Instructions on Cleaning a Swimming Pool

Proper cleaning will boost your pool's appearance.

Pool maintenance involves a several part process that includes chemical and manual cleaning. Pool cleaning should be done at least once a week, and ideally twice a week. The pool filtration system should be cleaned about once a month.

Things You'll Need

• Pool skimmer
• Pool vacuum
• Long-handled brush
• Filter cleaner
• Skimming net
• Pool water test kit
• Chlorine tablets
• Lime
• Sodium bisulfate

Instructions

1. Backwash the filter when it reaches 8 to 10 pounds of pressure higher than the normal reading. Switch the filter to the backwash setting and allow to run for 10 minutes. Switch it back to regular filtration for another 10 minutes. Complete this process two more times before allowing the filter to stay in filtration mode.

2. Remove any leaves or other debris from the skimmer baskets located around the pool.

3. Brush the walls and floor of the pool with the long-handled brush. Work in small sections, one wall at a time, so that you can keep track of where you have brushed. Brush the floor last to loosen any additional debris. Allow the debris to settle for one hour.

4. Vacuum the floor of the pool. Suck up all sand, dirt, dust, leaves, bugs and any other debris from the bottom of the pool. Work slowly so that all contaminants can be removed.

5. Pour filter cleaner inside the filter. This will break up any oil or sunscreen from the surface of the filter and make the filter clean more effectively. Follow the directions on the back of the bottle for amount instructions.

6. Check the balance and chemical levels in the water with a test kit. The ideal pH reading for the pool should be between 7.2 and 7.6. If the pH is too low, add lime to raise the pH. If the pH is too high, then add sodium bisulfate to lower it. The ideal chlorine rating for a pool is between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million. Add chlorine tablets to increase the chlorine rating, and do not add extra chlorine for several days to lower the chlorine rating if it is too high.

References

• Simple Pool Care: Swimming Pool Maintenance Routine
• Water Works Pools: Swimming Pool Care