Summer in Melbourne brings long, hot days, and there’s nothing better than cooling off in a refreshing pool. However, maintaining a sparkling clean pool during this sweltering season can be a challenge. With the increased temperature, sunlight, and activity around the pool, keeping the water clear, balanced, and inviting requires regular attention. If you’re wondering how to maintain a crystal-clear pool in Melbourne’s summer heat, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore the essential steps to ensure your pool stays pristine all season long.
1. Regular Pool Cleaning
One of the most important aspects of fibreglass pools melbourne pool maintenance is consistent cleaning. Dirt, leaves, insects, and even oils from sunscreen can quickly accumulate in your pool, making the water cloudy and uninviting. In Melbourne’s summer, when the weather is hot, debris can build up faster than usual.
Skim the Surface
Use a pool skimmer daily to remove leaves, twigs, and debris from the surface. It’s easy to do, and it helps prevent the dirt from sinking to the bottom. Skimming also ensures that your filtration system won’t have to work harder than necessary, which could lead to inefficiencies.
Vacuum the Pool
In addition to skimming, vacuum the pool’s floor and walls at least once a week. This process helps remove dirt and debris that may have settled at the bottom. While many modern pools are equipped with robotic pool vacuums, manual vacuums are just as effective. Make sure to spend extra time on areas where debris tends to accumulate, such as the deep end or corners.
Clean the Pool Filter
The filter is the heart of your pool’s circulation system. Over time, it collects dirt and debris, which can impede its function. Clean the filter every month during the summer to ensure it’s working optimally. If you have a cartridge filter, remove it and rinse it with a hose. For sand filters, backwash the system to flush out the trapped particles.
2. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry
Maintaining the correct water chemistry is essential for keeping your pool clear and safe to swim in. The warmer summer temperatures in Melbourne can affect the chemical balance, so it’s crucial to test and adjust your pool’s water regularly.
Test Your Pool Water
Use a pool water testing kit to check the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels at least once a week. These tests ensure that your pool’s water remains safe, clean, and clear. The ideal pH level for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.6, while the alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million). Chlorine levels should be maintained between 1.5 and 3.0 ppm.
If any of these levels are off, adjust the chemicals accordingly. If the pH is too high, use a pH decreaser (usually muriatic acid) to lower it, or if it’s too low, a pH increaser (soda ash) can raise it. Similarly, for chlorine imbalances, either add more chlorine or stabiliser, or reduce it with a chlorine neutraliser.
Stabilising Chlorine Levels
Chlorine can break down quickly in the harsh Australian sun, especially in Melbourne’s hot summer days. Consider using a stabiliser (cyanuric acid) to protect the chlorine and help it last longer. This will prevent your pool from turning green due to algae growth and keep the water clear.
3. Keep the Pool Water Circulating
Proper circulation is crucial for maintaining clean and clear pool water. Without adequate circulation, chemicals can’t be evenly distributed, and debris can accumulate, leading to cloudy or dirty water. Ensuring your pool’s pump and filtration system is running smoothly will help prevent these issues.
Run Your Pool Pump
Run your pool pump for at least 8 to 12 hours a day during Melbourne’s summer heat. This allows the pool water to circulate thoroughly, ensuring the filter can catch debris, and the chemicals are well-mixed throughout the pool. If your pool is larger, you might need to run the pump for even longer.
Check the Pump and Pool Equipment
Regularly inspect your pump, filter, and other pool equipment for any signs of wear or damage. A malfunctioning pump can severely affect your pool’s filtration system, so make sure everything is in good working order before the summer heat peaks. If you’re unsure about the condition of your pool’s equipment, it’s a good idea to get a professional pool service to inspect it.
4. Add Algaecide Regularly
Melbourne’s heat can encourage the growth of algae, which can quickly turn a crystal-clear pool into a murky, green mess. Algae thrives in warm, sunny conditions, and if left untreated, it can spread rapidly, clogging filters and making the pool unsafe for swimming.
Use Algaecide
To prevent algae growth, use an algaecide that’s specifically designed for your type of pool. Apply it weekly or as recommended, particularly after heavy rain or periods of high pool activity. Ensure that you continue to maintain proper chlorine levels, as chlorine works together with algaecides to kill any algae present in your pool.
5. Shock Your Pool
Shocking your pool means adding a large dose of chlorine to the water to eliminate bacteria, algae, and contaminants that may have accumulated over time. Shocking is particularly important after a pool party, heavy rainfall, or periods of intense sun exposure. It’s a good way to reset your pool’s water chemistry and ensure it’s clear and safe.
When to Shock
In summer, you should shock your pool every 1-2 weeks, but if you notice the water looking cloudy or smelling musty, it’s time for a shock treatment. Choose a non-chlorine shock if you prefer to avoid raising your chlorine levels too high, but chlorine-based shock treatments are often more effective for clearing up cloudy water.
6. Maintain the Pool’s Surroundings
The cleanliness of your pool’s surroundings can significantly affect its water clarity. Regularly clean the pool’s deck, nearby trees, and any outdoor furniture to prevent debris from blowing into the water. You should also trim any trees or plants that overhang the pool, as these can drop leaves and twigs into the water, adding to the cleaning workload.
7. Hire a Professional Pool Service
If keeping your pool crystal clear seems like too much to handle on your own, or if you simply don’t have the time, consider hiring a professional pool service. These experts can take care of everything, from regular cleaning to maintaining the water chemistry, ensuring your pool stays in top condition throughout the summer.
Conclusion
Keeping your Melbourne pool crystal clear in the heat of summer requires regular attention, but with the right maintenance routine, you can enjoy a sparkling, clean pool throughout the season. From regular cleaning and water testing to ensuring your pool’s equipment is functioning properly, these steps will help maintain the clarity of your pool water. Keep an eye on your pool’s water chemistry, protect it from algae, and don’t forget to shock it regularly for the best results. With a little effort, you’ll be able to enjoy the perfect swimming experience in your Melbourne backyard, all summer long.
