Dont shiver over pool care

Even in the colder months when your swimming pool is not being used it still requires maintenance. Knowing how to look after your pool is important to avoid future expensive repair work and with more wind this time of year, excessive sand, dust and leaves enter swimming pools, while every pool owner’s curse - algae - is always lurking and waiting for an opportunity to turn your pool green.

There are many different swimming pool products on the market that can assist with maintenance and various pool problems. We cover basic winter pool care tips but for further advice, refer to your Caxton Local Newspaper or this website, to find pool specialists in your area to assist with maintenance or specific pool problems.

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Keeping your swimming pool sparkling clean requires a good working pump, filter and a pool vacuum.

Basic utensils

This is a must have and is best used for skimming, brushing and vacuuming. They are available in a variety of lengths and materials.

Can be attached to the telescopic pole for collecting  floating debris and leaves.

This loosens  dust and algae accumulated at the floor and on the sides of the pool

This is used to clean the tiles at the water- or fill line

This is used to test the PH levels and alkalinity of the water

Either manual or automatic, this is used to suction up dust and debris

Tips for a cleaner pool

Always ensure that the pool trap basket, that is there to catch large debris from blocking the pump’s impeller, is clean and well fitted before turning your pump on.

You should run your pool’s pump sufficiently and long enough for the water to cycle through the circulation system. In winter it’s recommended that you run your pump between six to eight hours a day vs the 12 hours in summer.

Pool experts say you should test your pool’s chemical levels 2 to 3 times a week but this an change according to pool usage, air and water temperature and depends on the specific test done. Tests can be done for various chemicals but the main ones are the PH (7.2 to 7.8) and total alkalinity (80 to 120ppm)

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Before vacuuming your pool, sweep around the area and vicinity of the pool and collect up any potential rubbish, leaves and dirt that could blow into the pool.

Scoop floating leaves  and insects out and off the surface of the pool with the skimmer net.

Take the pool brush, attached to the telescopic pole, and  brush down the sides and floor to loosen any fixed dirt.  Exert more pressure and time on any stubborn marks or stains and give areas where  circulation is poor, like  stairs, more attention.

Wait  for the churned up water from the previous step to settle. This will ensure that the vacuum suctions up any sediment vacuuming as the settled sediment can now be suctioned up.

There are two main types of filters, sand filters and cartridge filters. They both collect and trap dirt. It is necessary to replace the sand filter’s sand every two to three years, while you need to clean the cartridge filter with a hose down from top to bottom with a high power hose – too much pressure can damage the filter. Cartridge filers should be replaced every year.

Shock treatments are part of regular pool maintenance. Unless you have perfect and consistent PH levels, you should shock treatment once every month. Shock treatment usually includes adding three to five times the usual amount of chlorine. This also helps to kill bacteria and stop the growth of algae and invisible bacteria.

Covering your pool stops sunlight from penetrating  the water which aids the growth of algae. It also stops leaves and dirt from entering your pool Even if you use a pool cover you should still run your pump and remove the cover at least once a month to check what maintenance your  pool may require.

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