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The topic of pool cleaning is rather broad. The
cleaning procedures will depend on many factors (type of pool, type of
filter, how dirty, etc). Therefore, I will go over a procedure for
cleaning a mildly dirty pool without algae. *For really dirty pools,
just remember this saying, “the solution to pollution is dilution” …
in other words, when pool water is simply too nasty to treat, you need
to drain off a percentage of your water and start fresh (use caution…
pools can pop). However, we’ll talk more about this another day… for
now, we’re talking about treatable water.
The first step to cleaning your pool is to
determine what you’re dealing with. Walk around the pool make a few
observations about the equipment, the water, and the condition of the
pool. Check for leaks and dead spots and determine what type of
filtration system it’s using (sand, cartridge, D.E.). If the pump
works and the water circulates, then it’s time to check the pressure
gauge. If the pressure gauge is approximately 10psi higher than
normal, then you know it’s time to clean your filter.
Start by cleaning your skimmers and the filter
basket located on the pump. Next, clean your main filter. For sand
and D.E. filters, you should backwash until the system is clean (add
more D.E. if necessary). For cartridge filters, thoroughly clean
using a water hose (extremely dirty cartridges may require more
drastic measures – or replacement).
Remember this saying, “chemicals are a
supplementation to filtration” … this is very important. A properly
working filtration system should turn your pool water over every 6
hours… In a period of 24 hours (4 turnovers), 98 percent of your
pool’s water should be filtered. That leaves 2 percent of unfiltered
water… that’s where chemicals come in to play i.e. to treat the 2
percent of the water that the filters leave behind.
The next step to cleaning your pool is to net
leaves and brush the side walls. Make certain to use the right pool
equipment for the job (liner pools, for example, may require different
equipment in order to prevent damaging the liner). After brushing and
netting is complete, it’s time to vacuum.
The last step to treating a pool is to add
chemicals. This take some special skill to do correctly. Remember,
chemicals are poisonous – you want to use as little as possible in
your pool. The sequence to adding chemicals is as follows: Make
adjustment to your total alkalinity, then adjust your pH and last your
calcium hardness. I will go into more details regarding adding
chemicals in another article.
If these steps are followed, I am confident that
you will have a beautiful clean pool all year round! |
