Swimming pool maintenance can be tricky, with different methods according to the weather and your location. Putting in a little elbow grease every now and again is helpful, but these useful tools can make pool maintenance feel like a holiday rather than a day job. All the tips and tools you need to keep your pool looking great can be found at your local pool shop.
Pool cover - Solar pool covers are available from all good pool shops. They prevent debris such as leaves and pollen from entering the water. As such, they should be put on every night, as well as when the pool is not in use for longer periods of time. Overnight, they can also help to trap heat in the pool, which can limit the amount of power required for your pool.
Filtration system - Depending on your situation, purchasing a new pool filter can be an easy way to clean your pool. Sand filters are a popular choice at the moment because they are effective at purifying water and keeping the pool safe for swimming. For those with water restrictions, choosing a cartridge filter without required backwash will help you to minimise the water use.
Pool vacuum - If your pool is located near trees or plants, investing in a pool vacuum is the easiest way to remove unwanted dirt and leaves from your pool. Although the manual leaf rakes can also be effective, simply sucking away the debris is more convenient for busy people.
Chlorine test - Buying a chlorine test pack is essential to prevent stinging eyes and cloudy water when you go swimming. For water which is comfortable for swimming and free from bacteria and algae, the ideal pH is between 7.2 and 7.6. The options for chlorination include salt tablets, which many find convenient to use, or liquid chlorine, which requires a little more preparation. A range of testing kits are also available, and keeping it simple is generally a good guideline to go by when purchasing these.
Water check - Although chlorinating and testing your pool regularly at home is relatively effective, it's a smart idea to get the water quality tested by a photometer at a pool shop every two weeks or so. This will double-check that there are no bacteria or algae living in your pool, and the professionals at the shop will be able to pick up any chemical problems with their thorough tests.
