Placing plants or foliage is a great way to enhance the look of our pools. The presence of plants and flowers has a soothing effect and significantly impacts our positive mindset. We usually use our swimming pool to relax—what better way to relax than swimming in a pool surrounded by flowers and plants.
Studies published in many articles have said that plants reduce stress, improve concentration, increase productivity, and boost your mood. Imagine yourself poolside and looking at your pool and lovely foliage in the background. It will genuinely take your breath away.
Your pool area will become a refuge from all the stress and grind of the outside world. It creates a living space in your pool area that is soothing; many studies also mention how plants can help reduce loneliness and depression.
A large backyard pool surrounded by plants and trees / Source: Cabarita Pools
We are also most likely to use our pools because of the lovely plants and foliage and maximise its usage. Imagine the health benefits of swimming and enjoying the landscape, it will energise you and your family. Remember, increasing exercise, like swimming, lessens the risk of illness and promotes health and well-being.
Autumn is a great time to add those plants and foliage because of the ideal weather condition. So for green thumbs out there, plan ahead and research on plants that are the best fit in your pool area. Try to think of plants that you can use as shade, especially when swimming on a hot day. Look for flowers and their colours to match the look of your pool.
Keep your poolside garden simple
Creating a garden or setting plants in your pool is a great way to enhance its look. It’s important to consider simplicity so that your plants do not overpower your pool. When we have visitors in our house, the focal point should still be our pool, and it should be the first thing they see.
Placing too many plants might shift their attention, and your poolside will just become a regular garden and not a pool area. Look for areas to plant them but retain some open space to have a good view of your pool. A natural look will be the best option, place the plants as if it’s really part of the landscape. Choose plants that are naturally available in your area, for it to have a natural look.
Keep a proper distance between your pool and plants
Placing plants is an excellent idea and will bring a lot of benefits. But it should be done correctly since plants can also cause some problems. It’s essential to place the plants a considerable distance from the pool so that it’s leaves will not go to the pool. These leaves are organic and can quickly decompose and affect the quality of the pool water. They can also clog the filters making it harder for the water pumps. Leaves, if left unchecked, will damage the filtration system of your pool.
Plants should be placed a distance so that it does not cover the entire pool; you still need to see the pool and make sure everyone is safe, especially children. The path going to your pool should also be clear of plants. So you have to make sure no plants are blocking the access to your pool.
A well maintained backyard with a large pool / Source: Cabarita Pools
Make sure your plants are taken care of and well maintained
Plants also need your time and attention, so aside from your regular pool cleaning service, you also have to take care of your plants. Make sure you water your plants regularly so that they don’t witter. You have to make sure that the lawn is well manicured and the bushes trimmed up. Remember that their leaves will fly and land in your pool if you do not trim them, causing water quality problems and the pool’s filtration system.
Contact local pool cleaning experts
You should also check your trees for overgrown branches and trim them, and remove excess leaves. Check your yards for fallen leaves and use a leaf blower and rake to move it away from your pool. Make sure you collect the leaves and dispose of them properly so that they will not go to your pool.
A well managed and maintained garden area is an excellent addition to your pool. It has to be maintained well to maximise its benefits. If you don’t have time for a DIY, you can call professional pool experts to do it. They will be willing to help you with all your pool-related needs.
The long-awaited summer has just returned and the hot days are here to stay. Many homeowners are rushing to get their pools completed quickly to enjoy a cool swim during the warm day. There are so many different factors you can personalise to create your dream pool design. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on your options.
Above-ground pools are often built on a wooden structure which doesn’t allow for many types of decking designs other than a wooden one. Inground pools come with more options in terms of decking compared to above ground pools such as tiles or concrete coating.
A reconstituted stone decking: Reconstituted stone is a mixture of agglomerated stone aggregates that gives a natural look and feel. The slabs do not lose their colour or their brightness even in bad weather.
Porcelain stoneware decking: Made from clay, porcelain stoneware will be the ideal companion for people who want to imitate natural stone, wood and even marble. It is known to be resistant to wear, water and even frost. Its maintenance is facilitated and reduced because its porosity is practically nil.
