Installing a new pool in your backyard can be very exciting for the whole family! Although, to fully enjoy your new acquisition and for many years, you must take good care of it. You will then have the pleasure to swim and play in clear water all summer!
In addition to being a lot more attractive, clear, treated water has lots of advantages. Treatment of your pool water, whether you use chlorine or salt, protects you from risks of infection after swimming and ensures proper function of your filtering system. Furthermore, regular maintenance can protect the pool structure from corrosion and premature wear. You must also remember that pool water is a living environment that responds to outside temperature and the surrounding environment. The number of swimmers in the pool and frequency of use can also affect water quality. Your pool therefore requires careful attention!
In addition to being a lot more attractive, clear, treated water has lots of advantages. Treatment of your pool water, whether you use chlorine or salt, protects you from risks of infection after swimming and ensures proper function of your filtering system. Furthermore, regular maintenance can protect the pool structure from corrosion and premature wear. You must also remember that pool water is a living environment that responds to outside temperature and the surrounding environment. The number of swimmers in the pool and frequency of use can also affect water quality. Your pool therefore requires careful attention!
Canac offers pool and spa maintenance products from the EQWA brand, known for their excellent value for money. In addition, the products are compatible with the free in-store water analysis service. To make your life easier, Canac also offers pool opening and closing kits.
Treatment with chlorine
Chlorine-based swimming pool disinfectants are still the most commonly used. Such products, to handle with care, allow to clean water by killing bacteria and algae that may develop. Chlorine comes in various forms: granules, tablets or liquid. Granules are often preferred because they are affordable and dissolve quickly. Although, if you leave for vacations, tablets allow a greater self-sufficiency, as they last longer. It’s important to check your chlorine levels daily using an Oto-phenol test. Simple to use, it gives you information on the chlorine concentration and pH of your water. Indeed, as chlorine affects the pH level, you must check it regularly.
Salt system
You can also equip your pool with a salt chlorinator. This system allows to turn salt into natural chlorine by electrolysis. The main advantage of this option is that you’ll avoid handling of hazardous chemicals. Also, one verification a week is enough since this type of chlorine is less volatile. Because salt is highly corrosive, it is not recommended for pools with a metal structure, but it is suitable for resin pools.
Pool filter
This part is essential to filter out any particles found in the pool and keep the water clear. The filter’s work is therefore doing about 80% of the water maintenance. Sand filters are often used because they require little maintenance. They can be used for 5 years before the sand inside needs to be replaced. To optimize the filter’s efficiency, you just have to wash it with a cleaning product made for this purpose. That product helps to remove fats and oils that are embedded so deep in the sand that even a backwash could not remove.
Pool cleaning
Even if the filter is efficient to remove a lot of debris, it cannot do everything! You also have to remove daily the leaves, insects and other residues that may fall in your pool using a leaf skimmer. To clean the bottom, you will need to use a pool vacuum or a pool cleaner at least once a week. Make sure to scrub the walls to remove all the limestone and organic material residues.
Fighting algae
Despite your best efforts, algae still may spread in your pool water. If the edge of your pool is sticky and your water is turning green, it’s time to do something! It often happens after a heat wave. You can then count on algaecide to overcome those unwanted plants. You will have to use liquid algaecide to destroy the growing algae in your pool. For prevention, use a less concentrated product to prevent their outbreak. You should know that pools with a salt system require the use of preventive algaecide, because that type of chlorine does not stop algae from developing. Also remember that algaecide only controls algae but not bacteria and potential viruses.
Shock treatment
Fortunately, there is a solution to save your pool water from trouble! If your water has turned green, a shock treatment should bring it back to normal by destroying all bacteria, algae and microorganisms that have multiplied.
Mistakes to avoid
To start out on the right foot with your pool, make sure to get informed about the proper maintenance for your type of pool. You will realize that it’s not that hard to take care of your installation, you just have to keep some details in mind. Here are some common mistakes that you can easily avoid so you can enjoy your basin for a long time:
- Be careful! If you add chlorine into your pool, you must handle it with great care. It is crucial to always add chlorine into water, but never the opposite, as it could cause an explosion.
- You must ensure accurate dosing of chlorine before adding it into your pool. Too much chlorine could burn the cover, reducing its life, and damage swimming suits.
- Do not neglect maintenance during the summer! You just need a few minutes a day to check chlorine and pH levels and make some adjustments. It’s the best way not to lose control and to save a good quality water all season long.
- A few times during summer, it can be helpful to have your water analyzed. Do not hesitate to bring a sample at your nearest Canac store to have it tested. Our service is free!
- Don’t forget to verify whether your installation is safe and compliant with municipal standards. It’s never worth risking an accident!
Now that you know all the secrets to have a clear, inviting water, you can just read its temperature with a thermometer before you take the plunge! Make the most of your pool, and check out our selection of pool games and floats.
Looking for more tips to make the most of your pool and outdoor setup? Read our article here.
