With a pool in the backyard, summer fun is practically guaranteed. Whether it’s kids splashing about, weekend BBQs with friends, or peaceful morning swims to start the day, a pool quickly becomes the heart of your home during the warmer months.
But to keep the good times going, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook – water maintenance. After all, who wants to jump into green or cloudy water? Nobody, including you! More than just looking inviting, a sparkling pool is essential for safe swimming. Clean, clear water means the chemical balance is right, keeping harmful bacteria, algae and irritants at bay.
To keep the water in your pool clean and safe, there’s a small but essential set of pool supplies you’ll need to have at hand.
A Skimmer and a Telescopic Pole
While your pool’s filtration system will do a lot of the work to keep the water clean, you’ll still need to skim the surface regularly. Skimming removes leaves, algae, insects, and other debris that accumulate on the water. In addition to making your pool look dirty, surface debris can put extra strain on the filtration system.
To skim effectively, you’ll need two basic supplies: a skimmer net and a telescopic pole. The skimmer net, sometimes called a skimmer basket, is usually made from fine mesh attached to a durable frame. There are two main types: flat skimmers for quick, light clean-ups, and bag skimmers that hold more debris and are ideal for heavier tasks.
The telescopic pole is a lightweight, adjustable handle that can extend to reach all corners of the pool. As well as attaching the skimmer net, it can also be used with other tools, such as vacuum heads and brushes.
Simply attach the skimmer net to the pole, extend it as needed, and glide it across the water’s surface. The mesh captures any floating debris, which you can then empty into a bin or compost pile.
Vacuum
You may sometimes notice that your pool’s floor and walls feel slippery. This is usually a thin layer of grime that builds up gradually below the surface. It’s a common issue in regularly used pools, and one that’s best tackled with a proper vacuum routine.
To vacuum your pool, you can use either a manual or automatic pool vacuum. A manual pool vacuum is the most budget-friendly option. It consists of a vacuum head (attached to a telescopic pole) and a hose connected to your pool’s filtration system. You manually guide it around the pool, targeting the floor and walls to remove dirt and algae. While it takes some effort, it’s very effective.
For a more hands-off option, consider an automatic pool vacuum. These devices are electrically powered and feature their own motor, filtration system, and smart navigation. They can clean the floor, walls, and even the waterline entirely on their own. They’re a brilliant time-saver and offer a thorough clean without the labour.
Brush
Brushing your pool is essential to remove scum or algae that may develop, even if it isn’t visible to the naked eye. Algae often begins as a thin layer on surfaces, and if left unchecked, it can multiply quickly. Regular brushing disrupts this growth and prevents more serious outbreaks.
Using the right brush is important. For concrete or plaster pools, a stiff-bristled stainless steel or nylon brush is best to scrub off tough build-up. If your pool is made of vinyl or fibreglass, opt for a softer nylon brush to avoid scratching the surface.
Brush the walls, floor, steps, and areas behind ladders at least once a week, especially spots with lower water circulation. This should always be done before vacuuming for best results.
Water Test Strips
Even after all that cleaning, there’s still one final and vital step: testing the water. That’s where water test kits come in.
Water test kits measure the chemical balance in your pool. They help you monitor key levels such as chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and sometimes calcium hardness and cyanuric acid. Maintaining this balance is essential not just for swimmer safety, but also to protect your pool’s surfaces and equipment from chemical damage.
There are a few types of water test kits available, but water test strips are among the easiest to use. Simply dip a strip into your pool water and hold it still for a few seconds. The strip will change colour, and you can compare it with the chart on the packaging to check your chlorine, pH and alkalinity levels. Based on the results, you can make the necessary chemical adjustments.
You should test your pool water at least once a week to ensure it’s safe, balanced, and ready to enjoy.
Chemicals
From maintaining sparkling water clarity to addressing issues like algae or other impurities, pool chemicals are a must-have for every owner.
Sanitiser
The most crucial chemical in your pool care kit is a sanitiser. Without it, your pool can become a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of skin irritation, rashes, and other health concerns.
Chlorine is the most common sanitiser, known for its efficiency in killing harmful contaminants. If you’re sensitive to chlorine or dislike its smell, bromine is a suitable alternative. However, bromine is less stable in sunlight, which may reduce its effectiveness in outdoor pools.
Alkalinity Increaser
Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH levels, helping to keep them stable. If alkalinity falls below 80 parts per million (ppm), your pool water can quickly become unbalanced. Adding an alkalinity increaser will restore the correct level and help maintain a steady pH.
pH Adjusters
If your pool’s pH is too high or too low, problems can arise. An imbalanced pH can reduce the effectiveness of your sanitiser and even corrode pool surfaces and equipment over time. Use pH increasers or reducers as needed to bring the water back into the ideal range, which is usually between 7.2 and 7.6.
Final Thoughts
Owning a pool is a fantastic way to make the most of summer, but it also comes with responsibilities. A clean, safe pool doesn’t maintain itself, it requires regular upkeep and the right set of tools.
With essentials like a skimmer and telescopic pole, a vacuum, a brush, water test strips, and the appropriate chemicals, you’ll be well equipped to keep your pool in great condition all season long. Not only will your water look beautiful, but it’ll also be safe and inviting for everyone who dives in.
So stock up on the basics, build a routine, and enjoy every splash.