All white decking: If you are looking for a clean design and a modern atmosphere, go for light colours! An off-white or cream will bring a smooth and refined look to your pool area and enhance the turquoise water of your pool.
Wooden decking with greens: Surrounding your wooden decking with greenery is great for a natural and unique atmosphere. Tropical, zen, Mediterranean – anything will go with wooden decking.
With the right pool lighting, you can enjoy your pool at any time. You can also make it look more stylish and atmospheric, particularly at night. Underwater lighting is necessary for safety and visual appeal and comes in several styles and types.
Incandescent lights: These lights shine bright and are typically installed underwater in cement swimming pools. They are encased in glass bubbles and are watertight.
LED lights: LEDs use less energy to operate for the same wattage put out. Their cost-efficiency, in addition to the special colours and effects they can produce, make them popular for new swimming pool designers and builders.
Fibre optic lights: This is a growing technology that may be the future of underwater pool lighting. Since the light is carried through the water from above-ground sources, it is considered safer than other pool lighting systems.
Solar pool lighting: Solar is great if you are environmentally conscious, solar pool lights are a great option. These use solar energy that they absorb during the day to let off a glow at night.
For a pool finish that is clean, attractive, and easy to coordinate with any outdoor-decorating motif, tiles are an excellent solution. When you design your dream pool, you’ll find that there are many beautiful tile colours and materials to choose from.
Glass: Glass tiles can be made in a nearly unlimited range of colours, textures and finishes, and you can find exactly the right look for your pool decor. The surface of glass tiles can be transparent, metallic, opalescent, or a whole range of different styles. Glass tiles can be purchased in sizes ranging from very large to tiny, and glass mosaics are an especially popular use of these tiles.
Ceramic: Ceramic tiles have been popular since ancient times, because of their adaptability to different styles of architecture. They can feature different types of finishes, from glossy to matte, and they can be made with different types of coloured designs fired into them.
Porcelain: Porcelain is a ceramic product that is fired at very high temperatures so that it becomes glassy. It is completely waterproof, highly resistant to all chemicals, and very easy to clean. Porcelain tiles are available in gritted finishes as well as smooth, glossy finishes, and they are made in square or rectangular shapes.
Glass balustrades: Using glass balustrades for pool fencing is a safe choice and a stylish one too. The glass panels and posts have a minimalist and modern look that is sophisticated and also provides an uninterrupted view of your pool and yard. Now, you can have an open backyard and secure pool, without compromising on any need.
Coloured glass fencing: If you have always enjoyed the appearance of glass pool fencing but were hoping to add a pop of colour, coloured glass is the right choice for you. You can coordinate your fencing colour with the rest of your garden or entertainment area, or you can match the colour of your pool. The choices are seemingly endless.
Aluminium fencing: Aluminium fencing has an attractive asset of being both lightweight and very easy to install. It is almost entirely weather-resistant, will not rust, will not warp and will not corrode. Aluminium fences also come in a variety of colours that can match your surrounding home area perfectly. It also comes in a range of styles and designs, such as tubular fencing, flat rails, lace infills or panels.
Pergolas and gazebos are great for creating shade / Source: Add A Splash Pools
Finding shade
Relaxing in the pool is a fantastic opportunity to relax in the hot weather. If you add some shaded areas around the pool, though, this can help to make it even more enjoyable.
Shade trees: Perhaps the most common option is to add some trees. This is a good option, but you have to make wise selections because you do not want the tree to drop too many leaves or other debris into the pool. If this happens, it can lead to damage to the actual filtration system.
Umbrellas: Another option is the use of an umbrella. This is a good option for those on a budget. Choose from a range of shapes, including various sizes and styles. Instead of choosing one that has a pole, which could obstruct your view, look for cantilevered umbrellas instead.
Awnings: An awning that extends from your house to cover an area around the poolside is a great shade source. Awnings could be motorized or manually operated. They also come in a wide range of sizes and styles.
Pergolas and gazebos: For something more permanent, you should consider a pergola or gazebo. This is the perfect place to simply relax and enjoy the water. This also provides an option for entertaining poolside.
