Chemistry For Intex Pools
Anytime youre adding chemicals to pool water, you need to know the volume of the pool for accurate dosing.
Checking the manual can tell you your pools volume, or you can simply Google the model you purchased.
A pool calculator can come in handy too, as all you need to do is take some measurements and plug in the numbers.
Create A Maintenance Schedule
As you learn more about your pool and how to care for it, your to-do list might start to seem a little intimidating. Creating a pool maintenance schedule makes it easy to stay organized and make sure important tasks dont slip through the cracks.
Not only will you be able to stay on top of basic upkeep, but youll be able to plan ahead for more advanced pool maintenance tasks like closing your pool, caring for it during the off season, or getting your swimming pool ready to roll when pool season returns.
How To Keep A Small Pool Clean Without A Filter
Having a small pool is all about keeping it the maintenance costs low-budget. How can you keep it clean without a filter? Heres how to do it in 6 easy steps.
Small or above-ground pools are convenient for those who prefer safety, low-maintenance, affordability, and easy installation. Plus, its great for families to enjoy, especially those with kids. However, small pools are favored by families who dont have much of a budget to afford a bigger, regular size pool of their own and are especially hesitant to install a pool filtration system because of the overwhelming energy costs that the latter brings at the end of the month.
Usually, a swimming pool filtration system pumps water into the pool and keeps it clear and clean. Several types of filters are responsible for removing airborne leaves, dirt, and other debris types from getting into the pool. Moreover, a pool filter is responsible for removing algae and bacteria.
This is something to consider, especially if you have kids having access to the pool more frequently. Fortunately, thats why kiddie pools exist. But whether you have an above ground pool or a kiddie pool, youre going to have to clean that water soon as itll turn green and leave a funky smell after some time.
Here are all the things you need to do to keep an above ground or a kiddie pool clean without the use of a filtration system:
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Why Should You Clean The Pool
Yes, You should clean your best above-ground pool for several reasons. Cleaning and maintaining it properly can affect the functionality, safety as well as the aesthetics of your backyard.
A clean pool will have longevity, and will cost less when it comes to repairs. It will also improve its aesthetics and the pool will have better operation and functionality.
In case you dont manage to keep the pool clean then you have to deal with major problems and some of them are listed below in detail.
The Basic Components Of A Swimming Pool
Like most major home improvements, you can get as fancy as you like with your swimming pool. You can add advanced heating and lighting, install high-tech pool covers, and even enjoy music while you swim with underwater pool speakers. But whether you have a basic backyard pool or a massive inground oasis shaped like Elvis, every pool has four components that need regular care to keep the good times rollin.
These include:
- The pools interior wall or liner
- The pools filter system
- The pools system of skimmers and returns
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Balance Your Pool Water
Testing your pool water can help you decide to adjust your levels accordingly. But how do you regulate these levels? It happens by balancing the pool water chemistry. There are three crucial parts to your pool water chemistry.
Knowing these three levels is vital in balancing your water. There are chemicals you can add to your pool to create a safe balance of cleanliness in your water.
How To Maintain An Above Ground Pool:
- Run the pool filter everyday, for 12-18 hours daily.
- Water level should be around mid-skimmer not too high, not too low.
- Test pH level, should be between 7.4-7.6.
- Test chlorine level, should be between 2.0-4.0 ppm.
- Empty skimmer and pump baskets, as needed.
- Inspect filter pressure and pump operation.
- Observe pool cleaner operation, if you have one.
On a daily basis, your pool pump needs to operate, for at least 12 hours , to push the water through the filter, and prevent stagnation.
From the moment you open the pool, your pool needs to have a constant chlorine level. A complete test kit like the Taylor K2005, or 7-way test strips is recommended, to do full pool water analysis. Another option is to use the Taylor Troubleshooter test kit for pH, Chlorine and Alkalinity, and AquaChek test strips for your calcium and cyanuric tests.
Chlorine is very pH dependent, and as pH levels rise, the killing power of chlorine is reduced dramatically. Add pH increaser or pH decreaser, as needed, to maintain pH levels in the range of 7.2-7.6.
Using a permanent marker, write your clean, starting filter pressure on the filter tank, or directly on the pressure gauge lens, so you know the clean pressure reading. Then you will also know when to backwash, or clean the filter when pressure rises 7-9 psi above clean.
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Above Ground Pool Maintenance
Above ground pool maintenance is a lot like car maintenance, a “pay me now, or pay me later” type of thing. If your cleaning, chemistry or circulation is off-target, you can develop water problems and pool liner issues, which can be expensive to correct.
