Summer is around the corner, and if you are one of those lucky homeowners having a swimming pool, now is the perfect time to prep your pool for Summer fun. It starts with assessing the pool’s condition, thoroughly cleaning it, and setting up the equipment. A leader in pool-cleaning technology and maintenance, we asked the experts at Aiper to share their top tips on setting up your pool for Summer fun.
- Assessing Your Pool’s Condition
First step is to walk through the pool area and have a visual inspection of each and every piece of equipment associated with the pool. From water hoses to pumps and filtration systems, everything needs to be inspected for damages and leaks.
If you find any damage, whether it’s major or minor, you should deal with it before starting the process of pool opening. The next step is cleaning the entire pool area and ensuring that the components attached to it are functional. Once you are satisfied with all the equipment, you are good to go with filling water into the pool and proceeding towards the next steps.
- Cleaning and Maintenance Essentials
If you are about to open the pool after months out of action, you should expect loads of debris, algae, and other contaminants that you need to deal with. The basic cleaning involves scrubbing the pool’s walls and floor. It undoubtedly takes a lot of time and effort if done manually, but if you are able to utilise technologically advanced Aiper products, you can do the job effortlessly.
New to the market, cordless robotic pool cleaners are specially designed to carry out the hectic pool cleaning job with automation. It requires minimal human interaction. Cordless pool cleaners can skim through the entire swimming pool and scrub, remove, and vacuum the entire debris. All you need to do is set up the device and let it do its job.
- Balancing Water Chemistry
After you are done removing all the debris from the pool’s water, the next question is how to clean pool water. It involves balancing the PH levels, chlorine levels, and other chemical treatments that assist in optimising the water chemistry.
For PH levels:
- Use the appropriate testing kit to measure the pH level, alkalinity, and calcium hardness of the pool water. The appropriate pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6.
- If the pH level is below 7.2, add a PH increaser into the pool water.
- If the PH levels are above the normal range, add a PH decreaser.
- Use the testing kit to test the water again.
For Chlorine levels:
- Use the testing kit to check the chlorine levels. The ideal chlorine level for a pool typically ranges between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm).
- If the chlorine levels are high, add neutralising chemicals. You can also opt to drain some water and add fresh to the pool which will automatically bring chlorine levels in range.
- Add more chlorine if you find lower chlorine levels than normal.
Balancing the water chemistry is a simple procedure; however, if you aren’t confident, it’s recommended that you seek assistance from an expert.
- Pool Equipment Setup
After balancing the water chemistry, it’s time to set up the pool equipment and get them running. Check the water level, open the valves, and run water into the filter system. Afterwards, open the pump basket’s lid and fill it with water. Turn on the pump and circulate water which will also help mix the chemicals.
But how long does it take to run a pool pump in summer? Well, it is recommended that the system be kept running for at least 24 hours before using the swimming pool. If you have a variable water pressure pump, then you can save up to 90% of the energy as it allows you to vary the water flow, unlike normal pumps, which operate on the same flow rate.
If you manage the water chemistry effectively, you will require fewer water replacements, which will bring down the water costs as well.
- Regular Maintenance Tips and Checklist
Regular pool maintenance saves up a lot of time and effort that would otherwise be invested in deep cleaning the pool. Make sure that you check all the equipment before and after using the pool and keep everything updated to prevent leakages and damage to the pool equipment.
It’s good to make a checklist of items to observe before and after using the pool to ensure that you don’t forget to check any necessary equipment. Here is a checklist you should follow:
Daily maintenance:
- Skim Surface
- Check Water Level
- Monitor Water Clarity
Weekly Maintenance:
- Test and Balance Water Chemistry
- Brush Pool Walls and Floor
- Vacuum the Pool
- Clean Skimmer and Pump Baskets
- Backwash or Clean the Filter
Monthly Maintenance:
- Shock the Pool
- Inspect Pool Equipment
- Clean Pool Tiles and Waterline
- Check and Adjust Water Levels
- Lubricate O-rings and Seals
Swimming pools are a great way to beat the summer heat! To make your Summer even more enjoyable, cut down on manually cleaning the pool by investing in Aiper’s range of products to assist you in cleaning the pool effortlessly and maintaining it throughout the season with ease!