Your pool needs to be well cared for, in and out of season. Without proper care, water can become a breeding ground for disease-causing organisms. A regular maintenance program will ensure that the pool remains clean and in good condition throughout all four seasons.

In addition to the usual maintenance procedures to ensure the water is chlorinated and refreshed, some “unusual” methods can be applied to give your pool a facelift. These techniques will not only make your pool cleaner and safer, but they will also save you money, time and energy.

1. Use some baking soda

Not only does it work magic when it comes to pool cleaning, it also helps maintain the correct pH levels in the pool. Some stores will offer you a substitute known as an “alkalinity booster,” but buying baking soda will save you money. Eventually, both products give you the same results, but baking soda does it more efficiently. The amount of baking soda required depends on the size of the pool.

2. Tennis ball

You may be wondering what this has to do with pool maintenance, but you’ll be surprised to learn the effects. Throwing a tennis ball into the pool will cleanse the water by absorbing all the chemicals and oils that people bring into the pool in the form of sunscreen and suntan lotions. If you occasionally let the ball float, the difference will be hard to ignore.

3. Use a bucket to track water usage

Environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, dictate the rate at which the pool loses water. However, the average water loss should not be more than twenty-five percent of an inch per day. To measure the rate of water loss, place a weighted bucket on the stairs and mark the water levels at different intervals throughout the day. Significant margins are an indication of a leak in the pool, which you should have fixed. If the water levels are lower than you would like, simply use a hose to fill the pool to the required levels. Remember to check chemical levels after each recharge.

4. Use a line and net to remove dirt

Loose dirt that gets into the pool can be skimmed off, using a net attached to a line. However, dirt, debris, and contaminants can stick along the tile area and water line, requiring proper cleaning. Make it a point to clean this area at least once a week to reduce calcium buildup. As you clean the tiles, also remember that the walkways should be cleaned as well to minimize the chances of transferring dirt and grime to the pool.

5. The filter is the kidney of your pool

If you don’t take proper care of this small but crucial part of your pool, you can eventually end up with an inactive pool. In the same way, the kidneys are responsible for removing impurities, so the filter is designed to remove contaminants such as leaves, dirt and small debris from the water. Once a month, it is recommended to clean the pipes of the filter system. An easy way to do this is to backwash by removing the leaf basket and turning on the pump and letting it run until the pipe discharges clear water.

6. Be sure to maintain constant chemical levels

This is one of the most critical factors in proper pool maintenance. When water lacks the proper chemical balance, it looks cloudy, irritates the skin, and can harbor bacteria. It is recommended to test chemical levels weekly. The chemical levels to test are cyanuric acid, free chlorine, total alkalinity, acidity/alkalinity, and calcium hardness.

Hire a professional to do the testing for you. If you want to do it yourself, purchase the test kit at your local pool store and follow the enclosed instructions. Chemicals that are well balanced make the water crystal clear and free of odor and residue on the skin.

It is also recommended to “shock” your pool. This refers to raising the chlorine levels in the pool suddenly but for a short time. The technique is useful for killing bacteria, and the way to do it is to dilute five times the usual amount of chlorine with water, then slowly pour it into the pool. A few minutes later, he refills the pool with water to restore normal chlorine levels. Shocking increases the risk of damaging the pool liner, so limit the process to no more than twice per season.

7. Check the condition of the skimmer lid

It is occasionally necessary to replace the skimmer cover in case it cracks or breaks. It plays an important role in preventing people or pets from falling into the skimmer pit so it’s important to make sure it’s in good condition and firmly locked in position. During the replacement, please make sure the pump is turned off to avoid accidents.

8. Pressure washing

This is also known as power washing, and the process helps remove weather stains and any rust that may occur over time. The process begins by sweeping the deck clean and free of loose dirt so it doesn’t get everywhere during cleaning. Set the pressure washer to medium power and spray the surface to remove all residue, doing this over and over until the spot is thoroughly clean. A pressure washer can be rented at the local pool store.

9. Be sure to schedule an annual service appointment with an expert

You may think it’s not necessary, but the knowledge you have may not be enough to care for your equipment like filters, pumps, and heating systems. A professional pool service provider will not only check your devices, but also advise you on what you need to improve to keep your pool looking good. They can quickly spot small problems that could cause a massive crisis down the road.

10. Planning for winter

It is just as important to care for your pool in the winter as it is in the summer. You don’t want to check your pool at the start of the next summer only to discover that the water has changed color and harbors dangerous bacteria. Properly winterizing your pool will save you a lot of money and time next season while you make repairs. Some of the things you need to do are balance the chemicals, flush the excess water out of the pipes, and cover the pool to keep out dirt.

With these simple yet amazing tricks, your pool should maintain higher standards that are not so common in most private pools.