Common Pool Maintenance Mistakes
While pools are all fun and games, there are common pool maintenance mistakes people make unknowingly. Some can cause slight risks like a little tripping, while some can be fatal, like drowning, gasp.
While every pool maintenance mistake is a learning experience, it is important to avoid making the mistake in the first place as it could be difficult to learn when you are dead.
According to the comprehensive guide at The Pool Support, Here are some of the pool maintenance mistakes;
Too Much Chlorine.
Moderation is key in everything, especially when it comes to adding chlorine to your pool. Chlorine is a bleaching agent. A pool shock is when you add concentrated chlorine directly into your pool. When your pool is overshook, prepare to wonder why all the black swimsuits turned pink. Alternatively, granules of chloride will settle at the bottom of the pool, hence making the floor brittle.
The rule of the thumb is, all chemicals are to be diluted with water before being added to the swimming pool. This allows them to dissolve easily while protecting your pool floor, walls, and of course the black swimsuits.
Failing to Brush your Pool
Another mistake is leaving debris to build up in the pool hence causing molds and algae. A dirty pool is a health hazard to the users. There are so much bacteria and fungus that cause water-borne diseases, They thrive in dirty water. It is important to scrub your pool manually to wash off any scum and gunk build up.
Using Automatic Pool Cleaners to Clean Algae
There is nothing wrong with being hi-tech and tech savvy. It is very convenient to get rid of algae using robotic pool cleaners. While vacuuming is good, manual scrubbing of the pool even weekly, is a better option as it allows you to not only use force but to also remove algae from the roots.
Not checking the pH levels.
Very few pool owners check the pH levels of their pools, while chemistry classes teach us that pH levels are as important as oxygen. A low pH indicates an acidic environment, while a high pH shows that an environment is alkaline. A low pH looks good at face value, but have we considered the repercussions?
The pipes, pumps, automatic cleaners will be eroded. It is possible that even the floor will be discolored. The best bet is to maintain the pH level at a neutral, as the rule of the thumb remains, moderation is key.
Read our article on balancing calcium hardness to keep your pool safe for a swim.
Shocking your pool during the day
Adding Chlorine to your pool is okay, as it attaches itself to whatever germs it wants to kill, forming chlorine. They are not friendly to the skin and eyes, that is why you see some professional swimmers with consistent bloodshot eyes. Adding chlorine during the day is definitely a disaster. The sun will oxidize it, rendering it useless. And this will be a waste of time and money. To avoid this, oxidize at night, at least once a week.
Running Your Pool Filters for less than 8 hours a day.
The only time that your pool filters work, is when they are switched on. If you don't run them, of course, the pool will be contaminated with debris and become muddy. Depending on the size of your pool, it is recommended that the filter runs for at least 8 hours a day to keep the water fresh.
Not Checking Your Pool Every Week
As much as you may have a busy schedule, examining your pool should be a weekly affair. While the water may look clean at face value, it is important to check the alkaline levels, calcium hardness and minerals.
Wearing Your Street Clothes in the swimming pool.
Swimsuits are specifically made for the pool. The fabric is good enough for swimming pool chemicals. It is becoming very common to see people wearing their regular shirts and leggings in the swimming pool. This is wrong; swimming pool water is not good for regular clothes as the chemicals may discolor them. Regular clothes are not good for the swimming pool as they introduce chemicals to the water.
As everything is a learning experience, it is important that we are cautious when handling our swimming pools. A clean swimming at face value may actually have dangerous pH levels, or hard calcium. We may not also be able to see all the dirt especially when we don't filter daily. The water may look "clean" but contain germs. Make it a tradition to improve your maintenance skills.
