A pool can be your pride and joy or the vane of your existence, there is rarely a middle point, and taking care of it can be cumbersome and expensive, but there is no denying that during a heatwave having one can be a very welcome reprieve from the summer heat. If you are a pool loving person, you probably already have a whole host of tips and tricks to help you maintain it to the best of your ability, but if you are new to the pool game this summer or you are one of those people that hate cleaning your pool, we have a very smart solution to avoid your beloved body of water from becoming green.
While the aim is to always have crystal-clear water, how you get there has been up for debate for decades now, with many having their own personalized combo of products that they swear works best in there are and others choosing to just cover the pool when not in use and hope for the best, but this might be the definite method to avoid your water getting dirty prematurely.
The best way to care for your pool so that it does not become green
Let us get something out of the way first, pools are perfect breeding ground for things like algae and fungi because of the moist environment and that will not change no matter what you do. Plus, the majority of pools are outdoors which means that insect and animal activity will interfere with your perfect water, so if you are aiming for perfection, quit while you are ahead.
Since the most common thing to grow in your pool and the first to appear is algae, this is what this method focuses on. Chlorine has been the main solution to this problem for years, but it is not perfect and it tends to dissolve every few days and you are left with the same problem over and over again. Combining it with an anti-algae product, especially in unshaded outdoor pools is a far better solution which will last longer and will not damage your family when they are trying to take a plunge, unlike unsafe levels of chlorine to keep them at bay would.
Still, many people mistakenly believe that deep cleaning every now and then is enough, but consistent, everyday maintenance is far more effective in avoiding long-term issues. Using a surface net daily to remove leaves, bugs, and other debris keeps them from sinking, disturbing the pH balance, or encouraging the development of algae and bacteria.
Covering the pool overnight is another simple yet effective step, especially for pools near trees or gardens, as it helps to keep the surface cleaner by blocking much of the debris that would otherwise accumulate.
But if cleaning is important, the filter plays an even more crucial role in maintaining water quality over time. Keeping it in good working order ensures proper circulation and helps prevent debris and contaminants from building up and during hotter months, the best thing to do is to run the filter for at least seven hours a day. Regular maintenance, including inspecting the return jets and cleaning the filter itself, is key to keeping everything running smoothly, but you will still need to invest in a pool cleaner, whether operated by hand or automatically, which will help you with removing sediment from the bottom that the filter will never be able to remove on its own.
As for water clarity, a controlled dose of household bleach can be useful. Just by adding one cup each week you can help break down stubborn organic material and keep the pool looking clean. However, bleach should never be combined with soap or other chemicals, as this could trigger hazardous reactions.