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If you are thinking of getting an above ground swimming pool, it is essential to know the basics of pool maintenance. If you already have a pool, you may have already found out how challenging it can be to a novice pool owner to keep that water clear, sparkling, and safe. The answer to the problem of swimming pool maintenance is to have good tools, proper chemicals, and a steady routine. Consistency is key.
First of all, you need tools. Many people opt for an automatic vacuum cleaner for their above ground pool. These vacuums move around the inside surfaces of the pool and clean off dirt, algae, and any other debris that might get into the pool. There are also hand-held vacuums that you can use from the outside of the pool. These do a good job, but it is best to supplement the pool vacuum with regular use of a pool brush and a long-handled pool skimmer.
Use the skimmer each morning to remove leaves, bugs, and any other floating debris. This process will keep the rest of the cleaning equipment, including the pool's pump and filter, working at top form. Use the brush periodically to scrub down the inside of the pool as well. This will loosen up any stubborn dirt that is clinging to the sides or bottom of the pool.
Just like manual cleaning with vacuum, brush, and skimmer, it is equally essential to monitor and maintain the quality of the pool water with the use of chemicals. The most essential chemical is chlorine, but there are other aspects of pool water that you should test and treat, such as the pH and the calcium content. There are many products on the market that help provide chlorine in your water.
One thing to remember about chlorine is that it evaporates quickly, especially when the weather is warm. It is essential to keep enough in the pool, however, because chlorine kills the germs that can cause illness in people and algae growth in the pool water.
In order to know how much chlorine to add, it is necessary to use a pool test kit on a frequent basis. Test kits are widely available and the directions for use are included. They basically consist of plunging a little tube into the pool water to get a sample, and then adding a reagent. The resulting mixture will take on a color, which can be matched against a color key included with the test. The key will tell you how much chlorine is in the pool and how much extra you may need to add to keep it at it's peak of perfection.
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