Swimming pools can turn a house into a home. It’s an inviting place for friends and family to interact, and it can be a place where memories are made. Kids can invite friends over and adults can enjoy a nice relaxing dip in the pool after a long day at work. The right swimming pool can be much more than an aesthetic feature of the home, it can become an integral part of your family’s way of life. Before you decide to jump into pool ownership, consider the following:
What you need to first consider
Price: Swimming pool installation is expensive. Inevitably, cracks and leaks will need to be factored into the pool upkeep budget. Also, landscaping that surrounds the pool can be costly to maintain. A pool’s upkeep will not only take time, but it can also be costly to buy the chemicals you will need. When choosing a pool, take some time to research the expense of the upkeep in addition to the initial construction of the pool.
Localgovernmentregulations: Make sure you know and adhere to any and all rules or regulations that your local council requires before allowing you to build a pool. You should create a professional site plan to avoid unnecessary headaches from accidentally cutting underground cables or disturbing drainage systems.
Childsafety: If you have children or extended family that will be using the pool, it is vital that you stay informed on how to make the pool area safe for everyone. Legal requirements may include installing barriers to prevent children from entering the pool unattended.
Realestatevalue: Installing a pool will change the value of your home. While it will usually make the value go up, there is a chance it could reduce your home’s value. If you don’t keep the home maintained, or if potential buyers don’t want a pool, it might not be worth as much as you think when you put your home on the market.
Pools have the ability to increase the value of your home / Source: Serenity Pool Co.
Different pool types
Cement pools
Cement pools can be built in just about any shape, depth, or size. Special water features, such as fountains, waterfalls, and wave machines can be installed, creating dramatic backyard effects. They can be constructed indoors or out and can be heated. An attached spa, slide, and/or diving board are common options. A variety of finishes, colours and textures can be found while shopping for cement pools. Depending on weather, accessibility, size of the pool, and pool contractor, a cement pool will take two to six weeks to complete. New residential constructed pools go faster because trees, fences, and other obstacles are not in the way of equipment and vehicles. Cement pools are easy to maintain and clean with vacuum systems and chemicals. Find out how much cement pools typically cost in our guide.
Fibreglass pools
Fibreglass pools can be found in all colours, shapes, and sizes. Like cement pools, construction starts with excavating the area. These swimming pools are prefabricated at the factory and brought to the site. After excavation, the pool is lowered into the hole and secured. The whole process is much faster than cement pools, and the pool arrives in your chosen colour and finish. The total cost for these pools is significantly less than their cement counterparts. Fibreglass pools are supposed to be left full during the offseason and are easy to clean due to their smooth surfaces. Find out how much fibreglass pools typically costs in our guide.
Above-ground swimming pools
Above-ground pools are an option for those who rent or people who want to move them to a new location later. They can be assembled by contractors or by ambitious homeowners in a matter of hours or days. These pools are equipped with vinyl liners and are generally smaller than other pool types.
Contact local pool builders
Ground excavation for in-ground pools
If you are planning to build a new in-ground pool, you will need to find the right place for it on your property. Excavation is not just digging a hole; every backyard has different character traits and factors that must be considered. For example, consider the state of the soil, size of the yard, shape of the yard, and overall access to the yard. For the best results and least amount of risk, look into hiring professional excavators, regardless of the size of your project.
Installing the pool
After the basin has been dug out, the actual pool installation can begin. This is when your pool builder will take over and install the plumbing, place the swimming pool, instal all the lighting and wiring, and do all the finishing on the pool’s interior.
Before the building begins, double-check to be sure that the pool contractors have quoted all the detailed costs associated with the instal and that they are licensed and experienced builders with references.
Designing the fencing and landscaping surrounding your pool
After the pool is installed, it is now time to install the landscaping that will make up the environment around the pool area. This includes things like decks and pathways that can be made up of wood decking, stone pavers, or even stamped concrete. You will need to ensure the safety of all nearby children by installing a fence. This is a legal requirement in Australia.
