Pool cleaning – some handy hints

Got a new swimming pool? Make sure you arrange to maintain it correctly so you, and your guests, can enjoy a safe, refreshing splash about every time you use it. Read our brief guide to pool cleaning.

A pool has many benefits but if not looked after correctly, it can be unnecessarily expensive to run and unsafe for those using it. Recruit a reputable, knowledgeable company to clean and balance the pool chemicals. If you plan to spend long periods away from your Lanzarote home, make sure you employ a licensed property management company who will arrange all aspects of the pool’s maintenance.
An experienced pool cleaner may charge a little more but it will certainly save you money in the long run

Here are a few pointers, courtesy of swimming pool company Piscinas y Jacuzzis.

How often should my pool be cleaned?
If you have guests at your property, the swimming pool should be cleaned and chemically balanced twice a week, if the pool is not being used, once a week is sufficient.

What chemicals do I need?
You need three basic chemical additives to sanitize your pool: alkalinity, ph and chlorine (or the equivalent, non-chlorine sanitizer). These can be tested with aquacheck testing strips, are extremely accurate and only takes 15 seconds. Your ideal levels are:
• Total alkalinity 80-140ppm
• Ph 7.2 – 7.6
• Chlorine 1.5 - 2.0ppm.
All the chemicals you need can be bought locally from companies, such as Piscinas y Jacuzzis.

Why does the chlorine make my eyes sting?
Chlorine does not make your eyes sting; your eyes sting because your pool is acidic or too alkaline, so with the correct chemical balance no more stingy eyes! The ph of a human eye is 7.4 so this is why, to be comfortable, the ph should be 7.2 – 7.6.

I am going back to the UK for three months can I just switch my pool off?
NO! If you do, by the time you come back your pool will be very green with lots of wriggly creatures living in it! You should leave your pool on normal running 6-8 hours a day and have your pool cleaned and the chemicals checked once a week.

How often should I back-wash my pool?
You should back-wash your swimming pool every time you clean it, or at least once a week, do not wait for the pressure to build upon the gauge or lack of pressure in the jets. Back-wash until your spy glass is clear of grit (normally, 1-2 minutes).