Having a swimming pool in your own backyard is a dream come true, but you also have to consider the responsibilities that come with it such as cleaning it, adding the right chemicals, pumping the water, etc.
The swimming pool is probably the place where most of your family is spending their time, right? It is where they have the most fun during the summer and it is the place where they can cool down. However, you cannot expect that it will stay clean after so many uses. You do not want it to fill with any unwanted bacteria that may make your children sick. A clean backyard will also give an impression to your guests that you are responsible and take care of what needs to be done.
So, if you want to ensure that your pool will always stay clean you will have to take some time off the week to clean it. But, you can’t do that with your own two hands only. You will need to equip yourself with the right tools if you want efficiency.
Here is some of the best swimming pool cleaning equipment to get rid of germs, dirt and other things that may ruin your relaxing experience.
Test strips
Just because there are no leaves or visible dirt in the water does not mean that it is clean. You will need the right tool to make sure that the water is properly maintained and safe for your family or your guests. This is why we recommend that you test it at least once a week. Having a tight schedule of testing will help you build a habit to add the required chemicals on time to prevent a build-up from algae or bacteria.
Of course, you still have the option to call in services to help you test the water, but do you really want to spend extra money just so a company can do what you could have already done? That’s just wasted money.
This is why we recommend that you buy at least a dozen test strips that can last you for at least three months. They are quite easy to use and will give you all the required information you need to keep your pool well maintained. You will get information about the pH levels, about total alkalinity and cyanuric acid and the total amount of chlorine. Or bromine, if you use that instead of chlorine. You also have the option to get yourself a liquid test kits which are more advanced and give you a bit more information, but there’s no need to use these kits as often. Once in three or four months is more than enough.
- How to use them?
Using a test strip is very easy. Just dip it in the water and hold it for at least ten seconds. The strip will start changing colors. You will also get a guide that will help you understand what the colors mean. Compare the strip with the guide and you will quickly know what your pool needs or doesn’t need.
Pump and Filter
It is well known that you cannot have a swimming pool if you do not have a pump and a filter that will constantly pump the water into circulation. This circulation is what prevents bacteria from developing, algae from growing and it is what cleans it from debris. Sure, you might be using a pool net to grab all the leaves and bugs that fall into the water, but the filter is what keeps most of the debris out of it. So, make sure you have a powerful enough pump and a durable filter. If you are looking for a high-quality hybrid filter, click here.
Filter cleaner
If you want to keep your pool healthy, then you will have to keep your cleaning equipment healthy too. Throwing in robot vacuums, brushes and a pump inside will not take care of anything. You still have to do a few checks at least a few times throughout the month.
The constant circulation of water clears the water from any debris, but it also clogs up the filter (which is a good thing). You have to check the filter at least once a week to clear it from any dirt and grime. However, sometimes, cleaning the filter might seem like an impossible because all of that dirt is stuck deep inside of it.
Fortunately, there are chemical products out there that can remove any excess residue which will improve the efficiency of the filter.
Just pour this chemical on the filter and then give it a quick wash with water and it will clear up in seconds.
Algae Brush
Naturally, there are times when you simply have more important stuff than maintain your own swimming pool. It might be easy to use a water test strip, add the chlorine and do some basic cleaning, but that will still take you at least a few hours. Sometimes, you won’t be able to spare even a few minutes.
Leaving your pool without enough chlorine for a longer period will result in algae growth and once they start spreading, cleaning them might seem impossible without the right tool.
However, with an algae brush, you will be able to scrub them off in just a few swipes. These brushes have stainless steel bristles that will be able to rip through anything. Make sure that you scrub every inch of the walls, the bottom and the corners to ensure that every piece of algae has been removed. If you do not clean it properly, the algae might spread again in no time.
Pool cover
If you do not want to deal with hundreds of leaves and bugs that have fallen into the pool then you should consider getting a pool cover. Just put it on top once you and your guests are done swimming and then you can just take it off the next day. All those bugs and leaves will be stuck on the cover, you won’t have to use the next to fish for them.
