Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Newly Built Pool
Building a pool is a significant investment and a fantastic addition to your home, especially in Sydney, where outdoor living is so integral to the lifestyle. Once your pool is complete, it’s essential to maintain and care for it properly to ensure it stays in pristine condition for years to come. Whether you’ve worked with professional pool builders in Sydney or embarked on a pool-building journey yourself, maintaining a newly built pool involves regular care and attention. In this article, we’ll explore some top tips for keeping your pool in excellent shape.
- Regular Cleaning is Key
One of the most critical aspects of pool maintenance is regular cleaning. Debris such as leaves, insects, and dirt can accumulate in your pool, affecting water quality and circulation. To prevent this, skim the surface of your pool with a net daily or at least a few times a week. Emptying the skimmer baskets and vacuuming the pool floor will also help keep the water clean and inviting.
For those who prefer less manual labour, there are automatic pool cleaners available that can do the job for you. However, even with an automatic cleaner, you’ll still need to check for any large debris and ensure the pool’s filters are clean.
- Maintain Water Chemistry Balance
Maintaining the right chemical balance is crucial for the health of your pool water and the comfort of swimmers. If the water chemistry is not correct, it can lead to issues like algae growth, cloudy water, or even skin and eye irritation.
Test your pool water at least once a week using a home testing kit or take a sample to a professional service for more accurate results. You’ll want to ensure that the pH level is balanced between 7.2 and 7.6, with appropriate levels of chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
Professional pool builders in Sydney often recommend regular water testing and adjustments, especially after heavy rains or pool use, to ensure the water stays balanced.
- Clean and Check Your Pool Filter
Your pool’s filter is essential for keeping the water clear and free from contaminants. There are three main types of pool filters: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Regardless of the type, all filters require periodic cleaning to function efficiently.
Check your filter’s pressure gauge regularly—if the pressure is high, it’s likely that the filter is clogged and needs cleaning. Depending on the filter type, this could involve backwashing (for sand and DE filters) or rinsing out the cartridges. Pool filters typically need cleaning every one to three months, depending on usage and the environment surrounding your pool.
- Monitor Water Levels
Evaporation, rain, and heavy pool use can all affect the water levels in your pool. Ideally, the water level should sit at the midpoint of your skimmer opening to ensure proper circulation and filtration.
If the water level gets too low, it can strain the pump, while water levels that are too high can lead to inadequate skimming. Check water levels regularly and top up with a hose or drain excess water as needed, particularly after heavy rainfall.
- Schedule Professional Inspections and Maintenance
While DIY maintenance is essential, it’s a good idea to schedule regular professional inspections and maintenance, especially during the first year after your pool is built. A professional pool technician can check the pool’s equipment, such as the pump, heater, and filter, to ensure they’re working correctly.
Pool builders in Sydney often offer post-construction maintenance packages that include seasonal servicing and repairs. This proactive approach can help catch any issues early before they turn into costly repairs, ensuring your pool continues to run smoothly.
- Protect Your Pool During the Off-Season
Sydney’s climate allows for almost year-round swimming, but during the cooler months, you may use your pool less frequently. Even during periods of low use, maintaining your pool is still essential. Consider investing in a high-quality pool cover to protect it from debris and limit evaporation.
Keep an eye on the chemical balance and water levels even if the pool is not in use. If you plan to stop using the pool entirely for a season, consult a professional about the best way to “winterise” your pool while still ensuring it remains in good condition.
Conclusion
Proper care and maintenance are vital for protecting your investment in a newly built pool. By keeping the pool clean, balancing the water chemistry, monitoring equipment, and scheduling regular professional maintenance, you’ll ensure that your pool remains a beautiful and functional part of your home. Whether you’ve worked with trusted pool builders in Sydney or are managing pool maintenance yourself, following these tips will help keep your pool in perfect condition for years to come.
