Common Swimming Pool Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Owning a swimming pool can be a dream come true, offering a refreshing oasis in the comfort of your own backyard. However, pool maintenance is essential to ensure its durability, safety, and optimal enjoyment. To help you navigate the waters of pool care, we've compiled a list of common swimming pool maintenance mistakes to avoid. Drawing insights from the experts at Deep End Pools, a renowned pool maintenance company, let's dive into the dos and don'ts of keeping your pool pristine.

Inadequate Chemical Balance: 

Maintaining the chemical balance in your pool is essential. Improper pH levels can lead to various problems, including skin and eye irritation, and can even damage the pool's equipment and surfaces. The pH level should aim to be between 7 and 7.6, to ensure safe swimming conditions but also extend the life of your pool and its components. We recommend using accurate testing kits to monitor pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels regularly. 

Filtration System Maintenance: 

One of the primary rules of pool maintenance is to stay on top of your filtration system. A clean and functioning filter is crucial for removing debris, contaminants, and bacteria from the water. Avoiding regular filter cleaning or replacement can lead to poor water circulation, cloudy water, and even more serious issues over time. It is important to stick to a maintenance schedule routine for your filtration system to ensure crystal-clear water and a healthy swimming environment. 

Irregular Brushing and Vacuuming:

Regular brushing and vacuuming are essential for preventing algae growth and maintaining a clean pool surface. Mistreating these tasks can result in stubborn stains, slippery surfaces, and an overall uninviting appearance. We suggest you have a consistent brushing routine and invest in a quality pool vacuum to keep your pool looking its best.

Skimmer and Pump Maintenance: 

Skimmers play a crucial role in capturing surface debris and preventing it from sinking to the bottom of the pool. Similarly, the pump circulates water, aiding in the filtration process. Neglecting skimmer and pump maintenance can hinder their efficiency and result in poor water quality. 

Shocking pool: 

Adding pool shock directly into the water is a common mistake pool owners make. While the intention behind shocking your pool is to eliminate contaminants and restore water clarity, introducing shock granules directly can lead to uneven distribution and potentially damage the pool surface. To avoid this, experts recommend pre-dissolving the shock granules in a bucket of water before adding the solution evenly around the pool. 

Not testing water regularly: 

It is recommended to test your pool water at least once a week, using testing strips. If you fail to test the water once a week it can lead to minor problems turning into major issues. Testing the water tracks the levels of calcium hardness, pH, chlorine stabiliser and total dissolved solids (TBS) levels. 

Not leveraging calcium hardness:

Calcium hardness refers to the concentration of calcium ions in the water, and striking the right balance. Too little, and the water can turn corrosive, causing damage to pool surfaces and equipment. On the other hand, excessive calcium hardness can lead to cloudy water, scaling, and a diminished swimming experience. Calcium hardness increaser can help you get the right level of calcium, this is recommended as a level of 175 ppm to 225 ppm. 

Our team of experts can help prevent you from making these mistakes. Get in touch with us today with any queries or questions. 

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