There are so many different options for pool landscaping design / Source: The Pool Company
Finding the right pool builder
Contact local pool builders
Discuss how you will be using your pool – do you want something big enough to get a real workout in or for recreational swimming? Do you want a summer pool or something you can use year-round? Your pool builder should be able to work with your preferences.
Check their reputation
It is very important to choose a builder with a good reputation. The last thing you want is for something to go wrong with your investment. Ask any prospective builders for references and testimonials from previous customers.
Compare quotes
It is crucial to get an accurate quote for all your possible builders before you pick one. Compare these quotes, and make sure they all cover the same basics: the type of pool to be installed, materials to be used, pump and filtration, landscaping and fencing, coping, etc. By comparing several quotes, you can figure out problems, such as hidden costs beforehand – if one quote doesn’t mention a cost that all the others do, you’ll know there is a problem with that quote. Also, comparing quotes directly lets you narrow down your choices.
Plunge pools are gaining in popularity and for good reason. They are ideal for rehabilitation and exercise, and they are perfect for homes with limited space. But, what exactly is a plunge pool? And how is it different from a traditional pool?
What is a plunge pool?
The pool industry adopted the term plunge pool to identify any pool between the size of a spa and swimming pool. Pool sizes can range anywhere from four to seven metres long and are generally about two or three metres wide. The deep end of the pool usually doesn’t exceed more than 1.2 metres. Thanks to their smaller size, plunge pools won’t completely overwhelm the area you’re going to install them in (unlike what happens with bigger swimming pools). In fact, you’ll be able to accentuate the plunge pool with things like a deck or a garden to make the area even better.
There are many plunge pool designs to choose from
Plunge pools come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and can be custom made to your specifications. They are typically made from fibreglass or concrete, and there are a plethora of designs available. Whether you want a round plunge pool, a rectangular one or some other fancy shape, you will have no problem finding the pool shape you want for your home.
What are hydrotherapy plunge pools?
A hydrotherapy plunge pool is a small swimming pool or plunge pool that also has hydrotherapy jets, meaning it doubles as a hydrotherapy spa. The jets can be used for different kinds of massages, or they can be used for swimming. When turned on, they create a current that you have to swim against. You can adjust the force of the current, depending on your swimming abilities. The plunge pool also has seats that are situated in front of the jets, so that you can get different massage effects from them.
Shallow plunge pools can be put on balconies / Source: Serenity Pool Co
Great for rehabilitation
Water offers a tremendously helpful atmosphere for all rehabilitation efforts. Exercising in water allows for plenty of resistance, but plenty of flexibility too. The water allows for an easy, low-impact exercise that helps strengthen muscles and work out joints. It’s particularly helpful for the muscles in the abdominal and lower back regions, so water workouts can provide an incredible boost to anyone with lower back pain. Don’t forget to consult a professional before you embark on any workout regimen though. Additionally, plunge pools are great for treating osteoarthritis ailments. The pool’s water helps soothe pain and increase range of movement, providing a huge amount of relief for those suffering from inflammation and stiffness.
Above ground plunge pools
If the expense of an inground plunge pool doesn’t mesh with your budget, then maybe consider an above-ground model. Made from manufactured resin that’s moulded, shaped, and prefinished, a modern above ground plunge pool is extremely safe and strong compared to older versions. Whether braced to give the walls additional strength or made from materials strong enough to do away with bracing, above ground plunge pools come in just as many varieties and shapes as inground plunge pools.
Many homeowners also opt to instal coping at the top of their above ground pools or build a new deck to provide an entertainment area at the poolside. Installing a desk will also help you conceal the sides of the pool, integrating it more smoothly into the look of your yard. One particularly appealing advantage of above ground plunge pools is that you can conceivably take it with you whenever your next move comes around, something that’s nowhere near possible with an in-ground plunge pool.
Contact local pool experts
Plunge pool heating options
One of the more popular solutions is turning to solar heating. With solar power, heat panels are attached to the home’s roof, and water is pumped through a network of tubes right underneath the panels and back into the pool. It’s very energy-efficient, and you’ll also have plenty of bells and whistles to choose from. You can use digital temperature control methods to set the temperature just where you want it and also install the panels in any one of a number of nice-looking colours. Don’t be afraid of leaks with the solar panels, either – they’re very safe for the house.
