A poorly maintained swimming pool is a health risk to those using it. It can be a breeding ground for infectious organisms and harmful bacteria which can be potentially fatal or cause serious illness. Private swimming pools, leisure centres and campsites with swimming pools need regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure swimming pool users are safe and healthy when using the facilities.
Another of the main reasons to keep the pools clean and healthy is the financial element – especially from a commercial point of view. As a pool owner, you want to make money from people using your pool. Swimmers love nothing more than a clean, pristine pool to swim in.
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Here are a few more important reasons for cleaning swimming pools:
To prevent the growth of algae which multiply rapidly and form slimy green floating or coat surfaces. These organisms are commonly brought in the pool by soil, wind, flood or by cleaning equipment. Algaecide can be used to control algae. Brushing and vacuuming of the wall and floor of the pool should be considered at least once a week to remove visible debris and algae from the pool.
To prevent cloudy water, metal corrosion, staining, scale formation and keep swimmers comfortable. To maintain a sparkling and clean pool, regular testing of PH levels should be done to check the alkalinity of the water. If the PH level is high or low, sodium bicarbonate is used to maintain proper water balance. The ideal PH level ranges between 7.4 and 7.6.
To prevent rapid consumption of chlorine if the swimming pool is exposed to sunlight directly. Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) is added to reduce the amount of chlorine consumed. The level of chlorine in the water should not exceed 50 mg/L and not be less than 30 mg/L.
To prevent leaves, breeding of mosquitoes, and water loss from evaporation. Covering the pool with a pool cover provides the best solution, especially when the pool is not in use.
To prevent microorganisms and harmful bacteria that may be present in the pool. Using disinfectant like chlorine in the swimming pool helps fight bacteria and other organisms. The chlorine dispenser or skimmer is used to spread the chlorine granules in the pool. If not properly maintained the bacteria could build up, leading to illnesses like respiratory infections, skin rashes, and eye infections.
To remove dirt from the pool by use of flocculants; a product that causes all small particles to cling together which can easily be removed by the filter later.
To remove iron, copper, silver, calcium and other metals from swimming pool water without emptying the pool by use of metal magic. The process is known as iron level correction where the pool water turns brown or brown algae grows.
To make good circulation of swimming pool water by cleaning the filter regularly to remove initial dirt that clogs the filter cartridge. The swimming pool water becomes dirty after some time of frequent usage and hence the need to remove the dirty water and refill with clean water. To avoid too much contamination from rain and well water, use main or tap water.
If, when cleaning the swimming pool, you notice that a significant amount of water has been lost and not through evaporation, it is crucial to call a pool expert to find the leakage and repair the problem as soon as possible.
To keep the water from freezing especially during the winter season where the above ground pools can be damaged. The best thing to do is to keep the pump running and to cover the pool.
The cost of maintenance is lower when the swimming pool is regularly cleaned and well maintained because there are fewer replacements.
Pool inspection, renovation, services, and repairs requires pool professionals to keep top conditions of swimming pools to attract more visitors and hygiene of swimmers. If you have a pool that needs cleaning, repairing, refurbishing or renovating, you can trust in Kent Pool Services to help you moving forward.
Call us today if you have any swimming pool related questions.