Having an inground pool is a fantastic way to enjoy the summer months with friends and family.
But having a pool comes with a certain amount of responsibility.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep it functioning properly and ensure it stays clean and safe to use.
In this article, well provide a step-by-step guide on how to clean an inground pool, from brushing the walls to checking the water chemistry.
Well also provide tips on regular maintenance and how to troubleshoot common pool problems.
So, if youre ready to keep your pool looking perfect all summer long, lets get started!
Short Answer
The first step in cleaning an inground pool is to skim the surface to remove any leaves or debris.
Next, use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor to remove any dirt and algae.
Then, vacuum the pool with a pool vacuum to remove any dirt and debris that has settled to the bottom of the pool.
Finally, make sure to check the water’s pH and chlorine levels and adjust them as necessary to ensure a clean and healthy pool.
Regular Maintenance for Inground Pools
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping an inground pool clean and looking its best.
To begin, it is important to brush the walls of the pool with a stiff brush or pool brush.
This will help remove any dirt, algae, or other debris that has built up on the walls and floor of the pool.
Additionally, it is important to skim the surface of the pool to remove debris, leaves, and other debris that accumulates on the surface.
This should be done at least once a week.
Vacuuming the bottom of the pool is also important to maintain the cleanliness of the pool.
This can be done with an automatic pool cleaner or manually with a vacuum hose and brush.
When vacuuming, it is important to make sure to get into the corners and crevices of the pool.
This will help to dislodge any dirt or debris that has built up in those areas.
Additionally, it is important to check the water chemistry of the pool to ensure that the pH and chlorine levels are balanced.
This is essential for keeping the pool safe and clean.
Finally, it is essential to use a good quality pool cover to keep out dirt, leaves, and other debris from entering the pool.
Pool covers are also great for preventing evaporation and reducing the amount of chemicals needed to maintain the pool.
By using a pool cover and keeping up with regular maintenance, you can ensure that your inground pool stays looking its best.
Brushing the Pool Walls
When it comes to keeping an inground pool clean, one of the most important steps is brushing the pool walls.
This is an essential part of pool cleaning and maintenance that should be done on a regular basis.
By brushing the walls, you can help prevent the buildup of algae, which can be unsightly and cause the water to become cloudy.
The best way to brush the pool walls is to use a long-handled brush with a wide head.
These brushes are specifically designed for pool cleaning, and are available in a variety of sizes and styles.
When brushing the pool walls, its best to start from the top and work your way down.
This will help ensure that all areas of the pool get the attention they need.
Its also important to use a gentle, circular motion when brushing the walls, as this will help loosen any debris or algae that has built up.
Its also important to pay attention to the corners and crevices of the pool.
These areas can easily be missed, but can be home to a buildup of dirt and debris.
Make sure to use a brush with a narrow head to get into these tight spots and remove any buildup.
Finally, dont forget to brush the steps of the pool.
These areas can easily be missed, but they can also be a breeding ground for bacteria and algae.
Make sure to use a brush with a wide head to cover the entire step and ensure that all areas are thoroughly cleaned.
By following these steps, you can keep your inground pool looking its best.
With regular maintenance and brushing, you can ensure that your pool stays sparkling and clean.
Skimming the Surface
Skimming the surface of your inground pool is an important part of keeping it clean.
This task is relatively simple and can be done with a skimmer net.
It involves manually removing debris from the top of the water.
It is important to do this regularly to prevent debris from sinking to the bottom of the pool and creating a mess.
Additionally, skimming the surface helps to prevent debris from clogging your filter system.
When skimming the surface of your pool, it is important to move in smooth, sweeping motions.
This will ensure that you are removing all of the debris without pushing it to the other side of the pool.
Additionally, it is important to take your time when skimming the surface.
This will help to ensure that you dont miss any debris that may be hiding in the corners or crevices of the pool.
When skimming the surface of your pool, it is also important to be aware of the water level.
If the water level is too low, it can be difficult to effectively remove debris.
Additionally, if the water level is too high, it can be difficult to reach the debris.
It is important to check the water level periodically to ensure that the skimming process is as effective as possible.
Finally, it is important to use a quality skimmer net when skimming the surface of your pool.
A quality skimmer net will be able to pick up even the smallest pieces of debris, ensuring that your pool stays clean.