Another option for heating is using heat pumps. These types of pumps use electricity to work, but it’s a very efficient type of procedure – the heat energy is taken right out of the air. It’s very innovative and very cost-effective. The warm air is taken right out of the atmosphere and injected right into the pool water to heat everything up. Cool, right?
If you’re only going to use your pool or spa on certain, special occasions, you might want to opt for gas heating. It’s the fastest method (it’ll heat up a spa in around half an hour) and modern gas heaters are much more energy-efficient than their prior incarnations. You can even opt for a pool blanket in order to cut down on your energy consumption. They’re easy to put on and easy to remove and won’t involve the same type of maintenance these other methods do.
How to customise your plunge pool
Your stock plunge pool will already look great, but you can make it look even more beautiful with a few customisations. Here are a few ideas you can use:
An above ground plunge pool with jets / Source: Billabong Spas
Tiles and interior coating
Change the look of your plunge pool by installing new porcelain, ceramic or cement tiles of any pattern and colour of your choosing. Or, as another option, you can change the interior coating. Interior plunge-pool coatings are available in a variety of colours and textures. Choose a smooth or sand-like texture and then choose your colour. Common colour choices include sparkly blue, charcoal and black.
Water features
You can really add to the allure of your plunge pool by adding water features such as water jets, waterfalls and water walls.
Pool heater
You can comfortably enjoy your plunge pool year-round if you instal a heater. Hook up a standard pool heater, or cover your plunge pool with a solar pool cover.
Add more seating
Chances are that your friends and family are going to want to come and visit when they see your plunge pool. So, why not add some extra seating for them. Your plunge pool probably already has a step that will seat one or two, but you can add an extra step or even a ledge that goes around the entire pool to fit many more people.
Having a backyard pool is a great way to enjoy the warm weather. All pool owners should be sure that their pool is fenced correctly to ensure the safety of everyone who uses it. Local, state and federal governments have been cracking down on pool safety regulation enforcement. The top way to aid in preventing pool-related injuries is to fence off your pool. This guide discusses some of the guidelines for the fences.
General pool regulations
Some general rules for pool fencing that apply to every state throughout Australia are as follows:
The fence should be made of a durable material to prevent children from being able to manipulate the fence to gain entrance.
The fencing should be well maintained and shouldn’t contain any gaps, damage or holes.
The height of the fence should be at least 1.2m in height, when measured from the outside Boundary fences that are part of the pool setup should be at least 1.8m in height.
The bottom gap in the fence should be 10cm or less from the ground.
The panels shouldn’t have more than a 10-cm gap in between each one of them. This will prevent children from squeezing past the gate.
Pool gates should always open outwards away from the pool area and have to be wholly self-latching and self-closing.
Mount the gate’s latch inside the gate, so that a person must reach over if they want to open the gate. Latches on the outside must be at least 1.5m from the ground.
The pool should not have any objects like trees, furniture, plants, or pool pumps, that can be climbed on to access the pool. These items must be situated at least 90cm from the pool fence, so children cannot use them to climb over the fence.
The walls that comprise the pool fencing must not be able to be accessed from inside the home, unless, in some cases, you do have self-latching doors and child-resistant windows.
An inside pool must be fitted with a self-latching, self-closing door that opens to the outside of the pool.
State by state regulations for the pool
Generalised rules are enforced throughout Australia, but each state has its own regulations and restrictions. The occupants in the home can endure heavy penalties for not following these rules.
A pool using both fencing and the house walls as a barrier / Source: Serenity Pool Co
Queensland pool safety standards
A new pool safety register was introduced in the state a few years ago. This register lists every pool in the state and has copies of every certificate awarded for pool safety compliance, and lists all of the people licensed to carry out pool inspections. If you a pool, you should be registered. If you’re not, you could be liable to pay a fine of $2,000.
From December 1st 2010, any rented or lived in house in Queensland needs to have a certificate for pool safety.
