Keeping your pool or hot tub clean is about more than appearance. Improper maintenance can lead to cloudy, discolored water or, worse, harmful bacteria that can affect your health. Clean water ensures a safer swimming environment, prevents expensive damage to the equipment, and prolongs the lifespan of your setup.
Setting aside time for regular upkeep is a must for every pool or hot tub owner. This post takes homeowners through key steps to keep their pools and hot tubs in perfect condition.
Chemical Balance
Think of a properly balanced pool or hot tub as the ultimate recipe. Each chemical needs to be in just the right amount for everything to work smoothly. A balanced pH, typically between 7.2 and 7.8, ensures comfort for swimmers while also protecting your equipment.
Alkalinity acts as a buffer, preventing rapid pH changes, while calcium hardness prevents corrosion in your pool or hot tub structure. To maintain this balance, don’t skip the manufacturer’s guidelines on appropriate chemical dosages.
And store all cleaning and balancing products safely, away from heat and children, for both their effectiveness and safety.
Shock Your Pool or Hot Tub
‘Shocking’ isn’t a complicated process. The term refers to adding a high dose of chlorine or non-chlorine shock to kill off contaminants and refresh your water. This practice becomes particularly necessary after heavy use, storms, or when the water appears dull or smells unpleasant.
While shocking might sound intense, doing it correctly won’t take much time. Be sure to spread the shock evenly across the water surface after sundown to allow the chemicals to work effectively overnight. Always wait the recommended period before resuming use of the pool or hot tub.
Enlist Experts for Deep Pool Cleaning
While regular cleaning covers most day-to-day needs, there are times when professional pool cleaning services can be a worthwhile investment. Not only can experts deep clean hard-to-reach areas, but they can also identify and address any underlying technical or mechanical concerns that a typical homeowner might overlook.
Bringing in professionals once or twice a year helps maintain your facilities perfectly, while also keeping costly repairs at bay. They’ll also provide advice tailored to your specific setup, giving you greater confidence in your ongoing maintenance practices.
Hot Tub Cleaning and Maintenance Is Just as Crucial
Unlike pools, hot tubs tend to have smaller volumes of water, which means contaminants build up far more quickly. This makes regular hot tub cleaning and maintenance even more critical. Cleaning the shell, jets, and any accessories your hot tub includes is part of the equation, especially since oils and lotions can accumulate over time.
Draining and refilling the hot tub every three to four months is often recommended to ensure water quality isn’t compromised. And don’t forget the hot tub cover. A quick rinse of your cover helps eliminate any dirt or bacteria that may transfer into the tub.
Filtration Systems
No matter how small or large your pool or hot tub may be, its filtration system is the strength of cleanliness. It works continuously to remove dirt, debris, and oils that accumulate in the water. A poor or clogged filter, however, won’t deliver the high level of performance you need for consistently clean water.
Cleaning or replacing your filters regularly is a non-negotiable step. This simple task not only extends the filter’s life but also boosts its efficiency. Additionally, skimmers and pumps should be checked often to ensure all components of the filtration system are functioning up to par.