Aboveground pools with small or ineffective filter systems leave little room for error, especially when frugality trumps water quality like if the pump is not run long enough each day, or needed chemical adjustments or sanitizers are not added, for example.
To avoid algae and other pool problems that are costly and time consuming, you’ve got to perform certain regular tasks. Here’s a checklist for above ground pool owners, a schedule of daily, weekly and monthly pool maintenance tasks.
Details Of Proper Pool Maintenance
Kiddie pool maintenance
- Prep the pool for cleaning
- Assemble equipment and supplies
- Prep the pool for cleaning
- Assemble equipment and supplies
- Prep the pool for cleaning
- Assemble equipment and supplies
- Framed pool cleaning techniques
- Storing your framed pool
Getting the most from your investment in an above-ground pool depends on proper maintenance. This includes cleaning and inspecting the entire pool. Here are some benefits that proper maintenance of your above ground pool provides:
- Fewer repair needs for your swimming pool
- Sanitary and safe water to swim in
- Maximized pool life
- Better operation and functionality
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Storing Your Inflatable Pool
Storing an inflatable pool is easy to do when you follow these steps. First, check the inner and outer walls and top inflatable ring for any signs of weakness in the material. Using your hand, feel along the seam that connects the top ring with the walls of the pool to locate signs of separation or tears. Make any necessary repairs that are needed with an inflatable pool patch kit.
Next, check the filter if you have one attached to your inflatable swimming pool. Inspect the filter for dirt and excessive signs of wear. Replace the filter when needed. Make sure all hoses are secure. There should be no leaks or cracks in the hoses or connections. If these issues exist, replace or tighten the hoses as necessary and install replacement pool parts.
Examine the ladder and other accessories used within the swimming pool. All screws, bolts and fasteners should be tight and well-secured. This prevents injuries and accidents from occurring during use. If you notice signs of rust or damage, replace the accessories immediately.
After you drain the pool, clean and dry the surface before placing it back in the container that it came in or find a storage bag that protects the pool wherever its stored in the off season.
Tips For Maintaining An Above
As lovely as in-ground pools sound, they’re not always feasible to install in the backyard, whether it’s because of the cost, the space available, or the type of soil in the back. An above-ground pool, however, could be an option for enjoying the water during warmer months.
Above-ground swimming pools range from economical models to more luxurious styles. Many can be enjoyed throughout the year, and some use saltwater systems, which are popular with in-ground models. Above-ground pools also have options for solar heating systems and energy-efficient covers.
Contemporary models may have upgraded features that are usually seen in in-ground models, including advanced filtration systems and pumps to keep them clean. However, even above-ground pools that have built-in systems need a little hands-on work regularly to stay clean and in good working condition.
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It’s tempting to put off above-ground pool maintenance, but you will pay for it later through water problems or pool liner issues, which are expensive to fix. To ensure that you’re taking proper care of the pool, follow a daily and weekly pool maintenance checklist.
Complete these tasks daily:
- Test the pH level to ensure it’s between 7.4 and 7.6.
- Test the chlorine level, which should be between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm.
- Check the water level, which should be around mid-skimmer.
- Empty the skimmer and pump baskets.
- Check filter pressure and pump operation.
- Skim the surface of the water.
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Clean The Soap Lather
Its quite obvious that your kids will use soap and jump into the pool. In that condition, cleaning process is tough and different. But, you can use Scumbag to soak all the soap and other oily particles from the pool.
The Scumbag has the ability to absorb 40 times its weight. Hence getting a scumbag will help you to take out all the soap lathers and oils outside the pool.
Proper Inflatable Swimming Pool Cleaning Techniques
Attach the soft bristle brush to a telescoping pole, so you can reach the floor of the pool. The brush helps to reduce the slimy film on the inside surface areas. Use a pool vacuum to remove smaller particles from the pools water. Scrubbing down the outside walls of inflatable pools improves their general appearance.
Performing pH tests on the pool water gives you a better idea of the chemical levels present in the pool. This allows you to add the right amount of chlorine, shock or other pool chemicals you need to balance out the pH levels of the water. When mixing the chemicals, make sure you know the proper ratios of chemicals to water for your specific size pool.