Key safety standards
These standards apply to all pools, both inside or outside, that are more than 30cm deep when full. Before any pool is filled with water, the fencing needs to be approved. If any part of the property is inside the perimeter of the pool fencing, i.e. if you can access the pool directly from the house, you will need to install fencing stopping this. For indoor pools, child safety doors need to be added to access it.
If a new pool is currently under construction, it will need approval before development starts. Whilst the pool is under construction, temporary fencing is allowed for up to three months. After this period has elapsed, however, permanent fencing needs to be put in place.
Contact local swimming pool experts
WA pool safety standards
The specific pool fencing regulations are slightly different depending on when your pool was built. If your pool was constructed after 5 November 2001, you need to make sure that pool fencing properly restricts access to the pool. Some fencing will have fencing all around the perimeter with a gate leading into it. However, it can still use one of the house walls as one side of the fencing. If the wall has any windows, they have to be correctly locked so that children can’t access the pools.
If your pool was built before 4 November 2001, it needs to have a fence around it that is well maintained. If the yard has a boundary fence, that can act as part of the fence. The gate to the pool must close and latch on its own, and it should open outwards and away from the pool. There also has to be a fence constructed to separate the pool from the house, and if any doors or windows open to the pool, they have to follow the Australian Standards as well.
Pools built after 5 November 2001 must not include a door as part of the barrier unless the door is permanently fixed using a device other than a key locking mechanism. Pools built after 1st May 2016 must not use a door as a part of the barrier at all.
If your pool was approved for construction before 30 June 1992, the WA Government suggests that you have your fencing updated.
VIC pool safety standards
In 2010, updates were made to the Building Code of Australia in regards to pool fencing installation. In general, any new swimming pool in the area must have a four-sided fence. In other words, you must fence in your pool, including any spas you have. Any water-based area with more than 300mm when filled must be fenced.
As of December 2019, you need to complete the following steps to have a private pool in Victoria:
Register your pool with your local council
Organise a registered inspector to inspect your pool barrier
Rectify any identified issues
Submit to council a certificate of compliance
Pool fencing can have small gaps as long as they are not larger than regulation size / Source: Cabarita Pools
NSW pool safety standards
All pools built after July 2010 must be surrounded by a fence that completely separates the pool from the house. For pools built before July 2010, this regulation also applies but some exemptions could be made for very small properties, very large properties or waterfront properties.
If you have a door that is part of a pool barrier you must ensure that it closes with manual force, self latches and does not open toward the pool.
If an old fence or barrier is rebuilt then the most current restrictions apply. Therefore, any previous exemptions placed on the pool when it was built will cease.
Maintaining your pool fencing
Once in place, you need to maintain it. This is a requirement that you, as the owner, must meet. This means you cannot have gaps or areas that are damaged that could allow a child to get through. Additionally, all gates and gate latches must operate appropriately at all times. They should have a self-closing and self-latching design on them, and the gates must open outwards. Additionally, you cannot access your pool directly from the house. If you fail to maintain these requirements, there are very hefty fees involved. In some cases, the penalties can be as much as $5,000 or more.
Other safety measures
While pool fencing is a must, if you want to ensure the safety of your children, there are other additional measures that you can utilize as well. Swimming pool covers, as well as pool alarms, may prove to be essential for the complete safety and protection of your family. Homeowners with a swimming pool should also invest in pool safety equipment. And once the time to enjoy the pool comes, don’t leave the kids without adult supervision.
While swimming pools definitely are a lot of fun, you have to be aware of the risks they pose for small kids as well. Drowning accidents can be prevented if you make sure that your pool protection is up to code. Stay safe and enjoy your family pool time to the fullest.
Many pool owners fall into the trap of only paying attention to their pool during summer – when they’re about to go swimming. If you find yourself falling into this category then you’re on a collision course with excessive service and repair bills should you let things go too far.
Pool maintenance is a year-round obligation and doesn’t stop during the off-season. There is plenty to do; from scooping out leaves and debris to balancing your chemicals. So, to help you keep your costs as low as possible, we’ve put together this annual pool maintenance guide that will guide you through every season. Let’s dive into it.
