Owning a pool can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of summer living, providing a refreshing retreat for family and friends. However, maintaining a pool isn’t all sunshine and relaxation – it requires consistent attention to ensure it remains safe, clean, and functional. Many pool owners make common mistakes when it comes to pool maintenance, which can lead to costly repairs, water quality issues, or even health risks.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most frequent pool maintenance mistakes and offer practical tips on how to avoid them. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or a first-timer, these insights will help you keep your pool in tip-top shape all year long.
1. Neglecting Regular Cleaning
The Mistake:
One of the most common swimming pools newcastle maintenance mistakes is neglecting to clean the pool regularly. It’s easy to assume that just because the water is clear, the pool is clean. However, debris, dirt, and leaves can accumulate on the surface or settle at the bottom, affecting water quality and the efficiency of your pool equipment.
How to Avoid It:
Create a regular cleaning schedule to remove debris from your pool. This includes skimming the surface, brushing the walls, and vacuuming the pool floor at least once a week. Additionally, don’t forget to clean the pool’s filter regularly to ensure it’s working at its best.
- Skim the surface daily to remove leaves and debris.
- Brush the walls and tiles weekly to prevent algae growth.
- Vacuum the pool floor weekly, especially if you have a lot of leaves or dirt.
- Clean the filter every 4–6 weeks, depending on usage.
By staying on top of regular cleaning, you’ll help maintain the clarity and cleanliness of your pool while reducing the workload for your filtration system.
2. Ignoring pH and Chemical Imbalances
The Mistake:
Another common mistake pool owners make is ignoring the pool’s pH and chemical balance. Maintaining proper water chemistry is crucial to ensuring the safety and comfort of swimmers and extending the lifespan of your pool equipment. If the pH, alkalinity, or chlorine levels are off, it can lead to cloudy water, skin irritation, corrosion of equipment, and even dangerous bacteria growth.
How to Avoid It:
Test your pool water regularly using a reliable pool test kit. At a minimum, check the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels twice a week during peak swimming season, and at least once a week during the off-season.
- pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.8 for optimal swimming comfort and chemical efficiency.
- Alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million).
- Chlorine levels should typically be between 1–3 ppm for effective sanitisation.
If the readings are off, adjust the chemicals accordingly. For example, if the pH is too high, add a pH reducer (muriatic acid or pH decreaser), and if the chlorine levels are too low, use chlorine tablets or shock treatment. Regular testing and adjustments are key to maintaining healthy, balanced water.
3. Overlooking the Pool Filter
The Mistake:
The pool filter plays a vital role in keeping your pool water clean by trapping dirt, debris, and contaminants. Many pool owners neglect the filter, not realising that a dirty or clogged filter can strain your pump, lead to poor water circulation, and result in dirty or cloudy water.
How to Avoid It:
Inspect your pool filter regularly and clean it as needed. Depending on the type of filter (sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth), you will need to follow specific cleaning procedures. For example:
- Cartridge filters should be removed and cleaned with a hose every 4–6 weeks.
- Sand filters should be backwashed every 4–6 weeks and may require a deep clean with a special cleaner every year.
- Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters should be backwashed and cleaned every 4–6 weeks, and DE powder should be replaced after backwashing.
If your filter is clogged or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Keeping the filter clean will help maintain good water circulation and overall pool health.
4. Running the Pump for Too Little or Too Much Time
The Mistake:
A pool pump is responsible for circulating the water and ensuring proper filtration, but running it for too little or too long can lead to problems. Running the pump for insufficient time means the water won’t be adequately filtered, while running it too much wastes energy and may strain the system.
How to Avoid It:
Ensure you’re running the pool pump for the appropriate amount of time, typically around 8–12 hours per day, depending on your pool size and usage. You don’t need to run the pump all day, but enough time to circulate the water and ensure proper filtration is important.
- For smaller pools, 6–8 hours a day may suffice.
- For larger pools or pools with higher debris levels, aim for 10–12 hours of operation.
Consider running the pump during off-peak hours to save on energy costs, or invest in an energy-efficient pump if you’re concerned about power consumption.
5. Overusing Pool Chemicals
The Mistake:
Many pool owners make the mistake of overusing pool chemicals, believing that adding more will improve water quality. This can be harmful, as excess chemicals can lead to imbalanced water, irritation for swimmers, and damage to your pool equipment.
How to Avoid It:
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when adding pool chemicals, and always test the water before adding anything. If you suspect your pool has an imbalance, don’t rush to add more chemicals. Instead, focus on addressing the root cause, whether that’s adjusting the pH, adding stabiliser, or treating cloudy water with a clarifier.
If you’re unsure about how much of a particular chemical to use, consult with a professional pool technician or supplier. Regular testing and moderation are the keys to keeping your pool safe and healthy.
6. Skipping Winter Pool Maintenance
The Mistake:
While Perth’s climate allows for swimming year-round, many pool owners neglect winter maintenance, assuming that the pool can be left to fend for itself during the cooler months. This can lead to algae growth, debris accumulation, and overall deterioration of your pool during the off-season.
How to Avoid It:
Even in winter, it’s important to maintain your pool. Continue with regular skimming, cleaning, and chemical testing to prevent issues from arising. If you’re not using the pool during winter, consider investing in a pool cover to reduce debris and minimise cleaning efforts.
- Check the water chemistry every few weeks during winter.
- Run the pump for a few hours each week to keep the water circulating.
- Cover the pool to protect it from leaves, dirt, and other debris.
If your pool is not in use for extended periods, you might want to reduce the pump’s running time, but don’t completely turn it off.
7. Not Regularly Checking for Leaks
The Mistake:
Leaks can develop in your pool’s plumbing, skimmers, or walls over time, and if left unchecked, they can result in higher water bills and even pool damage. Many pool owners fail to check for leaks regularly, leading to bigger, more costly issues down the line.
How to Avoid It:
Inspect your pool’s plumbing, valves, and equipment regularly for any signs of leaks. If you notice that your pool water level drops more than usual, perform a bucket test to check for leaks. If you suspect a leak, contact a professional pool technician to conduct a thorough inspection and make any necessary repairs.
Conclusion
Proper pool maintenance is essential for keeping your pool clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. By avoiding these common pool maintenance mistakes, you can ensure that your pool remains in top condition for years to come. Regular cleaning, water testing, and equipment inspections are key to preventing costly repairs and keeping your pool water crystal clear.
Taking the time to learn about your pool’s needs and committing to a consistent maintenance routine will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Happy swimming!
