Owning a swimming pool can be a dream come true, providing a relaxing space for family and friends to gather. However, regular pool maintenance is crucial to ensure the water remains clean, safe, and enjoyable for swimming. Maintaining a pool may seem overwhelming, but with a clear routine and the right tools, it can become a manageable and even enjoyable task.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the essentials of swimming pool care and also provide insights on the costs to hire a professional pool cleaner in Australia in 2024.
How to Take Care of Your Swimming Pool?
1. Regular Skimming and Cleaning
Debris such as leaves, insects, and dirt can quickly accumulate in your pool, especially if you have trees nearby. Skimming the surface of your pool with a pool net every few days is essential to keep it looking pristine. For more thorough cleaning, consider investing in a robotic pool vacuum to remove dirt from the bottom of the pool.
Steps for Regular Pool Cleaning:
- Skim the surface daily using a pool skimmer net.
- Brush the walls of your pool weekly to prevent algae build-up.
- Vacuum the pool floor to remove dirt and sediment.
2. Maintain the Pool’s Water Chemistry
The key to a healthy pool is maintaining the proper chemical balance. Incorrect chemical levels can lead to cloudy water, algae growth, and irritation to the skin and eyes. You’ll need to test the water at least once a week to ensure the right balance of chemicals.
Key Pool Chemicals to Maintain:
- pH levels: The ideal pH level for a swimming pool is between 7.2 and 7.8. When the pH is too low, the water becomes acidic and can corrode pool equipment. When it’s too high, the water can become cloudy and lead to scaling.
- Chlorine: Chlorine is a vital disinfectant for pool water, killing bacteria and preventing algae growth. The recommended chlorine level is between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm).
- Alkalinity: Alkalinity helps stabilize the pH level. The ideal range is between 80 and 120 ppm.
- Calcium Hardness: Too much calcium can lead to scaling, while too little can cause corrosion. Keep the calcium hardness level between 200 and 400 ppm.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Water test kit or test strips to measure pH, chlorine, and other chemical levels.
- Pool chemicals like chlorine, algaecides, and pH increasers or reducers.
3. Shock Your Pool Regularly
“Shocking” the pool means adding a large dose of chlorine to the water to kill bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that might not be removed with regular chlorination. Pool experts recommend shocking your pool every 1-2 weeks, especially after heavy use, during hot weather, or after a rainstorm.
How to Shock Your Pool:
- Ensure the pool’s pH level is balanced before shocking.
- Wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles.
- Follow the instructions on your shock product, adding it to the pool in the evening when the sun isn’t as strong, to avoid losing effectiveness due to sunlight.
4. Clean the Pool Filter
Your pool filter plays a critical role in maintaining clean water. There are three types of filters commonly used in pools: sand filters, cartridge filters, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters. Each type requires different maintenance, but in general, pool filters should be cleaned or backwashed every 4-6 weeks, depending on usage.
Types of Pool Filters:
- Sand filters require backwashing, which involves reversing the water flow through the filter to flush out debris.
- Cartridge filters need to be removed and cleaned with a hose.
- DE filters require backwashing and adding fresh DE powder.
5. Maintain Water Levels
The water level in your pool will fluctuate due to evaporation, weather conditions, and pool usage. It’s important to maintain the proper water level to ensure the pool’s pump and filter system work efficiently. The water level should typically sit halfway up the pool’s skimmer opening.
If the water level drops too low, the pump could overheat and fail. If it’s too high, the skimmer may not work effectively, and debris can remain on the surface of the pool.
6. Winterize Your Pool
If you live in an area of Australia where the temperature drops in winter months, you may want to winterize your pool during the cooler months. This process helps protect your pool from damage during periods of non-use and ensures it’s ready for the next season.
Winterizing Checklist:
- Clean the pool thoroughly.
- Balance the pool’s chemical levels.
- Lower the water level if necessary.
- Cover the pool to keep debris out.
- Shut off and drain the pump, heater, and filter.
Cost to Hire a Swimming Pool Cleaner in Australia (2024)
While some pool owners enjoy the DIY approach to pool care, others prefer to hire professional pool cleaners for convenience and expertise. The cost to hire a pool cleaner in Australia in 2024 can vary depending on factors such as location, pool size, and the frequency of cleaning required.
Average Costs:
- One-time pool cleaning: AUD 80 – AUD 150. This generally includes skimming, vacuuming, checking chemical levels, and adjusting them if necessary.
- Regular pool cleaning service (weekly or fortnightly): AUD 50 – AUD 120 per visit. This service often includes vacuuming, surface cleaning, and maintaining the chemical balance.
- Full-service cleaning and maintenance packages: AUD 120 – AUD 200 per month, which includes comprehensive care like filter cleaning, chemical testing and balancing, vacuuming, and more.
For more intensive tasks such as pool equipment repairs or deep cleaning (e.g., removing algae infestations), you might need to budget additional costs. The prices can also vary depending on your location in Australia, with pool cleaning services in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane tending to be slightly higher than in regional areas.
Choosing the Right Pool Cleaner
When hiring a professional pool cleaner, it’s essential to consider the company’s reputation, services offered, and any additional costs for pool equipment maintenance. Many pool cleaning services provide customizable plans that allow you to choose the level of care your pool needs.
Tips for Hiring a Pool Cleaner:
- Check online reviews or ask for referrals from other pool owners.
- Ask for an estimate before hiring to avoid any unexpected costs.
- Verify credentials to ensure the company is licensed and insured.
Conclusion
Taking care of a swimming pool requires regular attention, but with the right routine, it can be straightforward and rewarding. From skimming debris and maintaining water chemistry to ensuring the filter is clean and the water level is right, these steps will keep your pool sparkling clean and safe for swimming.
For those who prefer to leave the task to professionals, hiring a pool cleaner can be a cost-effective solution, especially in the long run. With service prices in Australia for 2024 ranging from AUD 50 to AUD 200 depending on the scope and frequency of cleaning, you can choose a service that best fits your needs and budget.
Whether you handle pool care yourself or hire help, maintaining your swimming pool will ensure it remains a refreshing retreat for years to come.