Having a pool may seem like the height of luxury. Unfortunately, the indulgence comes with added responsibility. Pool upkeep can be time consuming, but it's relatively simple and inexpensive. Most homeowners can easily accomplish the task without any professional help. Just follow these simple DIY pool maintenance steps.

Clean the Water

The most common thing you will have to do to keep your pool clean is to skim the top of the water to remove any debris. This should be done as needed, but at least once a week during swimming season. If too many leaves or other outdoor fragments build up in the pool, the filter can get clogged and will cause the pool water to become dirty and stagnant. While you're removing rubbish from the water, look out for water mold or discoloration. These are signs that the water is unbalanced and should be sanitized.

Clean Pool Sides

Once the water is more or less free of debris, you'll need to clean the floor and walls of the pool. First, brush off any algae. Next you'll want to vacuum the pool to remove any other lingering residue. This takes about 30 minutes and should be done weekly, but it will greatly improve the quality of your pool. The filter should also be cleaned at this time. Just take it out and rinse it, to allow optimal water flow. It is important to maintain the correct water level to ensure that the filter can work properly.

Keep the Water Balanced

Even if your pool's water looks clear and clean, it may be chemically imbalanced, which can lead to slime, algae and mold. To prevent this, test the water's pH to make sure it's around 7.2- 7.6. If the pH is higher, add granular or muriatic acid to the deep end to lower it. If the pH is too low, add a soda ash product. A shock treatment should also be administered weekly. This will prevent the chlorine from combining with and irritating the skin.

Make Seasonal Changes

If you live somewhere that drops below freezing, your pool should be properly winterized before the cold months. Drain water from the pool and use an air compressor to dry out the pool's plumbing. Nontoxic antifreeze can also be poured into heaters and filters if they cannot dry out. Clean the pool and cover it, and it should be good to go as soon as the weather warms.

If you live somewhere with a lot of rain, steps should be taken to keep your pool water clean and level. Rain can wash in debris and can cause pH imbalances. Test the water 24 hours after raining and apply a shock treatment.

Getting the pool ready for swimming can also take some time. Once the weather starts to warm, uncover the pool and fill it up. You will have to add chemicals to the pool and continue testing the water for a week, while the water's chemistry becomes balanced and swimmable.

For more information, contact Aquatic Builders or a similar company.