Home Cleaning Tips - How to Keep Your Pool Clean
Pools are a big attraction when you have a house for sale, but only if they're kept nice and clean. This doesn't have to be a full time job but it will take some continuous care. If you choose do it yourself pool cleaning, make sure you start yourself off by getting the best tools possible. These will lower you time spent on upkeep considerably. Any pool supply company will have what you need.
The first item on your list is a leaf skimmer. These are perfect for getting out large amounts of leaves and other particles that get into your pool. If you do a quick skim every few days, it will help keep the leaves from settling to the bottom and, thus, keep the circulation system running properly. This will, in turn, lessen the amount of chlorine you need which keeps you healthier.
A pool vacuum is very important in pool maintenance. These can connect directly into the pool's circulation system or have their own power supply. Vacuums work on the bottoms of pools where dirt settles and is hard to reach. Vacuum at least once a week to keep the water clean and clear. This, again, will help reduce the amount of chlorine needed. You can find a wide variety of vacuums but they should all be worked the same way, back and forth over the entire pool making sure each new stroke overlaps the last. If your pool gets very dirty, it may be necessary to clean the filter with each vacuuming.
Next are your brushes. A nylon-bristle wall and floor brush is perfect for cleaning the sides and bottoms of painted, vinyl and fiberglass pools, as they have relatively soft bristles. An algae brush is great for concrete pools, as its stainless-steel bristles can really get at those plaster walls. A tile brush is what you need if your pool has tiling. It will work wonders on calcium scale and other deposits and won't ruin the grout. Pumice stones are your secret weapon for those spots that just won't come off of the tile. Brush the entire pool once a week, at least, to keep calcium and algae build-up at bay. Water-line tile scum is easily cleaned with a nonabrasive, chlorine-based, liquid cleaner and your tile brush. Ask a professional which type of cleaner you should use for the specific type of pool you have.
Lastly, keep your strainer basket clean at all times. Empty this at least once a week to keep your pool's circulation system working at its peak performance.
So there you have it, your weekly routine that will keep your pool so fresh and so clean!
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Last Updated Friday, May 22, 2009 - 07:00 PM EDT.
