Nothing spoils a relaxing pool day faster than murky water, metal stains, and calcium buildup. Keeping these problems at bay is easy with regular swimming pool cleaning.
Begin with skimming floating debris to prevent clogged filters. Then vacuum regularly. Remember to test your pool water and add chemicals (sanitizer, chlorine, etc.) to keep it balanced. For more information, visit https://www.swimmingpoolservicesanantonio.com/.
1. Telescopic Pole
One of the most commonly used tools in swimming pool cleaning is a telescopic pole. These specialized poles can be adjusted in length to accommodate different types of cleaning equipment, such as pool brushes, nets, and vacuums. They’re typically made of strong, lightweight aluminum that is resistant to corrosion and can easily be collapsed down to a few feet in length when not in use.
When choosing a telescopic pool cleaning pole, look for one that features an adjustable length range between 4-6 and 12–15 feet. This will allow you to find the perfect working height for your job and prevent bending or back injuries while working. It also ensures that your pole will be able to reach all areas of the pool, including hard-to-reach corners and floors.
In addition, choose a telescopic pool cleaning pole with an easy-to-grip handle. The handle should be comfortable to hold, with a rubber grip that will prevent slipping in wet hands. A ribbed design on the handle is preferred, as it will provide additional grip strength. The handle should also be angled and fitted with a locking mechanism that can easily adjust to the desired position and lock into place.
A telescopic pool maintenance pole can be attached to a variety of accessories for cleaning and netting leaves, debris, and dirt from the surface of the water. Most of these poles come with standard fittings that are compatible with most nets, brushes, and vacuum heads. They’re also available in a variety of lengths, from 3 feet to 12 feet, making it possible to accommodate a wide range of swimming pools.
In addition, many telescopic cleaning poles are designed to accommodate different types of pool finishes. For example, some are designed to work with aggregate-finish pools, which feature large pebbles or sparkly glass beads mixed into the plaster for added depth and texture. A good brush is essential for keeping these types of finishes clean and free from stains, so look for a brush with durable nylon bristles that won’t damage the surface. A telescopic pool cleaning pole can also be used to connect a skimmer net to remove leaves and other debris from the bottom of the pool.
2. Vacuum
Without regular sanitization, bacteria build up in your swimming pool, leading to unhealthy water and potentially serious health issues. This bacteria is caused by water top-ups, leaves, grass, dust, and even people, and it must be removed regularly to keep your pool clean and safe for swimming.
A vacuum can help with this process. It is a device that is attached to your existing filter system and suckers up the dirt and debris from the bottom of your pool. There are a number of different types of vacuums on the market, with some being more expensive than others. The most basic type of pool vacuum is a suction cleaner, which attaches to the skimmer and is powered by your pool’s pump. Known as a Kreepy Krauly or a Creepy Crawly, it’s the cheapest of all types of automated cleaners and is ideal for those on a budget.
Another popular option is a robotic cleaner, which operates independently of your pool’s existing system and can be used to vacuum the floor and walls of your pool. It’s also the most technologically advanced type of vacuum available, with built-in sensors that can detect the pool’s bends, stairs, and corners, ensuring all areas are cleaned.
While a robotic cleaner is highly effective at cleaning your pool, it can be more difficult to set up and use than a manual vacuum. To begin, you must ensure the hose is fully submerged in your pool and remove all air from the hose’s end by holding it above the water return outlet. Once bubbles have escaped, insert the hose into the vacuum plate of your pool wall skimmer, directly above the skimmer’s suction outlet.
Once you have inserted the hose into the vacuum plate, turn on your pool’s filtration system to start the cleaning cycle. Move the telescopic pole and vacuum head around your swimming pool in a systematic, slow manner, moving across all areas of the floor. Avoid rushing, as this will kick up dirt and debris that could take hours to settle again.
When you’ve finished, turn off the vacuum and remove the hose from the vacuum plate. Place the hose back in the skimmer and turn the pump off to drain the excess water from the hose.
3. Brush
A brush is the second piece of equipment you need in your pool cleaning arsenal. While most brushes look fairly similar, they can differ in bristle material and other features. For example, some have curved edges that help you reach corners and other hard-to-reach areas. There are also bristle and stainless steel brushes designed for more abrasive jobs, such as dislodging stubborn algae growth or removing mineral deposits from concrete, plaster, and pebble surfaces.
Regular brushing is essential to preventing biofilm, which can form in the nooks and crannies of your pool. When biofilm is left unchecked, it can become quite difficult to get rid of, and it will continue to grow and spread if not cleaned regularly. One way to keep biofilm at bay is by brushing the walls and floor of your pool on a weekly basis.
When you brush, make sure to start at the top of your pool and work your way around the entire surface in one fluid motion. This helps you avoid getting algae or other debris on your clothing and hair. Brushing also allows the chemicals you add to the water to dissolve and disperse better, which can prevent staining and scaling.
If you have a vinyl pool liner, choose a nylon brush, as it is gentle enough to not damage the surface. If you have a concrete, plaster, or pebble-bottomed pool, a stainless steel brush is best. This type of brush is more abrasive, so it can effectively dislodge stubborn algae growth and break up calcium deposits.
If you’re tired of dealing with standard brush bristles or having to lean over your pool for difficult-to-reach spots, check out the Wall Whale Pool Brush. This brush looks a bit odd at first glance, but reviewers have raved about how effective and time-saving it is for their cleaning needs. It attaches to most standard-sized poles and includes a tail that can be adjusted to increase or decrease the pressure being applied. It even comes with a warranty to ensure you’re satisfied with your purchase!
4. Chemicals
There are a number of different pool chemicals that every pool owner needs to keep on hand in order to maintain a healthy swimming environment. These chemicals help to keep the water free of harmful microbes, such as E. coli, and sanitize it by destroying the cell walls of bacteria and algae. They also ensure that the water is safe to swim in by altering the water’s chemistry and helping it achieve balance.
Chlorine is the most common chemical used in pools to sanitize and kill bacteria and algae. It comes in liquid, powder, and tablet forms. When it interacts with organic matter in the water, such as skin and body oils, it forms chlorine dioxide, which then oxidizes bacteria and algae. This process is what causes the familiar smell of a swimming pool, though it is actually a sign that the existing chlorine has been depleted and more is required.
Other sanitizers include bromine and ozone, which work in slightly different ways than chlorine. They are also effective at killing bacteria and algae, but they do not produce the toxic chloramines that are produced when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water.
Another important chemical is a stabilizer, which helps to maintain the levels of chlorine and other chemicals in the pool by slowing down their degradation. This helps to prevent the need for frequent shock treatments and keeps the pool water cleaner for longer.
Lastly, an algaecide is a chemical that is added to the pool to prevent and destroy algae. It is typically made from copper and works by blocking the enzymes that algae use to break down proteins and other nutrients in their cells. It is best used in conjunction with other chemicals, such as chlorine and ozone, to kill the algae from multiple angles.
Other pool cleaning chemicals include filter cleaners that are used to clean sand, D.E., and cartridge filters. These products are designed to remove the oils, minerals, and metals that clog the filters and reduce their efficiency. Phosphate reducers are also helpful, as they are used to decrease the level of phosphates in the water, which are the main food source for algae.
