Having a pool in your backyard is all fun and games until the time to clean it arrives. Homeowners can daydream endlessly about all the pool parties they can hold over the summer or about how they can lounge under the afternoon sun to get that well-desired tan.
But maintaining a pool takes a lot more effort than calling an annual clean-up crew to take care of it. To be a responsible homeowner, you should know how to maintain your pool on your own so that you can save time and money in the long run.
You can even turn the routine pool clean-up into a sort of family tradition like you would to spring cleaning. This way, your whole family can contribute to preparing the pool for summer, and you will have your much-needed assistance so that the responsibility won’t fall on your shoulders alone.
If you think that maintaining a pool will require you to be on your hands and knees to make the floor spotless, then you should think again. There are many gadgets that you can use to make pool maintenance easier, and here are four that you can take advantage of without breaking your bank:
Invest in a pH Control System
Cleaning the pool doesn’t always mean draining it completely because water can be expensive. You can’t drain and refill your pool throughout the summer because you would amass monstrous water bills and waste precious natural resources in the process.
But stagnant water in a pool can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can be a health hazard to those who will swim in it and accidentally intake the water. Pool filters can only do so much without the help of chemicals such as chlorine and other acids to keep the pool safe.
Seasoned pool owners already know how to balance these chemical levels properly so that their water will be clear and blue. However, unbalanced chemicals can be toxic to the health, irritating the eyes and skin or encourage the growth of bacteria.
What you can do to keep your pool clean and safe for use is to invest in a pH control system that uses non-toxic instead of toxic chemicals. These muriatic acid alternatives for pools are much safer because you will no longer have to worry about finding the balance among all those chemicals and risk your health in the process.
Buy a Robot Vacuum
Most residential pools have no nets above them that can keep falling leaves and other debris from entering the pool. If you don’t have a net for your pool and you’re not a big fan of skimming, then you can greatly benefit from having a robot vacuum that can do the work for you.
All that debris and sediments that fall into your pool will not only be a sight for sore eyes, but they can also be a source of contaminants. Robotic pool cleaners can help keep your filtration system in tiptop shape because they can take care of the debris that can threaten to clog the filters.
These automatic vacuums can be more expensive upfront than a manual skimmer, but if you can take care of them properly, they can last for a long time. Robot vacuums can also be a life-saver on days when you want to dive into the pool instead of spending your time cleaning.
Use a Power Washer
In situations wherein you will need to drain your pool to clean the floors and walls, a power washer will be your best friend. It can save you from having to manually scrub out the tough stains and grime that have managed to settle in between your tiles.
You can also use the power washer to clean your deck and surrounding environment. Plus, this handy device isn’t limited to cleaning the pool because you can use it to make your driveway or pavements shine when they are looking weathered over time.
Get a Pool Cover
Fallen leaves, debris, and various contaminants can infiltrate your pool when you’re not looking. This can happen overnight while you’re asleep or during times when you’re preoccupied with work. Of course, you can always use a skimmer to get this debris out, but a pool cover can do a much better job.
If your pool is situated near trees, then having a dependable pool cover can save you from repeatedly having to clean out the debris. Pool covers are also useful when the summer is over and you’re getting ready to welcome the winter.
Proper maintenance can take the hassle out of preparing your pool for the summer because you have already done your part. This way, you won’t have to keep starting from scratch, but rather only continue the measures in place to keep your pool from getting too polluted throughout the year.
