Owning a swimming pool is a time and financial commitment. In fact, it’s these responsibilities that prevent some people from owning their own spas. No one wants to be responsible for pool maintenance on a daily basis, especially when they could be having fun and enjoying their summer vacation. While we can’t entirely erase the obligations that a backyard oasis comes with, there are ways to ease the burden and ensure that you work smarter, not harder.
Below are the best pool care hacks we’ve discovered over the years and how they save time and money.
Balance Water Twice a Week
The more balanced your water is, the less chemicals are needed. Stick to a dependable schedule and test your water two times per week. It only takes a few minutes to run the test, if that. By doing this, you cut down on the time and money it costs to add chemicals and wait for the water to be balanced.
Use Vinegar to Remove Calcium Scaling
Calcium scaling happens, but you don’t have to spend hours of muscle power trying to remove it. Vinegar is an effective pool scale remover. Aside from the smell (definitely an acquired taste), vinegar is a safe, natural solution that removes calcium deposits in a jiff. Dilute the vinegar first, grab a sponge and watch your walls come to life again.
Try Lime Juice for Metal Stains
If you notice rust or metal stains on your pool walls, remove them with lime juice. Lime juice doesn’t have harmful chemicals, so you don’t have to worry about skin irritation or water balance. Simply squeeze the juice from several limes into a cup, add salt and apply the mixture to the stains.
Use Baking Soda to Increase pH
Another pool-friendly product you’re likely to have in the home is baking soda. If the pH levels are high, add baking soda to the water. You may also use this ingredient to clean pool tiles. Add water to the baking soda until it forms a paste, place it on the tiles and scrub away.
Purchase a Solar Cover to Preserve Heat
Solar covers are an excellent investment. They keep the water cleaner by acting as a barrier between the water and outside elements. A huge benefit to having a solar cover is heat retention. By keeping your pool covered, the water and heat won’t evaporate.
Throw in Tennis Balls to Absorb Oils
Did you know that the outer material on a tennis ball can absorb dirt and oils from the water? All you have to do is toss a few tennis balls into the water and skimmer basket, and you have an effective, natural way to soak up excess oils from sunscreen, tanning oil and more.
Run Your Filter for 8+ Hours
One of the best gifts you can give your swimming pool is good water circulation. This ensures that heat and pool chemicals are dispersed evenly, preventing cloudiness. Some people only turn the filter on when they are going to swim, but it’s more effective to run the device for at least 8 hours a day.
Paradise Pools has convenient, comprehensive maintenance plans that allow you to work less and enjoy your pool more! Call us today to learn more about our weekly services and monthly contracts.