How to Clean a Swimming Pool

swimming pool

A swimming pool is an indoor or outdoor body of water used for recreational bathing. It is usually located close to the house, with a deck or patio surrounding it for access. The pool can be made of concrete or fiberglass. It may be heated to allow year-round swimming, and it is often equipped with a diving board and handrails for safety. Pools can also be used for competition and exercise, such as water polo. Some people also use them for thalassotherapy, the ancient practice of using seawater to heal the skin.

Keeping a pool clean requires daily testing and routine maintenance. The levels of organic contaminants must be kept low to prevent bacterial and viral diseases. Typical methods for cleaning a swimming pool include pumps, mechanical sand filters, and disinfectants.

Levels of chlorine in a pool should be maintained at between 1 and 2 ppm (parts per million) to ensure the water is properly disinfected. When the chlorine level is too low, the pool must be “shocked,” which involves adding a significant amount of chlorine to the water. A pool professional can help a homeowner decide whether or not to shock the pool. It is typically done at night so the chemicals can work to purify the water overnight.

A skimmer basket should be emptied regularly to remove floating debris, and the vacuum should be run weekly to remove organic waste from the bottom of the pool. Ideally, the bottom of the pool should be brushed before vacuuming to prevent buildup. Using a toothbrush to brush the walls of the pool removes dirt and debris from the porous concrete or fiberglass surfaces, which helps the vacuuming process. Old tennis balls wrapped in cloth make great scrubbing tools for metal stains on the corners of a pool, as well.