4 Steps to Keep Your Family Pool from Becoming a Bacteria Breeding Ground

A pool is a major investment, and you want to be sure that the water remains as clean as possible throughout the year. Swimming in bacteria-ridden water could result in a wide variety of health issues ranging from rashes to severe eye infections. Here is a quick look at a few steps that you can take to keep your pool water clean and clear.

Scrub the Walls Weekly

Even if the walls don’t look dirty, there could be millions of germs clinging to the tiles and grout. At least once a week, you should carefully scrub all of the walls with a pool brush. You can also scrub the bottom with a long brush, but most owners prefer to use an automatic pool vacuum. Your pool should be thoroughly vacuumed whenever you add any new chemicals. It should also be vacuumed before you go swimming if no one has been in the pool for a few days.

Add Algaecide Regularly

A few pieces of algae can turn into a major infestation in the blink of an eye. Chlorine will keep some germs at bay, but you need to add algaecide to your pool as well. Most algaecide products come in liquid form, and you should carefully follow all of the instructions on the bottle. Adding too much algaecide to your pool could throw off the pH balance. Once the algaecide has been added, no one should go in the pool for at least a few hours.

Upgrade to a Cartridge Filter

Sand filters are relatively inexpensive, but cartridge filters tend to be more efficient. A high-quality cartridge filter can remove twice as much grime as a sand filter, and that means you won’t have to spend as much on your other cleaning supplies. Some cartridge filters can also be washed off and reused multiple times.

Check the pH Levels Daily

Bacteria is going to thrive in your pool if the pH levels aren’t within the correct range. As a general rule, the pH levels should always stay between 7.2 and 7.6. Many companies sell high-quality pool supplies that allow you to quickly alter the pH levels. If your pH levels are too high, then you should add some sodium ash. To raise the pH levels, you will need to add sodium carbonate.

You should consider shock cleaning your pool once every five or six months. Shock cleaning thoroughly eradicates all germs in a short period of time, and most pool contractors suggest doing it at least twice a year.