Spring
The secret to a crisp, clean summer-ready swimming pool is opening it up the right way at the end of spring. Start by removing your pool cover and storing it away. If you took proper care of your pool during winter, then there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises lurking underneath such as a green pool.
From here, you get your pool ready for the swimming season in 5 easy steps. We’ve detailed them below.
Home swimming pools require careful maintenance all year round / Source: JLN Designs
Connect your hoses and other equipment
This first step won’t apply to the majority of pool owners in Australia, though it’s worth covering for those that live in colder regions. If your neighbourhood often experiences freezing temperatures, then you would have disconnected your filters, pumps and skimmer. If that’s the case, it’s time to hook them back up to your pool.
Top up your pool water
Simple enough, make sure your pool water is about halfway up your skimmer. Topping up your pool water is a great opportunity, however, to check for any leaks. To do this, you can perform a simple test for which all you need is a bucket.
To perform this test, place the bucket on the top step of your pool and fill it most of the way up with water. Then, mark the water levels on the inside and outside of your pool and then leave it for 24 hours.
When you come back, measure the water levels both inside and outside of your bucket. If the water level has dropped only inside your bucket, then there is no cause for concern. Your pool is losing water due to evaporation, and this is normal.
If the water level drops below the marking on the outside of your bucket, this is an indication of a leak. At this stage, you might want to call in a pool servicing professional to have a look.
Break out the vacuum
If you properly closed your pool during winter, then there won’t be much need for this step either. Then again, many pool owners don’t have a cover, making this step another necessity. Grab your leaf skimmer and remove any debris from the surface of your pool. Then, scrub the pool walls and floor before vacuuming away all particles. If you’d rather skip this step, then you should consider investing in a robotic pool cleaner. Then this step will become as simple as pushing a button.
Circulate your pool water
Circulation is among the most important factors when it comes to keeping your pool water sanitary. During the off-season, you typically turn down your pumps to save on electricity bills. During your summer startup though, run your pool pumps for a full 24 hours to ensure it’s properly circulated. This conveniently brings us to the final step.
Test and balance your water
You can test your pool water by breaking out some test strips or scooping out a sample of your pool water and taking it to your local pool shop. For the latter option, measure your pool dimensions so that your local professional will be able to properly advise you on the number of chemicals that you need to use.
Finally, balance your pool based on the advice you receive. Then, test your water one more time to make sure that everything is in order. If everything is in order, your pH levels will be between 7.2 and 7.6.
Summer
Your summer pool maintenance efforts will be an extension of the work you performed during spring. In fact, everything should be pretty routine provided you haven’t bumped into any nasty surprises. All you need to pay attention to is circulating your water, cleaning your pool and balancing your chemicals.
Water circulation
Your pool naturally experiences more use during summer. Therefore, it is only normal that your water should be circulating at a higher rate compared to the offseason. By circulating your water, you will ensure that all dirt and particles make their way to your pool filter where they are collected and kept out of your pool water. As a result, algae build-up and cloudy water will be prevented, both of which can lead to expensive pool cleaning bills.
Replacing a worn-out spider gasket on a multiport valve of a swimming pool filter system is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy pool. The spider gasket creates a seal between the different ports in the filter system, preventing leaks and maintaining pressure. To replace a spider gasket, first, turn off the pump and drain the filter. Remove the screws that secure the multiport valve and gently remove the valve from the tank. Remove the old spider gasket and clean the area with a cloth. Install the new gasket and carefully reassemble the system, ensuring all connections are tight and secure. It’s recommended to replace the spider gasket every 5 years. Seek professional help if needed.
Cleaning your water
The biggest thing you can do to ensure your pool is looking good is to skim it. You should do this on a daily basis or whenever debris collects. The more you remove through a leaf skimmer, the less bacteria and debris will get into the filtration system. It is also just as important to remove all strainer baskets from the filter area and clean these. You may not need to do these every day, but any time there is material in this area, remove it.