Cleaning your inflatable swimming pool for winter storage differs from cleaning during use. When storing your pool, scrub the interior walls and floor using the soft-bristled brush. Unplug the filter and pool pump to let the water drain completely. A wet/dry vacuum removes any remaining water. Spray the interior surface of the pool with a nontoxic cleaning solution such as a foam disinfectant cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water. Use a soft sponge to wipe away the cleaning solution. Spray the pool down with a garden hose or power washer with a low power setting. Completely dry the pool to prevent mold and mildew build-up during storage. Remove the filter and discard if it’s replaceable or clean it thoroughly according to the instructions.
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How To Measure The Chlorine Levels In Your Pool
Another thing to help clear a cloudy above ground pool is to ensure the chlorine level is balanced correctly. Test strips indicate the ppm chlorine levels. Hold the strip in the water for a few seconds, then match the color on the strip with the ppm chart.
Although bleach can act as a sanitizer for the pool, it is best to use chlorine. Using either chlorine tablets or granular chlorine, pre-dissolve the measured amount in a bucket and pour the cleaner along the pool liner for the way to shock a pool.
Never pour chlorine directly into the skimmer. When a pool has the right amount of chlorine in the water, it reduces the chances of red eyes and swimmers itch.
Tips To Keep Your Pool Clean
If you have a swimming pool in the garden, you know that it must be constantly maintained to ensure that you can continue to enjoy beautiful clear and safe water. However, the importance of keeping the pool clean is often underestimated, and there is a lot involved in keeping a pool in top condition.
To make this job perhaps a little easier, we have collected seven tips for you. From tips regarding pH value to automatic cleaning. However, not all tips will apply to every swimming pool, large swimming pools require a slightly different regime than smaller swimming pools.
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Do Weekly Shock Treatments
Laurie Wilkins, founder of , recommends giving your pool a weekly shock treatment like HTH Super Shock. A shock treatment involves using a powdered form of chlorine to kill algae, bacteria and other contaminants. A shock treatment once a week will oxidize the contaminants, freeing up the chlorine and letting it do its work in cleaning up the water, he says.
Get A Robotic Pool Cleaner
Want a more simplified way to clean your pool? Get a robot.
Just like those home robot vacuums youre probably familiar with, a robotic pool cleaner works in the same way.
An automatic pool cleaner has an electric motor that creates suction to remove dirt and debris from your pool. When debris is sucked up, its stored in a separate filter bag attached to the cleaner.
Robotic pool cleaners also save money and energy. For one, they require a low voltage to run so they dont use up a ton of energy. Compared to other pool cleaning equipment, a robotic cleaner could cut down as much as 82 percent on your energy bills.
A robotic cleaner also has a wide range of capabilities.
For instance, our rechargeable cordless swimming pool cleaner has a 2-liter waste capacity and moves freely around your pools floor. And you dont even need tools to lift it out of the water.
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Shock And Balance The Water
A pool shock treatment will get rid of chloramines and kill any algae, bacteria, or other organic waste in the water. It will make your pool cleaner and safer to swim in. Add in the pH, alkalinity, and calcium increases as needed until youve balanced them properly. If your pool needs more chlorine, stabilizer, or algaecide, use those as well. You should let your pump and filter run for 24 hours so the chemicals will get mixed in and evenly distributed throughout the water, as well as getting rid of any remaining debris during the process.
Monthly Pool Maintenance Schedule
Your individual pool maintenance schedule could vary a little bit depending on the climate in which you live, the frequency of pool use, and how well you maintain your pool. One person might not need to shock their pool for over a month while another person might need to shock their pool every week. Some pools never have problems with algae, while other pools see a buildup of algae every couple weeks.
Use the above maintenance schedules as a guide. Find out the necessary safe ranges specific to your pool and circumstances, and understand how much chemicals to add based on the size of your pool and the numbers that your tests reveal. Tweak these maintenance schedules to fit your own pool maintenance needs.
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Measuring Is Knowing: Be Careful With Chlorine
To keep your pool clear and clean, chlorine tablets are often indispensable. However, you should use them with caution and follow the directions for use carefully. Too much chlorine can damage your health.
When adding chlorine, you must always measure carefully to achieve a sufficient level of chlorine. The normal chlorine value is between 1 and 2 ppm / litre. If there are algae in the swimming pool, the chlorine level may be increased to 3 ppm / litre. This can also be measured with test strips.
Excessive chlorine can be counterproductive. Bound chlorine is chlorine that has been used up. It is still in the water, but it is no longer available for disinfection. This chlorine smells and causes irritation to eyes and mucous membranes. So be cautious with chlorine, too high a concentration can have unpleasant consequences. Therefore, always follow the guidelines, as supplied with the chlorine products.
