Not Brushing Your Pool
If you have a pool vacuum, you probably think that’s all you need. While a pool vacuum will collect debris, brushing your pool is still important. Brush the sides and bottom of your pool to eliminate algae and bacteria. Make sure to brush the hard-to-reach areas such as corners and crevices, stairs, and behind ladders.
Shocking During the Day
When chlorine mixes with the ammonia in sweat or oils, chloramines form. A buildup of chloramines can irritate your skin or your eyes. Shocking, also called super chlorination, means adding enough chlorine to the pool to eliminate the chloramine buildup. During peak swim season, you should shock your pool once a week.
Warm temperatures during the day can cause your shock to evaporate. Shock your pool at dusk or during the night.
Adding Shock Through Your Skimmer
Never do this! If your skimmer has an automatic chlorinator attached, the mixture of shock and chlorine might cause the skimmer to explode.
Not Running Your Pool Filter System Long Enough
You should run your pool filter and pump for a minimum of eight hours per day. To keep the pool clean, all the water should be cycled at least once every day. Not running the filter enough increases the likelihood of algae growth. The longer you run your filter, the lower the risk of problems down the road.
Not Testing Your Pool Water Every Week
You should test your pool water at least once a week to ensure that your pool has the ideal chemical levels. Test your free chlorine levels and your pool’s pH once a week. Take a sample of your pool water for a detailed analysis monthly.
If you need assistance maintaining your pool, Alan Jackson Pools can help. Contact us today to learn more.
