing Chemicals
It’s not as hard as it sounds, I promise! After discovering how chemicals react with each other, I was able to set the right chemical levels in my pool. Properly adding chlorine and stabilizer on a regular basis keeps the water clean and clear.
Tip: Consider using slow-release chlorine tablets for easier control.
What Happened Next
Implementing these three steps consistently made a huge difference. I quit worrying about pool maintenance and began enjoying swimming. The amount of time I put in was not much, but the benefits I got were huge.
The Hidden Costs of Skipping Pool Maintenance
This is where it all shifted…
I used to disregard the little things because I thought they were not important. But over time, I realized that skipping routine maintenance only led to bigger (and more expensive) problems. What I learned was eye-opening!
What Happens When You Skip Steps
If you ignore regular pool maintenance, these things might occur:
- Algae Blooms: These pesky green (or sometimes black) algae can grow rapidly in an untreated pool. Getting rid of it is usually done by a professional which may be costly.
- When your filters and pipes are dirty, your pump and heating system must use more energy which causes them to wear out.
- Water that doesn’t move or get filtered sits still and this is when bacteria and other microorganisms can grow. This not only looks ugly but can also be dangerous for your health.
My Turning Point
One time, I didn’t pay attention to the pH for some weeks and it ended in a bad surprise: the water got cloudy and my pump broke. That was when I understood that the key to pool maintenance is to stop problems from happening in the first place.
How Having an Automatic Pool Cleaner Makes Life Much Simpler
It started with something I thought I’d hate…
At the beginning, I thought an automatic pool cleaner was not needed. I didn’t feel it was wise to spend money on something I didn’t really need. After a few months of using it, I understood that it had made a big difference.
How They Work
An automatic pool cleaner is a robot that moves in your pool, cleans the walls and the bottom and gathers debris. There are two main types:
- Suction cleaners are attached to your pool’s skimmer or pump and they clean the pool as they pull in debris.
- Robotic cleaners use electricity and do not have to be linked to your pool equipment. They are more efficient but tend to be pricier.
Why I Love Them
I have saved a lot of time because of these little machines. I don’t have to pull out the vacuum and put in the work to clean the floor for half an hour. Pressing a button is all I need to do and the cleaner does the rest.
You can set your automatic cleaner to clean automatically at a certain time.
The Result
Now, my pool stays clean without me having to lift a finger (other than setting the cleaner to work!). The investment has easily covered itself several times by making life easier and keeping the water clean.
Pool Maintenance Mistakes You Might Be Making (And How to Fix Them)
What I wish I’d known earlier…
I used to treat my pool care mistakes as simple things that wouldn’t matter. I want to help by telling you about some typical problems.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- Thinking that adding more chlorine will make the water cleaner. However, too much can irritate your skin and eyes.
- Fix: Maintain the proper levels of chlorine and keep an eye on them often.
- Not Using a Pool Cover: I didn’t think it was important to cover my pool all year. Big mistake!
- Solution: Get a high-quality pool cover to keep the pool clean, mainly during the winter.
- If you live in a cold area, winterizing your pool will prevent a lot of issues and repairs when spring comes.
- Solution: Empty the water, clean the filters and put away the equipment in a proper way when the pool is not in use.
Conclusion
Looking after a backyard pool can be simple and not too difficult. A little planning, a few basic steps and some regular maintenance will keep your pool looking great all summer.
Therefore, if you’re near your pool again, you’ll know just what to do and it won’t seem like work. You can just get in, relax and have fun in the water without worrying.
What is a small thing you can do to make pool maintenance easier? Save this tip if you want a hassle-free summer!
