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It is important to know the volume---or how many gallons of water your pool holds---to add the correct amount of chemicals and to replace a pump or filter. If your pool was just installed or you still have the paperwork on the pool, those numbers should be stated in the instructions. However, if you don't know then you need to take the area of the pool and multiply it by the average depth; then multiply that by 7.48. That will give you the volume of your pool and determine how much of each chemical to add.
To maintain the pool's chemical balance, you will need a test kit and instructions on how to use it. These kits are inexpensive and can be purchased wherever pool supplies are sold. If you purchase your supplies from an actual pool supply store, staff can help you through problems with your pool, whereas most big-box stores do not have specially trained pool people. The test kit will tell you if you need more or less chlorine, pH, alkalinity or calcium hardness. These are the basics to keeping the pool clean and healthy. Purchase the chemicals and have them on hand to properly maintain your pool.
A good vacuum goes a long way in keeping the pool clean and cutting down on your maintenance time. The automatic robot kind are will keep cleaning the entire time there is no one in the pool, if you need them to. It is still important for you to use a leaf and debris skimmer so the larger debris does not go to the bottom and clog up the vacuum. You will need a brush to keep algae from clinging to the walls of your pool. Brishing can be done quickly and easily, a little at a time, even while you taking a swim. -
Setting a schedule for your maintenance helps to make sure everything gets done and you don't end up with problems. There's nothing worse than inviting people over to swim and waking up to a green pool. It's better to over-maintain your pool rather than wait put it off. In the long run, it will save you a lot of time and money. Each day you should test the water with your test kits and adjust the water according to what the test tells you. Skim all leaves and debris from the top of the water and clean out the skimmer basket. Take a quick look at your pump to make sure it's working properly and doesn't need to be backwashed.
Once a week, brush the walls of the pool and vacuum. If you are using an automatic vacuum, allow it to run two or three days a week and you may find it easier to brush the walls and floor a little each day or do some a few days a week instead of all at once. Backwash the filter and add water to the pool, if necessary. Make sure you also brush down the ladder and clean any pool toys. These are great places for algae to hide and start growing as soon as the chlorine level falls a bit. Clean the deck by hosing it down before and after the pool get used. Hose away from the pool so no dirt gets watered into the pool. - Keep a close eye on the chemical content when it is very hot and humid, when there are a lot of swimmers and after a windy and/or rainy storm. These conditions will eat up the chemicals quicker and deposit much more algae than normal use. If you live in a hot climate, give your pool a shock treatment every month or even every week, if the pool is getting a lot of use. You can purchase shock treatments at your local pool store. You will also need to add an algaecide if you start to see green slime attaching to your walls or floor or the water is turning green. Algae needs to be addressed immediately and aggressively or it will continue to grow and you will have a more difficult time getting rid of it. Most pool stores will allow you to bring in a sample of your pool water and they will tell what type of algae it is and how to get rid of it. Once you get rid of the algae problem, be sure to clean your filter well or you may see it come back due to a dirty filter. After a storm or a bout with algae, vacuum your pool well; allow it to sit for a half hour and vacuum again. This will give everything a chance to settle to the bottom and you be sure to get it all.
