You want to maintain pool water; there are simple steps to follow for the maintenance of your pool:
Step 1: Water balance – pH adjustment
Step 2: Disinfection
Step 3: Flocculation
Step 4: Cleaning
STEP 1 – Test and adjust the pH value of the pool water
The pH value of the water indicates whether it is acidic (soft) or basic (hard), which is crucial information for the pool operator. An unadjusted pH is particularly important for the outcome of water maintenance. Therefore, the first and most important step is always to measure and adjust the pH level, easily done with test strips.
Ideal pH value: 7.0 – 7.4
Within the ideal range, the water is neutral, optimizing the effect of adding chlorine. Simultaneously, user comfort is optimal when bathing in balanced water, as skin and mucous membrane irritations are avoided.
Too high pH value
Use pH Minus to adjust if you have hard water. A too high pH makes the water cloudy or milky and reduces the effectiveness of chlorine. Red and irritated eyes after bathing are often due to a pH value that is too low or too high.
Too low pH value
A too low pH acidifies the water and makes it aggressive to the metallic elements of the pool. In case of a too low pH value, pH Plus should be added.
STEP 2: Disinfection
The water must be clean and clear for the pool to be a safe and healthy relaxation spot. Dirt particles, spores, and bacteria are continuously added to the water from the environment, and bacteria can quickly multiply in water above 20ยฐC. Disinfectant maintenance products help prevent this problem.
The disinfectants used are called oxidants, including chlorine-based and active oxygen (chlorine-free) products. They all need to be constantly added to the pool water.
The required amount of disinfectant varies depending on pH, temperature, and water purity. Larger doses are needed for waters with incorrect pH, warm waters, and pools exposed to strong sunlight. The same applies when the pool water is more used and contains more contaminants such as leaves, grass, sunscreen, cosmetic products, and hair.
Microorganism spores are airborne and inevitably enter the pool water. Environmental factors, such as high temperatures, a lot of rain, and intense pool activity, also influence the formation of deposits in the pool.
STEP 3: Flocculation
After a prolonged period of high temperatures, the water may appear cloudy. Very small dirt particles fall into the water and seem practically impossible to remove, for example, with a pool cleaner. In such cases, it may be necessary to add a flocculating agent that binds the small particles into larger units that can be better collected by the pool’s filtering system or a pool cleaner. In pools without a sand or glass filtering system, impurities will tend to settle at the bottom.
Although very effective, flocculant is not suitable for all types of pools and filters. Therefore, you should always check its compatibility with the characteristics of your pool, starting with the filter.
Before using a flocculant, verify its compatibility with your pool’s filter.
- The cartridge filter requires the use of a specific flocculant.
- Using a flocculant poses a risk of damaging the pocket filter.
- The diatomaceous earth filter should never be combined with a flocculant, as it may clog the filter. This type of filter is highly efficient and helps maintain crystal-clear water.
Furthermore, it is necessary to follow some instructions for successful flocculation. First, ensure that the pH of the pool water is between 7 and 7.4, and stop the pump before adding the flocculant to the pool. Then, set the filter valve to the circulation position so that water does not pass through the filter to prevent clogging. Run the pump for a few hours to properly mix the water, and stop the pump overnight to allow the agglomerated dirt to settle at the bottom of the pool. Resume filtration the next morning, restart the pump, and vacuum the bottom of the pool with the vacuum brush.
STEP 4: Cleaning and Maintenance of a Pool
Chemical maintenance of the water alone is not sufficient to keep the water fresh and inviting. It is also necessary to effectively filter the water using a pump system and remove debris from the bottom of the water as well as impurities present in the water.
Large debris, such as leaves and grass, should be removed daily from the water surface using a leaf net. The pool bottom should be regularly vacuumed, either manually or with the help of a robot. When the pool is not in use, it should be covered with a thermal cover (summer cover that keeps the water clean and warm, minimizing water evaporation) or a winter cover that “locks” the pool with a wire lock to prevent any risk of unwanted access in your absence.
Enjoy the water!