Additionally, a quality skimmer net will be able to reach into tight corners and crevices, allowing you to effectively remove debris from all areas of your pool.
Vacuuming the Bottom
Vacuuming the bottom of your inground pool is an essential step in maintaining clean, healthy water.
It’s important to vacuum at least once a week to remove dirt and debris from the bottom of the pool.
To get started, attach the vacuum hose to the pump and skimmer, and then lower the vacuum head into the water.
Connect the vacuum hose to the vacuum head, and then use the telescopic pole to extend the reach of the hose.
Position the vacuum head at the bottom of the pool, and move it in a circular motion to pick up dirt and debris.
Be sure to vacuum the entire pool, including the steps and corners.
When youre done, turn off the pump, and then remove the vacuum head.
Lastly, make sure to check the filter basket, and empty it if necessary.
With regular vacuuming, you can keep the bottom of your inground pool clean and debris-free.
Checking the Water Chemistry
When it comes to keeping your pool clean, checking the water chemistry is one of the most important tasks.
Proper water chemistry is necessary to maintain a healthy pool and prevent algae, bacteria, and other contaminants from growing in the water.
The most important part of checking your pools water chemistry is monitoring the pH levels, which should be kept between 7.
2 and 7.
8.
If the pH is too low, the water will become acidic, and if its too high, the water will become too alkaline.
Additionally, you should also check the chlorine, bromine, and other sanitizers in the pool, as well as the alkalinity, hardness, and stabilizer levels of the water.
To check the water chemistry, you can use a pool test kit.
These kits come with a variety of test strips and reagents that you can use to test different aspects of the water chemistry.
Make sure to take a sample of the pool water, and then follow the instructions on the test kit to get accurate results.
Additionally, you can also use a digital pool tester, which will give you instant feedback on the water chemistry.
After youve taken a reading, you can then adjust the chemical levels accordingly to maintain a healthy balance.
Using a Quality Pool Cover
When it comes to keeping an inground pool clean, using a quality pool cover is a must.
Pool covers come in a variety of styles and sizes, so it’s important to choose one that best suits the size and shape of your pool.
Pool covers can be made from a range of materials, including vinyl, mesh, and polyethylene.
Vinyl pool covers are generally the most durable and can last up to 10 years if properly maintained.
Mesh pool covers are a great option if you live in an area with a lot of wind, as they allow the wind to pass through without damaging the cover.
Polyethylene pool covers are lightweight and can be easily removed when needed.
Pool covers should be used whenever the pool is not in use to keep out leaves, dirt, and other debris.
This will help reduce the amount of time you need to spend cleaning the pool and ensure that the water in the pool stays clean and clear.
Additionally, pool covers help to maintain water temperature and reduce evaporation, which can save you money on energy costs.
Lastly, the use of a pool cover can help prevent accidental drowning, so it’s important to choose a cover that fits your pool securely.
Troubleshooting Common Pool Problems
Keeping an inground pool clean can be a daunting task, and even with regular maintenance, there can be times when the pool needs a little extra attention.
Fortunately, there are a few common problems that can be easily solved with some time and effort.
One of the most common issues is cloudy water.
This can be caused by high levels of bather waste, poor filtration, or the use of a low-quality pool cover.
To remedy this, you should shock the pool with a chlorine shock treatment, run the filter for an extended period of time, and make sure you are using a quality pool cover.
Another common problem is algae.
Algae can cause the pool to become discolored and slimy.
To prevent and treat algae growth, you should brush the walls and floors of the pool weekly, use an algaecide regularly, and shock the pool with a chlorine shock treatment.
Finally, another common issue is pH imbalance.
When the pH of the pool is too high or too low, it can cause irritation to skin and eyes.
To prevent this, you should regularly check the pH levels and use pH adjusting chemicals to keep the pool within the proper range.
By following these simple steps and being mindful of regular maintenance, you can keep your inground pool looking its best and ensure that it is safe and enjoyable for you and your family.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining an inground pool can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it for a clean and healthy pool.
With the right knowledge and regular upkeep, you can keep your pool looking its best.
Take the time to brush the walls, skim the surface, vacuum the bottom, and check the water chemistry.
Additionally, make sure to use a quality pool cover to keep out debris.
With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a clean, sparkling pool all summer long.