Concrete pools are the most expensive swimming pools to install. This is because these pools can take up to six months to install, which is a lot of labor, but that’s not the only thing that makes them so expensive. On average, a concrete pool can last about 50 years, but that’s not without maintenance. And they need a lot of maintenance, which is partially what makes them so expensive.
However, concrete pools are incredibly beautiful and, as mentioned, long lasting. If you want to get the most out of your money and keep your pool looking its best, look at how to properly maintain your concrete pool.
Regularly Skim the Water
It’s an unfortunate truth, but things like dead bugs, twigs, leaves, and other debris will end up floating in your pool if you don’t keep it constantly covered. While your skimmer box will handle some of this, you need to skim your pool and remove debris when you notice it starting to collect. All you need to do is grab your pool skimmer, scoop up any floating debris, and throw it in the trash—this should only take you a few minutes.
You should also make it a habit to check your skimmer box at least once every other week to ensure it isn’t clogged. If your skimmer box gets clogged, your main filtration system won’t work correctly, and you’ll quickly end up with a dirty pool.
Brush and Vacuum Weekly
Concrete pools are incredibly porous, and once algae takes root, it can be hard to get it to stop spreading. Brushing the walls of your pools once a week can inhibit algae growth and keep your pool water clear. Simply take your pool brush and scrub from the top to the bottom of the walls in a downward motion. If you notice any bright red, purple, or black marks, these are metal stains, which are signs that your pool needs resurfacing. No amount of scrubbing will get them out.
Vacuuming your pool is also an important part of inhibiting algae growth. You can use your pool vacuum in the same way you’d use your brush—just don’t forget the bottom of your pool! Understandably, you may want to skip out on this process occasionally because it can be time consuming. If you don’t want to put in all that elbow grease, consider investing in an automatic pool vacuum that’ll brush and vacuum for you. The only thing you’ll have to do is clean out the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Maintain Your Water Chemistry
Maintaining your pool’s water chemistry isn’t just about preventing algae growth. Without proper maintenance, your water can become too corrosive and eat away at the surface of your pool. To maintain your pool’s water chemistry, you first must check the pH and chlorine levels at least once every other week.
If your test reveals something is out of balance, you’ll need to add the appropriate chemicals to adjust the levels. If you’re unsure what chemicals to add—as they can vary widely depending on the type of pool and what’s out of balance—ask the workers at your local pool shop. They’ll be able to guide you as you become more familiar with pool maintenance.
Now that you know how to properly maintain your concrete pool, you can enjoy crystal-clear waters all year round. It may seem like a lot of work at first, but once you get into the habit, pool maintenance is easy and well worth the effort.
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