Complete Guide to Swimming Pool Maintenance: Daily, Weekly and Monthly Routines

Keeping your pool clean and safe is essential to ensuring a pleasant and healthy experience. This guide will provide a detailed maintenance plan, dividing the tasks into daily, weekly and monthly routines.

Daily routines

1. Checking Chemical Levels

One of the most important tasks in daily pool maintenance is checking the chemical levels in the water.

• pH: The ideal pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6. A balanced pH prevents skin and eye irritation and improves the effectiveness of chlorine. To measure pH, use test kits available on the market. If the pH is outside the ideal range, adjust it using specific products to increase or decrease the pH.
• Chlorine: Chlorine must be between 1 and 3 ppm (parts per million) to ensure adequate disinfection of the water. Chlorine is essential for killing bacteria and other microorganisms. Check daily and adjust as necessary to keep the water safe.

2. Debris removal

Keeping the water surface free of debris is crucial to prevent contamination and improve the aesthetics of the pool.

• Skimming: Use a net to remove leaves, insects and other debris from the surface of the water. This simple task can prevent the formation of stains and the proliferation of algae.
• Cleaning the Skimmer Basket: Empty the skimmer basket to ensure adequate water flow. The skimmer basket catches larger debris before it can reach the filtration system, helping to keep the water clean.

Weekly routines

1. physical cleaning of the pool

A deeper clean should be carried out weekly to ensure that the pool remains in good condition.

• Brushing: Brush the walls and bottom of the pool to prevent algae and dirt from accumulating. Use a brush suitable for the type of liner your pool has (vinyl, fiberglass or concrete).
• Vacuuming: Use a pool vacuum to remove debris that has sunk to the bottom. Regular vacuuming prevents the formation of scale and keeps the bottom of the pool clean.

Checking and adjusting chemicals

In addition to pH and chlorine, other chemical parameters also need to be monitored on a weekly basis.

• Total alkalinity: Must be between 80 and 120 ppm. Alkalinity helps stabilize the pH, making it easier to keep it in the ideal range. Use sodium bicarbonate to increase alkalinity or muriatic acid to decrease it.
  
  
• Calcium: Calcium levels must be between 200 and 400 ppm to avoid corrosion or scale formation. Low levels of calcium can corrode concrete surfaces, while high levels can cause calcium deposits.

Filter maintenance

The filtration system is crucial for keeping pool water clean and safe.

• Backwashing: If you have a sand or DE (diatomaceous earth) filter, backwash it to clean out the accumulated residue. Reverse washing helps to remove debris and keep the filter efficient.
  
  
• Cartridge Filters: Clean or replace the cartridge filters as necessary. Cartridge filters need to be removed and washed with a high-pressure hose to remove accumulated dirt and debris.

Monthly routines

Equipment inspection

A detailed monthly inspection of the pool equipment is essential to prevent major problems.

• Pump and motor: Check that the pump and motor are working properly and if there are any strange noises that indicate problems. The pump must operate without excessive vibrations or abnormal noises.
  
  
• Piping: Inspect the piping to ensure there are no leaks or obstructions. Check all connections and joints to ensure they are tight and leak-free.

Complete Water Test

Carry out more comprehensive tests to ensure that all water parameters are within the ideal ranges.

• Metals: Test for metals such as copper and iron, which can stain the pool. Use metal sequestrants if levels are high.
• Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid): Check the levels, which should be between 30 and 50 ppm, to protect the chlorine from degradation by the sun. Add stabilizer as necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the chlorine.

Additional Tips

Watch out for algae

Algae can be a persistent problem, especially in hot and humid climates.

• Algae prevention: Use preventive algaecides weekly, especially in hot and humid climates. Algaecides help prevent the growth of green, yellow and black algae.
  
  
• Algae treatment: If algae appear, shock the pool with a high-dose chlorine treatment and brush vigorously. Follow the product instructions for the correct amount of shock.

Water Conservation

Saving water is not only good for the environment, but can also reduce operating costs.

• Water level: Keep the water level in the middle of the skimmer to ensure proper filtration. Check regularly and add water as necessary.
  
  
• Prevent Evaporation: Use pool covers when not in use to reduce evaporation. Covers also help to maintain the water temperature and reduce the amount of debris entering the pool.

Security

Safety should be a priority for all pool owners.

• Safety barriers: Make sure fences and safety barriers are in good condition to prevent accidents. Gates must be self-closing and lockable.
  
  
• Chemical products: Store chemical products in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children. Keep chemical products in their original packaging and follow storage and handling instructions.

Preparing for winter

If your region experiences harsh winters, it’s important to prepare your pool for the cold season.

• Closing the pool: Follow a proper closing process, which includes reducing water levels, adding winter chemicals and installing a winter cover. Drain the water lines to prevent damage caused by freezing.

Conclusion

Keeping a swimming pool in perfect condition requires dedication and attention to detail. By following these daily, weekly and monthly routines, you can ensure that your pool is always clean, safe and ready for use. Remember to adjust maintenance according to the specific needs of your pool and the climatic conditions in your region. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy a crystal-clear, healthy pool all year round.