Whenever winter has had its say and the warmer weather of spring and summer are welcomed, pool owners start preparing for days filled with swimming and tanning. If you are lucky enough to have one, the warm weather begs the question, how clean is your pool? If the state of affairs is a green swimming pool or a milky swimming pool, it’s time to start researching the best way to clean a pool. Luckily we’ve done the research for you and put together the best and fastest way to clean a dirty pool.
Even if you are a beginner at cleaning, the process is easy to learn, and you’ll be able to restore the crystal blue look in no time. No matter the size, you can use these methods to keep a big or a small pool clean.
Gather The Right Supplies
Even if you are not an expert, you’ll still need the right supplies for cleaning to make sure a thorough job is done. Make sure to get the best quality tools possible as they will last a long time and save you from having to replace them often. Head out to your nearest pool store and gather the following supplies before getting started:
- Telescopic pole: This is the main tool to which others get attached, namely a net and a brush. They come in different lengths, so make sure to buy one that’s long enough to reach the depth and as far across the width of your pool as possible.
- Pool net: This is one of the tools that gets attached to the telescopic pole and is used to remove leaves, sticks, and other bits and pieces from your pool.
- Pool brush: Another tool that gets attached to the telescopic pole. This is used to brush the sides and bottom of the pool with the main goal of getting rid of algae and dirt.
- Pool Vacuum: This convenient cleaning tool is also referred to as a ‘kreepy krauly’. It’s used to vacuum up leaves and other debris from the bottom of your pool so that you don’t need to struggle to get it with a net.
- pH tester or test strips: These useful gadgets are used to test your pool’s pH level so that you know whether to raise or lower it.
- Chlorine & pool shock: These substances are the chemicals that do the dirty work in transforming your swimming pool’s colour, clarity, and cleanliness.
- Filter cleaner (optional): This handy tool helps to clean out your filter a lot more intensely than you would with your hands or another tool.
Best Way To Clean A Pool In 6 Easy Steps
Once you have gathered your cleaning supplies, use the following 6 steps to clean your green or milky pool fast:
- Clear the top: Use the net attached to the telescopic pole to pick up as many leaves and branches as possible. Reach down to the bottom to get any bits and pieces that are too big for the pool vacuum.
- Brush the sides: Use the brush to scrub the sides of your pool, including the steps and any ladders. If your telescopic pole can reach the bottom then give it a scrub too. Although your pool vacuum will do most of the work there, scrubbing the bottom yourself won’t do any harm and won’t take up much time.
- Vacuum the pool: Set up your vacuum to clean the bottom and sides of your pool of all debris. You may need to move it around every now and then to stop it from going over the same spots. These magical machines come in different shapes and sizes, so chat with your local expert to see which one is best for your type of pool. To clean the bottom of your pool without a vacuum, use the brush and net as much as you can. If it’s a warm day, climb in to get your hands dirty too.
- Clean the filter: To clean the filter, turn it on and leave it for a few days until the water is clear. When your pressure gauge reaches 10psi higher than usual, clean the filter out with the filter cleaner or a garden hose.
- Test the pH level: Use the pH tester or test strips to check the pH level of your water. The ideal level is between 7.2 and 7.8.
- Add chemicals: Add as much chlorine and shock chemicals that are needed to regulate your pool’s pH level. Follow the instructions on the labels of the products you’re using to achieve the best results.
How Often Do You Need To Clean A Pool
Although you may not pay much attention to it during the colder seasons, use the guidelines below to keep your pool clear and ready for full days of swimming during the warmer seasons.
- Scrub the sides of your pool and scoop the leaves and other debris out of it on a daily basis. This is especially important to do if your pool has many trees around it.
- Run the filter for over 8 hours a day to achieve the best results of a clean and clear pool.
- Vacuum your pool 1-2 times a week, depending on the area you live in and the number of leaves and other materials that get dislodged and land up in your pool.
- Add chlorine and shock chemicals to your swimming pool as many times as instructed on the labels of the products. Dirtier pools will require lots of chemicals to be added initially, with the number dropping down as it cleans out.
With these steps and processes in place, your pool will be crystal clear and ready for a swim every day of the week. Enjoy the luxury of clean water and invite your family and friends over for a swim on those scorching hot days. While you are taking care of the water, hire a SweepStar for the best and most trusted outdoor cleaning services or indoor cleaning services.