DIY Swimming Pool Maintenance
- 1). Scoop all floating leaves, bugs and other debris out of the swimming pool at least every other day to help keep filters from becoming clogged.
- 2). Add chlorine to your pool water every few days to kill bacteria and help keep the water clear. Chlorine may splash if care isn't taken when pouring and can cause bleach spots on pool surfaces or clothing, and skin irritation.
- 3). Check the calcium hardness of pool water with a water-testing kit according to manufacturer's directions. The level of calcium should be maintained between 200 and 400 parts per million. Add calcium carbonate dehydrate to raise a low level, add sodium hexametaphosphate to bring down levels that are too high.
- 4). Test for alkalinity levels in your water. Optimum is between 100 and 120 parts per million. Regular baking soda sprinkled into the swimming pool raises low alkalinity. To lower a high-alkaline count, add dry acid formulated for use in swimming pools.
- 5). Monitor and adjust the pH levels in your water with the water-testing kit. The pH levels are the ratio of acid to alkaline, and is important to keep balanced so that the water feels comfortable on the skin. The best pH level is close to neutral---between 7.2 and 7.6. Muriatic acid lowers a high pH, but it is caustic and toxic. Read the instructions on the label to see whether the brand you bought needs to be diluted, and wear goggles and rubber gloves when using it. Add soda ash to raise a pH level that is too low.
- 6). Run the pool filter for no fewer than 10 hours every day. Check the hose regularly and clear the intake sieves to keep the filter from becoming clogged.
- 7). Remove all pool toys and floats when you are finished swimming so that they do not attract bacteria.
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