Proper maintenance is key to ensuring crystal-clear waters and how to clean your swimming pool. At No Limits Pools, we understand the importance of keeping your pool in top shape throughout the year. We’ll guide you through the essential pool maintenance, tailored specifically for New Zealand’s climate. So, let’s dive in and learn how to clean your swimming pool with ease!
Summer run time: 10 hours a day with full chlorination
During the summer months, your pool will require more attention due to increased usage and higher temperatures. To maintain optimal water quality, run your pool pump and filtration system for approximately 10 hours a day, from 8 am to 6 pm. This extended run time ensures proper circulation and filtration, keeping your pool water clean and clear. Additionally, maintaining a 100% chlorination level helps prevent the growth of algae and bacteria, ensuring a safe swimming experience for everyone.
Winter run time: 4-6 Hours a day with reduced chlorination
As the temperature cools down during winter, you can adjust your pool’s run time and chlorination levels. Running the pool pump and filtration system for 4-6 hours a day, from 10 am to 3 pm, should be sufficient to maintain water clarity and cleanliness during this season. Reducing the chlorination to 50-70% helps strike a balance between effective sanitization and minimizing chemical consumption.
Backwash: Ensuring optimal filter performance
Regularly backwashing your pool filter is crucial for maintaining its efficiency. Follow these steps to perform a proper backwash:
- Turn off the pool pump before any operation on the pump/filter.
- Turn the filter handle to the “BACKWASH” position.
- Turn the pump on for approximately 60 seconds.
- Turn the pump off and set the filter to “RINSE.”
- Turn the pump on for 10-15 seconds.
- Turn the pump off and put the filter back in the “FILTER” position.
- Turn the pump on to resume normal filtration.
Performing a backwash every 2-3 weeks, depending on pool usage, will help keep your filter in optimal condition, ensuring efficient water circulation and improved water quality.
Vacuuming the pool: Maintaining a pristine appearance
Regular vacuuming removes debris and prevents algae buildup, keeping your pool water sparkling clean. Follow these steps to vacuum your pool effectively:
- Turn off the pool pump.
- Connect the vacuum hose to the pole and vacuum head, then place it in the pool.
- Connect the vacuum hose to the vacuum plate in the skimmer box.
- Turn the pump on and allow air to purge/prime from the system.
- Turn the valves in the pump shed to the “vacuum” position and start vacuuming the pool.
- After finishing, turn the pump off and remove the vacuum gear. Return the valves to the “open” position.
- Backwash the filter and return the valves to normal filtration.
By regularly vacuuming your pool, you’ll enjoy a visually appealing swimming environment that everyone can appreciate.
Boost mode: Quick solution for low chlorine levels
If you notice low chlorine levels or your pool water starts becoming cloudy or green, activating the “BOOST” mode can help resolve the issue. This mode runs the pool at 100% chlorination for 24 hours to boost chlorine levels and restore water clarity. Once the boost mode is complete, the timer will automatically revert to its normal setting, ensuring balanced chlorination levels.
We like to use Zodiac Exo Saltwater Chlorinators, these units have loads of different options including Wi-Fi so you can make adjustments via phone app, make adjustments to pump running times, and also can control your lights via the app is connected using a light relay box, there is also auto ph control, or auto ph and or control unit which take care and self dose your pool with chemicals, and can work with minerals salt or can upgrade to a magnesium salt unit for improved skincareSalt chlorinators are the most cost-effective way to look after your pool.
Another is the Swim Naked System, which uses copper and silver to kill bacteria and algae so you can have super low levels of chlorine in your pool, perfect for people that have sensitivity to chlorine.
Top tip:
If you don’t have a salt chlorinator in your pool, don’t put salt in your pool, but if you have a salt chlorinator, you can top the chlorine level up with liquid chlorine, granular chlorine, or tablets. With some models they have a safety feature so they don’t produce chlorine in cold water temperatures of 15 degrees or under this is due to chlorine being more stable/doesn’t get used by algae and bacteria, or sun exposure. And stops the unit from over-dosing your pool.
And remember when adding chemicals, liquids can be poured or spread around your pool, granular chlorine or tablets should be put in the skimmer box, as the granules can stain the surface of your pool if they do not dissolve entirely, and lay to rest on your pool floor.
At No Limits Pools, we are your trusted pool maintenance and repair experts in New Zealand. If you’re facing issues with a green pool, cracked surfaces, or any other pool-related problems, we’re here to help. Our team of professionals is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and ensuring your pool remains in top condition throughout the year.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or discuss your pool maintenance needs. Let us take care of your pool, so you can relax and enjoy a pristine swimming experience. Email us at admin@nolimitspools.co.nz or give us a call at 022 313 9282 to get started.
Remember, a well-maintained pool is a source of endless enjoyment for you and your family. Don’t let any issues dampen your swimming experience. Trust No Limits Pools for all your pool build, maintenance and repair needs.