Our team at FreeStyle Pools helps Sydney homeowners experience the joy of having a sparkling, inviting pool. Proper pool maintenance is crucial to keep it that way. After all, neglecting in-ground pool care can lead to inconvenient and costly problems. Rest assured that by following a few key maintenance practices, you will make a big difference in your pool’s health and longevity. Let’s take a closer look at key aspects of pool upkeep: water chemistry, cleaning routines, equipment care and seasonal maintenance.
Maintaining Water Chemistry
To keep your in-ground pool pristine, balanced water chemistry is so important, as it prevents damage to pool surfaces and skin irritation. Key elements to keep in mind include:
- pH levels – ideally should be 7.2 to 7.6, which measures the water’s acidity or alkalinity.
- Chlorine – should be added at 1-3 ppm to sanitise pool water by eliminating algae and bacteria. Warm-water pools or frequently used pools need more regular chlorine treatment.
- Alkalinity – ideally, this measurement should be 80-120 ppm. If it’s too high, the water may become cloudy.
- Calcium hardness – you want this to measure around 200-400 ppm, as it helps prevent scaling or surface corrosion.
- Phosphates – algae flourishes when the phosphate level is too high, causing cloudy or green water. A phosphate remover (starver) can keep it under control.
- Stabiliser – this is used for salt, mineral and liquid chlorine pools to reduce chlorine loss from UV. Ideal levels around 30-50 ppm
We recommend testing the pool water weekly and adjusting chemicals as needed. Many homeowners benefit from using a pool water testing kit or professional pool maintenance services. This way, families can enjoy peace of mind that experts are leading the way in preventing pool algae and maintaining pool pumps and filters.
Cleaning and Debris Removal
Another necessity of in-ground pool care is regular skimming to remove leaves, bugs and other debris. Our top swimming pool maintenance tips include using an automated cleaner or manually vacuuming the pool floor to prevent the buildup of dirt and algae, as well as brushing pool walls to keep algae and grime at bay. This offers obvious benefits of a cleaner, more enjoyable pool, which will last longer and be less susceptible to preventable repairs. Don’t forget to empty skimmer baskets to maintain proper water flow and support optimal pool system performance.
Pool Equipment Maintenance and Care
Your reputable local pool builder should have plenty of eco-friendly pool maintenance tips and provide guidelines for cleaning and inspecting pool pumps, filters and heaters. If you hear unusual noises, the water looks different, or you notice more debris in your pool, certain parts may not be working correctly and require repair or replacement. The sooner you can get them checked out by a professional pool maintenance provider, the better. Also, it’s a good idea to schedule regular checkups and clear any obvious debris blockages to help prolong the life of pool equipment.
Seasonal Maintenance
Swimming pool maintenance tips also include adjustments for different seasons, such as increasing cleaning frequency during summer or properly winterising the pool before cold weather. We strongly recommend covering the pool in off-season months to prevent debris and protect water quality, making ongoing pool equipment maintenance easier, too. Scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year ensures all systems are fine-tuned.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Last but not least, this guide to easy pool maintenance tips would not be complete without listing some common mistakes to be aware of and avoid. Many times, we see pool owners ignore water chemistry drifting out of range, not emptying skimmer baskets frequently, skipping routine maintenance like backwashing/cleaning filters or overdosing certain chemicals. Before long, the pool has more serious and expensive problems, and professional maintenance is required anyway. Our advice is to be proactive with quick, actionable solutions to correct any maintenance mistakes. Remember, your number one resource is a professional pool maintenance company that can ensure in-ground swimming pools remain clean, functional and long-lasting.
Explore Practical Pool Solutions With FreeStyle Pools in Sydney
We hope these essential maintenance tips help to protect your pool investment so you can enjoy it year-round. If you have specific questions about equipment care or preventing pool algae, the FreeStyle Pools team would be happy to help. From modern pool design to maintaining pool pumps and filters, we have a wealth of knowledge built on 65 years of combined experience as licensed pool builders. Contact us online for personalised advice or to schedule a maintenance check-up.