Maintenance
clock
May 1, 2021

7 Important Pool Cleaning Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

pool cleaning

The Las Vegas real estate market is on fire, and nothing makes a Las Vegas property more desirable than a functional swimming pool. According to Nevada real estate experts, Las Vegas homes with an on-property pool will sell in a matter of days.

That being said, a pool that isn't well taken care of probably won't have the same positive effects on your property value. Buyers want a pool that's ready to go, not one that needs a ton of work.

Regular pool cleaning is the best way that you can maintain your pool and keep it market-ready.

Read on for seven important pool cleaning tips that will help you maintain a pristine Las Vegas swimming pool.

1. Run the Pool Pump Every Day

A stagnant pool has the potential to become filled with algae and other unwanted substances. That's why you need to maintain good circulation in your pool, particularly during the seasons that it's in use. If the water is moving, it's going to be cleaner, clearer in appearance, and safer to swim in.

Throughout the hot season, make sure that you're running your pool pump for 8-12 hours every day. If it's in your budget, keeping the pump on 24/7 is ideal. Remember, the more you run your pool pump, the more you'll need to backwash the filter.

2. Check Your Pool Chemistry Every Week

Pool chemistry is key when it comes to keeping your pool clean and safe to use. Ideally, the pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8. A pH level of 7.4 is considered optimal for a pleasant and safe swimming experience.

When you're using your pool regularly (at least a few times a week), you should check the chemical balance at least twice per week. If you are using your pool less regularly (once or twice a week), continue to check the chemical balance at a rate of one time per week.

You can check the balance using test strips or pool chemistry kits. When the balance seems to be off frequently, it's time to call the professionals.

3. Keep Your Skimmer Basket Clear

The skimmer in your pool is designed to remove debris from the surface of the water before it sinks and/or pollutes the pool. However, it can only clean your pool effectively if the skimmer basket isn't clogged. The better your skimmer works, the less you'll have to scrub the tiles, ladders, and stairs.

Cleaning out your skimmer basket is simple. All you need to do is remove the basket and dump out the contents. If the holes appear clogged, use your hose to spray down the basket until it appears clean.

4. Constantly Shocking Your Pool? Check the Chlorinator

Shocking your pool isn't something that you should need to do frequently. We suggest only shocking your pool when it has become contaminated with nitrates from defecation or algae buildup. If your pool water remains green in color or cloudy, you have a bigger problem on your hands.

At the end of the day, your chlorinator should be able to keep the chlorine balance in check. If you can't keep your chlorine levels stable without constantly shocking your pool, it's time to investigate your chlorinator. It may have issues with the chlorine tablets, loading, or clogging that need to be addressed.

5. Scrub the Tiles and More

Skimming your pool is a great way to limit pollutants that get stuck to the tile, ladders, and stairs. That being said, your skimmer is unlikely to catch everything that falls into your pool.

About once a week, you may want to get in there and manually scrub these surfaces. If you don't want to use chemical cleaners, you can create a baking soda paste by combining two parts baking soda with one part water. Baking soda is a recommended cleaning agent for pool tile because it will remove any scum without damaging the vinyl liner.

Dip your scrubbing brush into your mixture and clean the surfaces of your pool, particularly areas that appear to be growing algae.

6. Invest in a Pool Vacuum

Not every pool cleaning gadget is a necessary investment. However, one that you won't ever regret purchasing is a pool vacuum. Manually cleaning surfaces like the walls of your pool is doable--manually cleaning the bottom, not so much.

Run your pool vacuum at least once a week. Make sure that you're leaving it on long enough that it makes at least one full sweep of the bottom of your pool. If your pool is surrounded by trees or other plants that deposit pollen, leaves, and other debris, run your pool vacuum at least twice a week.

7. Hire a Pool Cleaning Service

Not every Las Vegas homeowner wants to take time out of their busy week to clean their pool. Fortunately, we make it so that you don't have to do it on your own.

Clean Living Pool and Spa offers a variety of cleaning packages, including regular cleaning and one-time deep cleaning. We understand that sometimes, you just want to enjoy your pool, not worry about the day-to-day maintenance.

Let Us Take Care of Your Pool Cleaning For You

Nothing gives your Las Vegas a competitive edge and increased value like a clean, well-maintained pool. With our pool cleaning services, you can get the best of both worlds: a clean, swimmable pool without all the hassle.

Ready to team up with Clean Living Pool and Spa to keep your pool clean and functional? Sign up for a membership today and schedule the services that suit your needs.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is involved in pool maintenance?

Regular pool maintenance will help you avoid common pool problems. So what does this involve?

  • Understanding What's in Your Pool
  • Maintaining Water Circulation
  • Cleaning Your Pool
  • Balancing the Water Chemistry
  • Installing a Pool Cover
  • Cleaning Your Pool Filters

What is the fastest way to clean a green pool?

There really is no fast way to clean a green pool. It will require several steps and some elbow grease on your part. If you have at least 36 hours’ notice before your guests arrive, you have time to transform that green swamp into a pristine, clear oasis that is safe and welcoming. Here is how:

  • Remove Organic Materials
  • Test the Water Chemistry
  • Vacuum Your Pool  
  • Run the Pool Pump
  • Shock the Pool Water
  • Make Final Chemistry Adjustments
Experience the difference.
water pool