Swimming Pool Cleaning

Perhaps nothing has as much possibility to be as entertaining, healthy, or relaxing as a swimming pool. People can spend countless hours simply immersed in the swimming pool enjoying the benefits of the water. However, a swimming pool also has the possibility of being a cesspool of virus and bacterium with the capabilities of being not only unhealthy but deadly.

Keeping the swimming pool clean is a necessity. While clear water may look wonderful, the reality is some of those deadly growths may be invisible and hidden in even the clearest of waters. One method swimming pool owners choose to utilize is their ability to clean the swimming pool, and an important part of a clean swimming pool is testing.

When you need to know how to clean a swimming pool, it is important to have the appropriate tools. The human body leaves bacteria and micro-organisms behind, and if you are anything like my family, an occasional tuna fish sandwich or piece of pizza is dropped into the swimming pool. Getting out the occasional sandwich or piece of pizza is easy, the micro-organisms and bacterium left are harder to confine and cleanse.

Testing the swimming pool water will aid in determining the pH, chlorine, and/or cyanuric acid levels, and knowledge is power. These specialized tests can be purchased at any swimming pool store and many malls and outlets offer these necessary tests. By following the easy to understand instructions enclosed with the test, steps can be taken to insure the safety of your swimming pool.

Another important part of swimming pool water cleanliness is checking for calcium hardness. These tests are designed to aid in determining the hardness or softness of the water. Between 200 and 400 ppm (parts per million) of calcium hardness is appropriate. If the calcium hardness is too high, adding sodium hexametaphosphate will lower the calcium hardness; if the calcium hardness is too low, adding calcium carbonate dehydrate will raise the calcium hardness.

Anyone wanting to know how to clean a swimming pool will of course want to know about pH balance. Normal levels are between 7.2 and 7.6 on most pH testers. Adding liquid muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate will lower the pH; adding soda ash or sodium carbonate will raise the pH.

Of course, removing debris such as leaves is a necessity and should be completed whenever debris is seen in the swimming pool. Swimming pool cleaning is a necessary part of owning a swimming pool. Simple swimming pool vacuums can be used as needed or on a continual basis. Keeping the area around the swimming pool clean with a normal garden hose will add to the cleanliness of the swimming pool water as well.

Backwashing should be used to clean the sand filters at least once a month - more if the occasion calls for it. Adding chlorine is also a step many swimming pool owners use to sanitize the swimming pool water. Usually, chlorine granules are dissolved in a nonmetallic container before adding to the water. Be sure to follow the packaging instructions.

While swimming pool cleaning may sound difficult, keeping the swimming pool water clean is essential for health purposes as well as aesthetic purposes. If you cannot perform the tests yourself, do not hesitate to look up professional water testers in your area or hire a pool keeper. Keep in mind when testing water it is best to test a foot below the surface for the most accurate and optimal results.

Knowing how to clean a swimming pool is something everyone with a swimming pool or spa should know how to do. Diseases and illnesses can be stopped by taking the appropriate preventative measures. A little bit of testing and by adding simple, inexpensive components will create a healthy atmosphere for the whole household. After all, swimming pools can be good, clean fun with a little bit of regular maintenance, and aren't your loved ones worth the bit of extra work?