5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Maintaining Your Pool

1. Overuse of Chemicals

While chemical use is a necessary evil when it comes to your swimming pool, a lot of common pool chemicals are corrosive and must be carefully dosed. Consider your current water chemistry, the recommended chemistry levels for your sanitation equipment and pool surface type, as well as your pool size before calculating any chemical additions. Overdosing your pool can cause irreversible damage to your pool surface and the internal mechanisms of your swimming pool filtration equipment. If in doubt it is always best to consult your pool professional, reach out to Clarity Pool Management if your swimming pool is in Sydney for trusted advice.

2. Neglecting pool water chemistry

On the flipside, neglecting your water chemistry comes with its own dangers. The most common side effect of unbalanced pool water is an Algae outbreak, this results in unsightly green water that can be difficult to overcome. However there are some other side effects that are more costly/concerning to pool owners.

High or low Calcium levels can lead to unsightly etching, or calcium deposits on the surface of your pool, whereas a high Copper level can lead to green water or brown staining on your pool surface. It is best to have your pool water tested on a monthly basis in order to avoid these and other pitfalls, contact Clarity Pool Management today for advice on a monthly pool maintenance schedule.

3. Neglecting to empty skimmer and pump baskets

Your pool skimmer basket and pump basket will invariably fill with leaves which need to be manually removed. Neglecting to do so can result in clogged baskets which will restrict water flow through the pump, filter, and chlorinator. This can result in pump failure, damage to your chlorinator, or an algae outbreak due to a lack of sanitiser in the pool. Make sure you are checking the baskets at least twice a week (more frequently in leafy or windy areas).

4. Failing to perform regular maintenance duties

Vacuuming your pool, brushing the walls and steps, and scooping leaves from the surface of your pool is not only about keeping the pool looking its best. It is important to regularly remove organic debris from your swimming pool to prevent larger problems down the track. A pool that has a lot of organic debris will use more Chlorine than one that has no leaves etc. inside the pool, Chlorine is a non discriminatory oxidising agent, meaning it will attempt to oxidise any material it comes into contact with, keeping your pool clear of leaves and other debris leaves more Chlorine to do the important job of restricting bacterial growth and keeping your pool healthy, furthermore this will reduce your overall chemical bill in the long run. If regular cleaning and maintenance isn’t for you consider a robot cleaner such as the dolphin cleaners → here, or a regular pool maintenance program by one of our expert technicians.

5. Adding corrosive chemicals through the skimmer basket

It may seem like a great time saver to do this as you won’t need to spend time brushing powdered chemicals or mixing liquids throughout the pool. However this can very quickly lead to equipment failures, and it will void any warranties that remain on your pool equipment. The reason being is that many chemicals we use in our swimming pools are highly concentrated and corrosive, this can quickly wear away moving parts in your pump, and metals in your heating exchanger and chlorinator cell among other things. If you aren’t sure of the correct procedure when adding chemicals to your pool it is always best to consult a professional.

Call Clarity Pool Management on 1300 977 999 to book an appointment for a check-up.

Summary of Key Points

• Overusing chemicals in your pool can lead to irreversible damage to the pool surface and filtration equipment, so it’s important to calculate the correct amount to use based on the size of your pool, water chemistry, and recommended levels for your equipment and surface type.
• Neglecting to maintain proper water chemistry can lead to problems like algae outbreaks, calcium deposits, and staining on your pool surface. It’s important to have your pool water tested regularly to avoid these issues.
• Failing to empty skimmer and pump baskets regularly can result in clogs that restrict water flow and lead to pump failure, damage to your chlorinator, or an algae outbreak due to a lack of sanitizer in the pool.
• Regular maintenance tasks like vacuuming, brushing the walls and steps, and scooping leaves from the surface of the pool are important not just for aesthetics but to prevent larger problems down the line and reduce your overall chemical bill.
• Adding corrosive chemicals through the skimmer basket may seem like a time-saver, but it can quickly lead to equipment failures and void warranties. It’s best to consult a professional if you’re unsure of the correct procedure for adding chemicals to your pool.