When it comes to family entertainment, there is nothing better than a swimming pool.  It becomes the area where kids learn how to swim, the place where parents need to unwind after a long day at the office, and the center of all social gatherings. However pool cleaning is essential.

A swimming pool is seriously fun, the care is twice as serious.  It is essential to keep the water not only clean and clear but also safe for your family.  To make your maintenance easier, create a cheat sheet that will help you keep your swimming pool in top shape. The care should be easy. Do not let the chemicals and the filter system intimidate you; remember that anything needs maintenance.

First, three groups are important: circulation, cleaning, and chemicals, or the Three C’s.  Let’s take a look at them:

1. Circulation

The water stays clean if there is good water flow. You can help that it keeps flowing by doing the following:

• Empty the baskets in the skimmer and keep pumps clear of all debris
• Place the return jets into an angle mode, placing them slightly down and into the same direction that will help the water spin around the pool; and will help to push the debris up to the surface so the skimmers can grab it.
• Let the pump run for 8 to 12 hours per day. If you live in an area that is warm most of the year, let it run for a much longer time.
• Make sure the pressure is between 10 to 20 psi. Remember that if it goes down, then you must check your pump.  Otherwise, it will not keep your pool

2. Cleaning

Cleaning your swimming pool is not about the water, but also the walls and tiles. If you do not want any algae to stick to your pool walls, we recommend the following:

• Skim every day; it will stop the debris from sinking to the bottom, leaving less to vacuum, and preventing stains
• Brush twice a week; brush everywhere in your pool, and it will prevent algae to grow
• Get an automatic swimming pool cleaner, the easiest way to vacuum, and you do not have to do it. There are many of them out on the market that you can choose based on your needs.

3. Chemistry

The chemicals in the water is what keeps pool cleaning clear and helps to avoid any algae formation, or to spread any other bacteria. Is important to have a water test kit or strips in hand.    What are the chemicals?

• Acid – the measurement is pH; the level must be between 7.4 and 7.6
• Alkaline – is a stabilizer that helps the pH level from changing drastically
• Calcium – calcium hardness prevents corrosion of equipment

Now that you know what chemicals go into preserving the water clean, this is what we recommend:

• Test the water every week and that it all balances out to 7.5. You can use a water test kit or strips
• Shock the pool once a week. You only need one pound of shock treatment per 10,000 gallons of water.  Remember to wear gloves and protective glasses when you use any chemicals.

When you create a cheat sheet, it will help you remember everything regarding pool care, and to prepare a schedule.  It will help you to have your swimming pool with the best water quality and clarity.