Top Chicago In-Ground Pool Maintenance Tips

Skim Your Pool for Debris Often

When it comes to pool skimming, frequency is your friend. As debris falls into your pool, lighter debris will float on the surface of the water, which can be easily skimmed by hand. However, as debris soaks up water, it will eventually sink to the bottom of the pool, making cleaning a much more difficult and time-consuming process. In addition, keeping your pool clean of debris will also help to maintain a healthy pH balance, meaning you’ll spend less time dumping chlorine into your pool, and more time swimming in it!

Monitor Your Pool’s Water Level

During peak usage months, your pool will lose a large amount of water due to evaporation and normal operation, such as entering or exiting the pool, splashing water, etc. It is important to ensure that your pool’s water level remains above the level of the skimmer and filtration system to ensure that your filtration pump isn’t damaged. You can use your regular garden hose to replenish lost water, but ensure that you’re monitoring your pool’s pH balance!

Scrub Tile & Pool Walls

An often overlooked pool maintenance task, keeping the walls and tiles in your in-ground pool scrubbed clean will ensure that algae doesn’t have a chance to build up and grow unchecked, which can wreak havoc on your pool’s filtration system and pH balance. For tiled pools, ensure you scrub with a soft brush as to not damage the grouting in between the tiles, which will help increase your pool’s lifespan.

Keep your Pool Filters Clean

Whether your pool filters use a cartridge system, sand filtering, or diatomaceous earth, keeping your filters clean is crucial to ensure your system is operating efficiently. However, cleaning your filter too often can actually decrease your filtration efficiency! As your filter traps dirt and debris, the already trapped particles assist in ensnaring other particles into the filter, which means your water stays sparkling and clear.

Monitor and Maintain Your Pool’s pH Balance

The pH balance of your pool’s water is one of the most important factors in keeping your pool clean, safe, and healthy. pH is a measure of the pool’s acidity or alkalinity, and must be kept in a delicate balance to ensure that the water is safe for humans to swim in, and to ensure that cleaning agents work at their maximum efficiency.