There’s no better way to relax after a hectic day than to bask in the sun in your own swimming pool. But you’ll only add more stress to your life if you don’t properly maintain your pool equipment. Whether your pool cleaning systems need an upgrade or you don’t know the first thing about a good pool skimmer, this handy checklist will help you make the most of your prized investment.
It Takes More Than a Pool Vacuum to Keep Your Pool in Great Shape
Although we all wish we had a magic wand to maintain our pools to perfection, chances are you’ll have to put some thought into your pool equipment to keep it clean and in good working condition. Let’s take some of the guesswork out of it with a quick checklist.
- Pool Skimmer
Nothing scoops out dirt, debris and bugs from the pool better than a good-old skimmer. But today, you’ll find more choices than ever to make this task even easier. From hand skimmers to wall skimmers, from standard size to wide-mouth, there are tons of options to suit your needs, along with pool skimmer accessories that make the job even more convenient.
- Chemicals
Another well-known addition to all pool cleaning systems is chlorine—the powerful chemical that keeps your water sanitized. Keep a lot on hand to ensure a clean and sparkling swim. You’ll also want to know where to find chemicals like algaecide to take care of algae, and sodium carbonate to keep the water from becoming too acidic and corroding your plumbing.
- Water Analysis Kit
While many pool supply companies offer free computerized water analyses, owning your own water-testing kit will help you know for sure if your pool contains the right amount of chemicals. It’s also easy to use after your first try!
- Pool Vacuum
Your pool skimmer won’t be able to capture all the dirt floating around your pool. That’s the job of the pool vacuum. A good automatic one, some hoses and vacuum replacement parts when you need them, will grab that deeper, hard-to-reach grime that’s sticking around your pool floor. You can come across some pretty high-tech pool cleaning systems the bigger your budget gets, but it’s easy to find an affordable one that does the work well.
- Pool Brushes
When dirt and stains don’t disappear with the pool vacuum, a pool brush is in order. Give them a hardy scrub and you should be able to loosen up the residue.
- Pool Cover
When it’s time to say good-bye for the season, a sturdy pool cover will keep your pool protected. From solar covers and winter covers to leaf-net covers and safety covers, you’ll find what you’re looking for at your local pool equipment
- Pool Floats and Toys
Let’s not forget about the fun and games! Stock up on plenty of pool floats for all ages, as well as pool toys for the younger ones (and the young at heart!). Consider a basketball hoop, a volleyball net, flippers and more.
Stock Up or Locate Replacement Parts
Arm yourself with these pool tools, and you can prevent the headache that poor maintenance and preparedness will bring you. And if it’s just too much to take on with your busy schedule, a pool supplies professional would be glad to help!