Swim season offers plenty of opportunities to make memories in and around the pool, especially during pool parties synonymous with summer. However, after the party, there is some cleaning up to do, especially when it comes to pool water care. Taking care of the pool water after a party is crucial to ensure the pool remains clean and healthy. Although party remnants may scatter around the pool, it is essential to focus on what has changed in the water and address it.
At pool parties, guests move around the yard frequently. They may start sunbathing on the pool deck in lounge chairs and applying sunscreen, then move to the grass to socialize with others, and eventually jump into the pool. This pattern repeats throughout the event, and the location changes happen even faster with kids around.
When someone enters the pool, they introduce more contaminants into the water. Sweat, sunscreen, cosmetics, grass, dirt, pollen, urine, and other substances can all find their way in. Additionally, food and drinks served at the party may end up in the pool.
Before hosting a pool party, many pool owners clean and balance their pool water to impress their guests. However, it is important to note that once the party is over, the added effort needs to be applied again. When pool owners notice that the water appears cloudier than before, the chemicals in the pool have been overwhelmed by more swimmers.
While pool sanitizers kill germs and bacteria in the water, breaking down and filtering out all excess contaminants requires added pool water care steps.
Step 1 – Test the Water
It can be tempting to add chemicals to a cloudy pool immediately to address the perceived issue. The reality is that the only way to get a clear picture of what’s going on with the chemical balance is to test the water. Various testing products are easy to use and reliable. Once the results are ready, add the appropriate chemicals to restore balance.
Step 2 – Brush and Vacuum
After testing the water, pool owners should brush the walls and surfaces to remove any build-up. Using the correct tools based on the pool type is essential to avoid damage. Look for a brand product with various high-quality brushes for every kind of pool or spa, safely removing build-up from all pool areas.
After cleaning the surfaces and the removed the excess debris and algae, vacuum the pool to eliminate contaminants that may have settled on the bottom. After testing the water, brush the pool walls and other pool surfaces to loosen any build-up. Sometimes when pool owners see a lot of build-up on the pool walls, they want to tackle it with an extra abrasive brush.
However, pool owners must ensure they have the proper tools for their pool type to avoid damage to the pool surface.
Once loosening the algae and excess debris from the pool surfaces, it is a good time to vacuum the pool to clear out many contaminants now resting on the bottom.
Step 3 – Shock the Pool
After a pool party, it’s common for the pool sanitizer to become overwhelmed due to more people using the oasis. To address this, adding shock is a practical solution.
Tips for Shocking the Pool
- It is important to know if the pool shock you’re using, like calcium hypochlorite (cal hypo), requires dissolving before adding it to the pool or ensure that it is safe to add it directly to the water.
- For chlorine shocks, use after the sun goes down so that the sun doesn’t burn the unstabilized chlorine, isn’t burnt off in the sunlight.
- Keep in mind that various types of shock require different amounts of time for the water to become safe for swimming again. This period can vary from 15 minutes to eight hours, with most falling into the 8-hour or more extended range. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the product to ensure safety.
Step 4 – Clean/Backwash the Filter
After a pool party, the excess matter that didn’t stick to the walls gets filtered through the pool’s filter system. Therefore, cleaning the filter once the party is over is necessary.
How to Clean a Cartridge Filter:
- Turn the pump off.
- Release the air from the filter.
- Remove the cartridge from the tank.
- Start by removing any big debris particles. Make sure to separate the folds to ensure a deep clean.
- To clean the cartridge, use cartridge filter cleaning spray if it’s not too dirty. Soak it in a cleaning solution as instructed in the manual if it requires deeper cleaning. Be sure to follow the directions carefully for mixing and usage.
- After the soaking or spraying, use a garden hose to rinse the filter thoroughly with water.
How to Clean a DE or Sand Filter:
- Turn off the pump.
- Attach the backwash hose.
- Move the valve to the backwash position.
- Turn the filter system on and allow it to run for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Turn the system back off.
- Move the valve to the rinse position.
- Turn the system back on and rinse for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Turn the system off and move the valve to the filter position.
- At this point, DE filters will typically need other diatomaceous earth added (the amount will depend on the model and indicated in the manual).
Remember that our designers at Platinum Pools are ready to help design the perfect pool for your backyard. Call us today at 281-870-1600 or visit our website for a free quote.