Top Pool Maintenance Tips For New Pool Owners

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Above ground pools offer fun in the sun for you, your family, and friends and make your backyard the place to be during warmer months. However, owning a pool comes with great responsibility. Ask any current pool owner, and they’ll be the first to tell you that it takes significant time and effort to maintain your pool regularly.

If you’re a first-time pool owner, here are a few things you’ll need to do to keep your pool safe, clean, and beautiful:

Test the pH Level

A pH level signifies whether a liquid is alkaline or acidic. 7 is neutral, with anything above being alkaline and anything below being acidic. You want to achieve a good balance for the safety and comfort of those swimming in your pool. Typically, it’s recommended to aim for a pH between 7 and 7.6.

Test the Chlorine Level

Chlorine in pools sterilizes the water to remove and prevent any bacteria or microorganisms that could be hanging out in your pool. Just like with pH, it’s critical to find a balance with your chlorine levels. If you have too much, you can damage your pool equipment, bleach swimsuits, and irritate swimmers. If you have too little, bacteria and algae will start to emerge. It’s essential to regularly check your chlorine levels and reach a level between 1 to 3 ppm (parts per million).

Check the Water Level

You may not think much of it, but your pool’s water level is important. Again, balance is key here. You don’t want too much water in your pool, as it can cover your skimmer and lead to water contamination. On the other hand, you don’t want your water level to get too low because the skimmer can consume too much air, causing issues in your pool system. When you check your water levels, ensure that one-half to one-third of your skimmer is covered by water.

Make sure to check the water level after a heavy rain, after many swimmers have been in the pool, and during hot, sunny days when evaporation is at its peak.

Keep the Water Circulating

You don’t want stagnant water or dead zones in your pool, as this can lead to algae and bacterial growth. Check your filtration system regularly to make sure everything’s pumping correctly. If you notice that certain spots in your pool aren’t moving, you can install jets that will help circulate the water throughout the entire space.