For a while, a pool brush was doing a pretty good job of keeping your backyard pool clean, but a summer of nonstop use has left it looking pretty grungy. Looks like it’s time to ramp up your efforts and deep clean your swimming pool! In this blog, we explain how to tell when it’s time for in-depth cleaning and the steps you need to take for best results before you close the pool for winter.
How Do I Know When My Pool Needs a Deep Clean?
There are different signs that your pool isn’t ideal for swimming right now. They include:
- Discoloured Water: The most obvious sign that your pool needs a deep cleaning is discoloured water. Algae usually manifests as a green colour, but it can also turn pool water brownish-yellow. Even a slight discolouration calls for a deep cleaning, before contamination damages the pool equipment.
- Scaling: Grayish stains on your pool walls are indicative of calcium buildup and (again) improper water chemistry. Calcium can also lead to spotting on the pool tiles.
- Insects: When the water is not balanced and residue (algae, etc.) builds up, unwanted organisms from bacteria to insects can take over. A deep cleaning is necessary at that point, as well as regular water chemistry checks.
- Foam or Bubbles: A clogged filter, bacteria buildup, or even contaminants in the water like sunscreen could cause bubbles or foam in your pool. Water chemistry should be checked because bubbles indicate a possible pH imbalance.
The Steps to Deep Cleaning Your Swimming Pool
To thoroughly deep clean your swimming pool, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Skimmer net on a telescopic pole
- Pool brush
- Robotic cleaner
Step #1: Clean Around the Pool Area
Make sure you check up on the biggest sources of debris in the water before you start clearing it out. Is there a particular plant or tree that sends leaves into the water and therefore needs trimming? Does the deck around the pool need to be cleaned up or washed down so the wind stops blowing dirt into the water? Address these issues first so that they don’t sabotage your cleaning efforts.
Step #2: Skim the Water
Start by attaching the skimmer to the telescopic pole. After that, use the net to remove debris. Outdoor pools are frequently filled with leaves and other foliage. Using the net skimmer, remove any floating matter from the surface of the pool
Step #3: Use the Brush
Take your telescopic pole and replace the skimmer net with this brush head. Next, brush your pool walls and floors, paying particular attention to any crevices around your pool steps and ladders. Be as thorough as possible, as a lot of bacteria is invisible to the naked eye.
Step #4: Vacuum Your Pool
Whether you use a robotic pool cleaner or an automatic one, their job is now to do the cleaning. Drop it in your pool, turn it on, and you’re off the clock until you have to shut it off. Throughout this process, your cleaner is collecting all the dirt, microscopic and not, that you just brushed off the surface of your pool, making the clean-up job more efficient.
Need Professional Help to Deep Clean Your Swimming Pool?
Pools should be clean, safe, and relaxing places to spend time with family and friends. Keeping them clean ensures that they stay that way. If you have any questions or are thinking about investing in your first pool, Green Collar Landscaping is here to help! If you have questions about our pool services or would like a free quote, contact us today.