Pool Maintenance 101: Top Tips & Tricks

Owning a pool can be a great investment for your beach home, being one of the most sought after amenities that guests look for when booking a vacation rental property. It can also be a great source of enjoyment for your family and friends. A pool adds a touch of luxury and value to your beach home, provides a way to beat the heat in the summer, and creates a space for family and friends to gather and make memories.

However, as with any luxury item, owning a pool requires maintenance and upkeep. Neglecting to properly maintain your pool can not only result in costly repairs, but it can also pose health risks to swimmers. In this article, we will provide you with some top tips and tricks for pool maintenance, so you can keep your pool sparkling clean and safe for all to enjoy.

Test and Balance Your Water

To ensure balanced pH levels in your pool, you need to test your water regularly using a reliable pool testing kit. The ideal pH range is 7.2-7.8, as any lower or higher can cause skin and eye irritation. To balance your water, you may need to add chemicals such as chlorine, acid or sodium bicarbonate.

Skim and Clean Your Pool

Regularly skimming your pool's surface can prevent debris such as leaves, bugs, and twigs from sinking to the bottom of the pool and causing problems with your filtration system, preventing blocked filters or grates that could lead to more significant issues. Additionally, you should vacuum your pool regularly to eliminate debris and dirt that has sunken to the bottom. Besides, the cleaner your pool is, the less chemical you’ll need and the more money you’ll save in the long run.

Check and Maintain Your Pool Equipment

Check your pool's pump and filtration system for any damage or leaks. Clean your pool filters regularly, and replace them when necessary. Clean your pool's skimmer basket and pump strainer basket regularly, and remove any debris that has accumulated. A sand filter should be backwashed regularly to clean the sand and keep the water flowing. Lastly, check your pool's heater, timer, and lighting to ensure proper functionality.

Maintain the water level

The water level of your pool should be maintained consistently. Not only does it keep your pool looking fuller, but it helps keep your pool equipment functioning smoothly too. If the water level drops too low, the pool pump could dry out and burn out. Conversely, if it is too high, it can put pressure on the pool cover and cause damage. So always check the water level and keep it between the recommended levels.

Cover the pool

When not in use, cover the pool to prevent debris falling in, stop water evaporation, and keep the pool cleaner. It can also help to save energy by retaining heat and reducing chemical use. Depending on what type of cover you use, retractable or non-retractable, removing and installing a cover can be a relatively easy and quick process that can save you precious time and energy in the long run.

Clean Your Pool Deck and Surroundings

Your pool deck and surroundings can have a huge effect on your pool's cleanliness. Make sure to sweep and hose down your pool deck regularly, to prevent dirt and debris from entering the pool. Keep trees and bushes trimmed, so debris does not fall into your pool. Additionally, clean your pool cover before removing it to prevent debris from falling into the pool.

Hire a Professional Pool Maintenance Service

If you don't have the time or energy to maintain your pool yourself, consider hiring a professional pool maintenance service. These services can provide regular cleaning, maintenance, and repair services to ensure your pool stays clean and safe. They can also provide guidance and advice on how to maintain your pool between visits.

Conclusion

 Owning a pool can be a great addition to your beach home, but it can also be a lot of work. Proper pool maintenance and upkeep is crucial to keeping your pool sparkling clean and safe for all to enjoy. By following these top tips and tricks, you can ensure your pool stays in top condition and provides endless hours of fun for years to come. Remember to test and balance your water, skim and clean your pool, check and maintain equipment, clean your pool deck and surroundings, and hire a professional pool maintenance service if needed. With these steps in mind, you can be sure your pool will help you to attract many potential guests to your beach home or vacation rental property, providing them a luxurious and safe space to make memories.