How to Keep Your Swimming Pool Clean

Last updated on February 18, 2024

Summer is in full swing, and that means one thing for many people: swimming! A great way to cool off during the hot summer months is to take a dip in your backyard swimming pool.

But before you can enjoy a refreshing swim, you need to make sure your pool is clean. We will provide some tips on how to keep your swimming pool clean using DIY methods.

Table of Contents

Get a Pool Cleaner

swimming pool cleaner robot

One of the best ways to keep your swimming pool clean is to invest in a quality pool cleaner. There are many different types of pool cleaners on the market, so you will need to do some research to find the right one for your needs. You can also get a robotic swimming pool cleaner that will do all the work for you! Or, if you are crafty, you can even make your own pool cleaner using a few household items.

For instance, you can use an old laundry basket to create a pool skimmer. Just make sure to put some holes in the bottom of the basket so that the water can pass through. Once you have a pool cleaner, you can use it to remove debris from the bottom and sides of your pool.

Sanitize With Liquid Chlorine “Bleach”

Another way to keep your pool clean is to sanitize it with liquid chlorine “bleach.” This is a chemical that will kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present in the water. You can purchase liquid chlorine at most hardware stores. Just be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully, as too much chlorine can be harmful to your health. You will also need to test the chlorine levels in your pool regularly to make sure they are at a safe level.

Raise Ph Level with Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

If the pH level in your pool is too low, it can be corrosive and cause skin irritation. To raise the pH level, you can add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to the water. Baking soda is a great way to naturally raise the pH level in your pool without using harsh chemicals. Just be sure to test the pH level regularly to make sure it is not too high.

Lower pH Level with Muriatic Acid

If the pH level in your pool is too high, you can lower it by adding muriatic acid. Muriatic acid is a chemical that can be found at most hardware stores. Just be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully, as too much acid can be harmful to your health. You will also need to test the pH level regularly to make sure it is not too low.

Remove Metal Stains with Vitamin C

If you have metal stains in your pool, you can remove them by adding vitamin C to the water. Vitamin C is a natural oxidizer and will help to break down the metal molecules that are causing the stains. Just be sure to test the pH level of the water after you add the vitamin C, as it can raise the pH level.

Remove Scaling with Vinegar or Citric Acid

If you have scaling on the walls or floor of your pool, you can remove it by adding vinegar or citric acid to the water. Vinegar and citric acid are both natural acids that will help to break down the scale. Just be sure to test the pH level of the water after you add the vinegar or citric acid, as it can lower the pH level.

Clean the Pump Filter

It is important to clean the pump filter regularly to ensure that your pool water is being filtered properly. A clogged pump filter can cause your pool water to become dirty and cloudy. To clean the pump filter, simply remove it from the pump and rinse it off with a garden hose. You should also backwash the filter regularly to remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped inside.

Be Vigilant and Check Your Pool Regularly 

You should check your pool at least once a week to make sure that the pH level is balanced and there is no debris in the water. You can use a pool test kit to test the pH level and chlorine levels in your pool. If you find that the pH level is off, you can adjust it by adding chemicals to the water. If you find that there is debris in the pool, you can remove it with a pool skimmer or vacuum.

Skim Pool Surface Every Day

It’s important to skim the surface of your pool every day to remove any leaves or debris that may have fallen in. A pool skimmer is a tool that you can use to remove debris from the surface of the water. Just be sure to empty the skimmer basket regularly so that it doesn’t overflow. 

Brush Pool Walls and Floor Weekly

It’s also important to brush the walls and floor of your pool on a weekly basis. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be clinging to the sides. You can use a pool brush to brush the walls and floor of your pool. Just be sure to move the brush in a circular motion to avoid scratching the surface.

Vacuum Pool Bottom

Last but not least, you should vacuum the bottom of your pool on a regular basis. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that has settled on the bottom of the pool. You can purchase a handheld vacuum at most hardware stores. Just be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully, as too much suction can damage your pool liner.

There you have it! These are just a few tips on how to keep your swimming pool clean using DIY methods. Just remember to test the chlorine and pH levels regularly and to remove debris from the bottom and sides of your pool with a quality pool cleaner. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your pool looking sparkling clean all season long! Thanks for reading!