Having a pool at home requires basic knowledge in pool maintenance. As a pool owner, you probably know the usual pool cleaning tips - skim, brush, vacuum, check the filter, pH and chemical level. And most probably, you are aware that these tips can be a pain in the shoulder. Keeping up with a pool cleaning routine can be tough and challenging as these have to be done in a regular basis.
Here, I am sharing you several mind blowing pool maintenance life hacks you definitely need to know. These will save you time and effort in cleaning your pool!
Toss in a Tennis Ball
Unusual as it sounds, but tossing a tennis ball will help you get rid of extra oils and chemicals in your pool. Sunscreen, tanning lotion, makeup, hair products and body oil often end up in your pool. These substances easily make your pool dirty. Throw in a few tennis balls and let it float while it absorb the oil and excess chemicals, leaving you with a clean and clearer water.
Use Baking Soda
Surprisingly, baking soda isn't only good for baking. It is also effective in cleaning your pool! Check your pool regularly especially when it's rainy. Rains usually imbalance your water's pH level. Pour in a pound of baking soda to retain alkalinity balance. Not only that, you can also use baking soda in cleaning your pool tiles. Make a paste of water and baking soda to brush the tile and grout in your pool. Do this regularly as this effectively helps prevent algae from growing.
Make Bathing Suit a Requirement
In small doses, swimming with a shirt or a short is fine. But in most cases, fabrics and especially dyes bleed. And these react to the chlorine in your pool, causing your pool to get cloudy over time. Make it a rule to everyone in your family and guests to wear bathing suit when using your pool. By this way, you maintain proper chemical levels in your pool and prolong your fun with your friends!
Keep Dogs Out
Dogs are cute and fun but it's best not to let them jump and swim in your pool. Chlorine is basically not good for canine. Not only is it bad for them, but it will also make your pool dirtier. Keeping your pool hair free is hard to keep up. But if you insist, keep in mind to adjust the chlorine level below 3.0 PPM for your dog's safety.
Track Water usage with a Bucket
Humidity and temperature are two factors that affect the water level in your pool. Aside from that, when your pool is highly used it will most likely to cause a drop in the water level from all the splashing and exiting out of swimmers. Keep in mind that that the average water loss should not be more than a quarter of inch per day. The easiest way to track how much water your pool is losing, is to place a weighted bucket on the stairs of your pool with a mark of the water level on the side. If you notice a big drop in the water level, you might need to check your water pumps for possible leaks.
Supercharge Your Skimmer
Skimmer baskets are very important as they filter out debris in your pool. But they tend to leave smaller objects behind. One way to optimize its function is to use an old pair of pantyhose. Wrap them around the baskets and they should now be able to filter out sand, hair and dirt. Keep in mind to empty and clean them every week.
Natural Bug Repellant
Insects are not only a nuisance for swimmers but also for the pool cleaners. Bugs are often found floating in the water, which causes dirt and bacteria. A great way to keep them out of your pool area is by planting lemongrass nearby. Lemongrass contains citronella which is proven to ward off bugs especially mosquitoes.
So here you go! It may seem surprisingly unusual but it works. The important thing is these hacks will save you a ton of time and money in maintaining your pool clean, fresh and safe to use. Now you won't have to worry much on cleaning, and you can have more time relaxing and having fun in your pool with your family and friends!
If you still need more pool maintenance tips, I recommend you this awesome step-by-step guide.
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