You will also need to vacuum the floor of the pool on a regular basis. There are some devices that are automatic and others that work manually. Automatic devices are ideal because they do the work for you. Be sure to clean out the filter in the vacuum as well.
Perhaps the most challenging part of the process is to manage the pH level in the pool. It is ideal for it to be between 7.2 and 7.8. Test regularly with a kit from your local pool store. If the pH is not right, you likely need to add chemicals to balance it. For complete peace of mind, it’s also worth hiring someone qualified for fortnightly or monthly pool maintenance.
Keep the pool covered
To reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do on a regular basis, keep the pool covered when not in use. This helps reduce the amount of evaporation that is taking place as well. It can help to keep your chemicals in the pool and balanced, rather than being removed through exposure to sunlight. Covers also keep debris out.
Maintain the Filter
The filter needs to be cleaned following the manufacturer’s specific instructions. In most cases, you will need to remove it and clean it about once a month or less frequently. If you notice it is not working as efficiently as it was, this is a good indication that you need to clean the filter.
Super chlorinating may be necessary
In many cases, ammonia and nitrogen will build up in your pool. You need to remove these so that they do not interfere with the chlorine you are using in the pool to manage the cleanliness. When you can smell chlorine, this is a good indication that the balance is off. By using a super chlorinating product, you can shock the pool and bring it back to the level it needs to be.
Autumn
Once you’ve had your fun and the swimming season is over, then the next step is to close your pool for winter. Getting your pool winter-ready isn’t tricky at all. In fact, this part of your pool maintenance follows many of the same steps that you performed during your startup.
Clean your pool
Much the same as you would during summer and spring. Remove leaves and debris and then get scrubbing. Brush the walls and the floor of the pool, vacuum the pool, clean the skimmer basket and the pump’s lint basket.
Check your equipment
You want to make sure that your filters and pumps are in working order. Make sure all the oil, grease and scale deposits are out of the pool’s filter. At this stage, you can also wind down your pumps and run them for only 4 hours per day during the whole offseason.
Note: On the off chance that you do live in an area that regularly experiences freezing temperatures then you want to think about disconnecting your equipment as winter approaches.
Balance your pool water
There’s no need for too much detail here – but you’ll want to aim for a PH level between 7.4 and 7.6, . Simply take a sample of your pool water to your local pool shop, and you’ll get all the advice you need. Visiting your local pool shop is also a good opportunity to ask for phosphate remover, though. You might also want to mix in an algaecide to stop algae from coming in.
Put on your pool cover
If you don’t own a pool cover already then get one ASAP. They’re the perfect way to keep debris out during winter, minimize water loss and will also help trap some of the heat in your water.
The most important part of owning a pool during winter is that you don’t forget to keep an eye on it. There’s not much work involved, and you will only need to peel your pool cover back occasionally to make sure everything is in perfect order.
Clean regularly
Pools that are dormant are an open invitation to all sorts of debris and grime. Cleaning a pool is an activity that takes just a few hours, and it is absolutely crucial to make sure that all the pool equipment such as the skimmers and filters are thoroughly cleaned every fortnight. Frequently cleaning your pool also ensures that algae do not form on the surface of the tiles, which can be hard to get out after a long period of growth.
Cover when not in use
Make use of a pool cover or a pool blanket once you have cleaned the pool. This will prevent leaves, twigs and other debris from accumulating over the surface of the water, making your next pool clean a lot quicker. Remember to remove the pool blanket regularly so that algae does not begin to grow inside the pool.
Check your chemical balance
The chemicals in pool water should be regulated during the winter months when the pool is not in use. Using a water testing kit from your local pool shop, check to see whether the alkalinity and pH of the water are at the appropriate levels around every 6 weeks. Add the needed chemicals to return the water to a state of balance if that is not the case. Another crucial step that must not be forgotten in rebalancing pool chemicals is to run the filter for a period of eight hours so that all the added chemicals are properly mixed through.
Don’t forget the filtration
Running the pool filter in winter helps maintain the balance of pool chemicals and is also essential in ensuring that the water is cleaned and filtered from debris. You can do this by running the filter for three to four hours a day.
