Planning a pool party in the summer? Here are six essential tips that will simplify the way you maintain your home pool. Let’s dive in.

Pools are a great family investment and can be a refreshing oasis in the summer but the challenge of maintenance can often hold us back from enjoying our outdoor pools.

With the right tips, caring for a backyard pool does not have to be overwhelming.  Local Oneflare expert, Dave from Pool Guys Mobile Pool Care, challenges the myth that pools are difficult to maintain and shares his expertise on easy pool care so you can say goodbye to stubborn algae, old leaves and complex cleans.

We’ve put together six top tips that are manageable and so simple that your pool will be looking its best, just in time for Australia Day!

1. Keep an Eye on the Water Level:

The water level in your pool should be between one third- one half of the way up to the pool skimmer. When the water level is too high, movement into the skimmer is delayed and often can cover the skimmer, blocking out floating pieces. By keeping your water at an ideal level, you prevent the buildup of debris and extend the life of your filter pump.

2. Don’t Skip Skimmer Care:

The pool skimmer captures floating debris in the pool by suction. Cleaning the skimmer and draining the pump baskets can improve the rate at which water is pumped to the filter, leaving your pool cleaner and clearer.

TIP: The pool pump and heater should be turned off prior to cleaning the pump. Pump baskets are also best cleaned when the contents are dry so prepare a second basket to rotate with the dirty basket while you wait for the debris to dry and be removed.

3. Know when to Replace and Clean:

In residential pools, there are three types of filters that are used. Simply knowing how often each type of filter requires replacing, can save you time and money.

Sand Filters are metal containers with a thick bed of fine sand and usually needs to be changed every five years. If there is collected debris in the sand, backwash the filter rather than replacing before the five year mark.Dave from Pool Guys Mobile Pool Care says that sand filters with glass media are a worthwhile investment as they only need to be changed every 10-12 years. It is a little dearer but Dave says the investment will save you time and energy.

Cartridge Filters are inexpensive and can easily be rinsed with a garden hose and some detergent. The filters should be replaced every 3-5 years. Cartridge filters are the cheapest to install but the maintenance and replacements can take away from quality family time in the long run, says Dave.

DE Filters require a replacement once or twice a year and is the easiest filter to replace. Simply insert the new DE into the skimmer as it will be sucked into place by the existing filter.

TIP: It is easier to keep your pool clean when your filter is operating to its full capacity.

4. Test the Waters:

When it comes to pH and chlorine levels, the ideal trick is to keep it simple and avoid overcomplicating the testing process. There are a variety of Internet guides that promise quick DIY tests but maintaining the correct chemical levels should be left to the professionals as chemical imbalances  in your backyard pool can risk the family’s health and damage  the surface around your pool.

We recommend a pH level between 7.2- 7.6 which is the ideal chemical composition for chlorine to disinfect the water. After a swim, burning red eyes or itchy skin can be an indication of an off balance pH level.

Local professional, Dave, specialises in green pool recovery and recommends a weekly to fortnightly test depending on the frequency of its use. In the Australian climate, different weather conditions can change the water balance overnight. Bodies in the water can also change the water balance with simple sunscreen additions, affecting the alkaline levels of the water.

TIP: When hiring a professional water analysis, prices can range between A$20- $60 depending on the added chemicals. Arrange regular tests with your local pool expert for discounts!

In between professional water tests, purchase a DIY Pool Testing Kit or take a water sample and pool measurements to your local Bunnings for a quick assessment. Weekly- fortnightly tests are recommended.

5. Clean around the pool:

It’s often underestimated but a simple disinfectant around the pool deck or flooring can prevent the buildup of dirt and grime around and in the pool, easily extending the cleanliness of the pool between cleans.

TIP: In the summer season, Dave recommends a professional clean every two- four weeks and in the winter, every eight- twelve weeks. A full clean can range from A$70 depending on the size of the pool.

6. Know when to Cover Up:

After the fun summer season, taking a few measures to clean the pool can prevent damage to your pool during the colder seasons, saving money and time in the long run. Pool covers are a cost efficient way to keep out debris and in the summer, it can save you thousands of litres.

A few days prior to closing the pool, bring the pH level to a 7.6-7.8 and a increase the chlorine levels to 10-12ppm. When the chlorine levels return to average, add algaecides and other seasonal chemicals before covering the water. Don’t add the algaecide until the chlorine levels decrease as it will destroy the algaecides.

Always check the chemical balance of your pool before installing a cover to prevent damage to the cover and pump. Ensure the filters and skimmers are emptied and your filters are drained before you cover your pool.

TIP: Don’t cover your pool too early. Ideally close your pool mid-late summer but don’t turn off your filter too early or before you adequately clean and treat the water.

Now that you have all the tips and tricks from our very own pool experts, maintaining your pool will be a breeze. Clean your pool strategically and sit back, relax and enjoy your summer the way it should be. Expert help is easier than ever. Get free quotes from your local pool cleaners and take the stress out of pool cleaning all together.