For many homeowners, a swimming pool is one of the best things they can get for their garden. It’s a retreat from the summer heat and a hub for friends and family to gather. However, regular maintenance is needed to ensure your pool remains in good condition and usable at all times. At Douglas Forest & Garden, we’re all about swimming pools so we’ve written a short but comprehensive guide to keep your pool sparkling throughout the four seasons.
Spring Pool Prep
A season of renewal and brighter things to come, Spring is a perfect time to prepare your pool for the Summer months. Start by thoroughly cleaning it, checking the filter works, and inspecting the pump systems up to scratch. It’s also a great time to check the pool’s chemicals. A balanced pool will have a pH level between 7.4 and 7.6, with chlorine levels at approximately 1-3 pm to keep the water clean and safe. We stock a range of pool chemicals at DFG so make sure you chat with one of our experts before buying yours.
Summer: Peak Pool Time
It’s not Summer without a swimming pool. During these months, your pool will definitely be used the most, so regular maintenance is vital. Test the pool’s chemistry every other week or so and make sure to skim debris from the surface daily to prevent the filters from clogging.
Also, make sure you prevent algae growth and use algaecide if necessary. Algae doesn’t look great and it can make surfaces slippery and unsafe.
Autumn Leaves Falling
With Autumn arriving, falling debris can become a significant issue, which can lead to algae growth and water imbalance. Instead of the arduous task of manually removing leaves, twigs, and other debris, consider getting a pool cover in order to prevent this.
Also note that the frequency of filtration and pumping will go down in this season as the cooler temperatures lessen the likelihood of algae proliferation.
Winterise Your Pool
It may seem like the best option just to ignore the pool during Winter as it won’t see any use, but proper maintenance can avoid the disappointment of finding that your pool is defunct once Spring rolls around. Remove water to prevent freezing damage and drain water from the pump, filter, and pipes.
It may seem like a boring task, but pool maintenance ensures that you get as much life out of your pool as possible. For any more questions, don’t hesitate to call into our store in Frankfield, Cork to speak with one of our experts