How can you keep leaves, twigs, and other debris out of your swimming pool?
If you’re a nature lover, then living on a property with trees all around you can be a dream come true. However, if you have a swimming pool in your backyard, you’re likely to deal with a lot of debris getting in the water. Today, we’re going to give you some pool maintenance tips on how to keep your pool clean when living in a wooded area:
Check the Pool Periodically
The first thing to keep in mind when trying to keep your pool clean is that you must be willing to check it on a routine basis. If you live in a wooded area and go weeks without inspecting the pool, you’re likely to discover lots of debris floating in the water. If you’re like most homeowners, the frequency of checking the pool will be partially dependent on the time of the year because wind and other weather elements can disperse more debris.
Install a Quality Pool Cover
Removing debris from the top of a pool cover is a lot easier than removing it from the pool itself. If you install a pool cover and tend to get a lot of debris piled up, then you’ll probably want to get either a push broom that will reach across or a leaf blower that will make cleaning the cover a lot easier. As a basic rule of thumb, you’ll want to use these techniques first and then clean up the debris from the pool deck that’s been moved away from the cover.
Routinely Skim the Water
If you want to keep your pool clean, you should always have a skimmer net (also called a leaf net) available. To make the job easier, pick up a telescopic pole that allows for attachments such as skimmer nets and pool brushes. You’ll want to use the skimmer net to remove debris from the surface of your pool before swimming, but it can also be helpful to give it a quick skimming whenever you leave the pool.
Pick Up a Pool Vacuum Cleaner
The debris from surrounding trees won’t always stay on the pool’s surface. Much of it will sink to the bottom, especially bits of dirt. Vacuuming your pool can be done manually, but there are also devices available such as suction-side and pressure-side pool cleaners. There are pros and cons of using these types of cleaners, so we’d recommend you discuss your options with a swimming pool cleaning company.
Pick Up a Robotic Cleaner
If you want to have an easier time cleaning your pool, then we suggest that you purchase a robotic cleaner. These automatic pool cleaners work in the same way that the popular Roomba vacuum cleaner works inside your home. These devices can get a bit pricey, so you’ll need to factor in cost versus convenience to determine if this device will be worth it.
Trim Trees When Possible
Whether or not you’ll be able to trim the trees in a wooded area will depend on the specifics of your property. You may have troublesome trees that hang over your property which can be trimmed back periodically to help cut down on leaves, branches, and other issues. However, if you have trees on every side of the property because of your home’s particular location, this may not be a feasible option.
Brush the Entire Pool
When you live in a wooded area, all sorts of debris can get inside your pool and dirty up the water. In addition to removing debris from the surface, you’ll also need to concentrate on the sides and bottom of the pool, in addition to the walls, ladders, and corners. We recommend brushing your pool twice a week. Even though you live in a wooded area with more debris, this should still suffice.
Balance the Chemicals
No matter where you live, it’s always important to test the pool’s water chemistry and then use chemicals to maintain a proper balance. It’s recommended that you test the water’s chlorine level and pH level at least twice per week. If you’re having difficulty maintaining the schedule, there are automatic options that you can consider. These devices are quite expensive, but homeowners typically swear by their convenience. Choosing a saltwater pool will eliminate these tasks.
Hire a Professional Pool Maintenance Crew
If you live in a wooded area and don’t have the time or inclination to keep your pool clean, then you may want to consider hiring a professional cleaning crew. The cost of this option will depend on your location, size of the pool, amount of work involved, etc. For many homeowners, this is the most attractive option because it helps ensure that the pool is always ready to go.
Contact Larsen’s Pool & Spa for Swimming Pool Installation
Larsen’s Pool & Spa is the premier leader of custom pool builders in Tampa Bay and can help you with new pool construction and pool renovations. If you have any questions about how to keep your pool clean or would like to learn about our pool financing options, give us a call at (727) 786-7665 today to schedule a free consultation.
