Why is Swimming Pool Maintenance Important?
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The benefits of a backyard pool are limitless. From hosting pool parties that make you the envy of your neighborhood to having a quiet dip after a long day at work, they provide a wonderful place for friends and family to enjoy and create memories.
However, while pools are undoubtedly super fun, if they’re poorly maintained they can also cause a whole host of problems.
If your pool isn’t given the correct type of maintenance, it can become damaged and even cause those who swim in it to develop health problems. Your pool is an investment, and just like other assets like cars and homes, they need to be properly looked after.
From regular swimming pool cleaning to ensuring chemical levels are as they should be, maintenance is vital to the health of your pool. In this article, the team at Claffey Pools will take a closer look at the importance of swimming pool maintenance.
To keep the water balanced
A key part of regular swimming pool maintenance is to check the alkalinity of the water. The ideal pH level of a swimming pool is between 7 and 7.6, and it’s important to balance the water if your levels are outside of this range. If the pool’s pH levels are too low, it can corrode metal surfaces and pool accessories like ladders.
Conversely, if the pH is too high it reduces how effective your pool’s chlorine is and can cause cloudy water, pool scaling, and even skin rashes for those swimming in the water.
It’s easy to test the pH levels of your water, with pH test strips readily available at most swimming pool stores. If you need to increase pH levels, we stock a pH Plus product and for the opposite effect, you can use pH Minus.
To prevent algae growth
Algae is a type of aquatic plant that is common in all kinds of open water spaces. Similar to seaweed, it is green, slimy, and fast-spreading if exposed to swimming pools. Algae can find its way into your pool by the wind, floods, or soil, and it can be harmful to swim in a pool where algae is present. This is because it’s a breeding ground for a whole host of harmful bacteria.
On a weekly basis, it’s a good idea to brush or vacuum your pool’s floor to remove any presence of algae, and algaecides can be used to combat any growth.
To keep out bugs, dirt, and leaves
As part of any swimming pool maintenance service, removing bugs, dirt, leaves, or any kind of debris from the pool is key. Due to their very nature, pools are exposed to all of the outside elements that Texas can throw its way.
This means that it isn’t uncommon for bugs – like mosquitoes – dirt, and leaves to end up in your pool. All of these things can carry harmful bacteria and microorganisms, so it’s important to spend some time each week cleaning the pool and removing them.
To maintain chlorine levels
Chlorine is one of the most important elements of every swimming pool. The chemical acts as a disinfectant which keeps the water clean and safe for people to swim in. Here in Texas, we get a lot of sunlight, and while it’s great for sunbathing in the backyard, it can also make chlorine dissipate from swimming pools quickly.
This means that your chlorine levels could dip below safe levels, creating a place for harmful bacteria and microorganisms to thrive. This includes E.coli, and means any swimmers could get sick if they’re exposed to the water.
If the chlorine is too high, a whole host of health issues can be triggered, including irritated lungs and respiratory systems, skin burns and irritation, as well as damage to eyes, hair, and nails.
The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals recommends that chlorine levels are kept between 2.0 and 4.0ppm. You can use test strips to check your pool’s chlorine and then use shock treatments to keep the water at optimum levels.
To keep costs down
While we’ve covered a variety of health and safety reasons why swimming pool maintenance is important, there are also financial benefits for keeping it well maintained.
When a swimming pool is correctly maintained and in good working order, it will require fewer repairs and replacements during the course of its life – meaning less money has to be spent on it.
At Claffey Pools, we understand that you want to enjoy your swimming pool, rather than it being seen as a chore to deal with. With this in mind, why not call on the services of a professional pool company to carry out all the necessary maintenance?
Our team provides a dedicated weekly pool maintenance service that ensures your pool is kept clean, chemically balanced, and safe for everyone to enjoy. For a swimming pool maintenance company that you can rely on, get in touch with Claffey Pools today. We operate across Southlake Texas, Colleyville & Coppell. Or, to find out more, simply give us a call or complete our online form.