Keeping your summer pool sparkling: top tips for parents

Hey there, pool-loving parents of South Africa! Summer is in full swing, and it’s time to make the most of your swimming pool. There’s nothing quite like a refreshing dip in your pool to escape the scorching South African sun. However, to keep the water crystal clear and your pool inviting, you need to ensure proper pool care.

Here are some summer pool care tips that will help you maintain your pool throughout the season.

1. Clear the Debris
   The first step to a clean pool is to regularly remove leaves and debris from the pool surface. South African summers can be windy, and those fallen leaves and twigs can quickly turn your pool into a mess. Be diligent about clearing the pump and weir basket too. You’d be surprised how much gunk can accumulate there.
2. Keep Your Equipment in Check
   Proper maintenance of your pool equipment is essential. Check that your pump, filter, and automatic pool cleaner are all in good working order. The pump circulates water and filters out impurities, so it must be running smoothly. Set the pump to operate the filter for the right amount of time suitable for your pool size to ensure even water and product distribution.
3. Regular Backwashing
   Backwash your pool filter every second week to ensure efficient filtration. This process helps remove dirt and debris trapped in the filter, allowing it to work optimally. A clean filter keeps your water clear and inviting.
4. Test Your Pool Water
   Testing your pool water regularly is crucial to maintain the perfect chemical balance. You can use the HTH 3-in-1 test kit or the HTH Early Warning Test strips for this purpose. It’s essential to ensure that your water parameters fall within the recommended ranges. For a more comprehensive analysis, you can take a water sample to your nearest pool shop. Visit our website at www.hth.co.za to find the right products to adjust your water parameters if needed.
5. Sanitizing
   Choosing the right sanitizer is a key decision that depends on your routine and lifestyle. HTH offers a range of convenient solutions. Options like the HTH Floater+, HTH Slow-Release Granular floater, and HTH Clear 4 weeks are all great choices if you can’t get to your pool on a daily basis. If you prefer granular chlorine, HTH Granular+ Mineralsoft pool chlorine can be dosed daily or every second day to keep your pool water free from unwanted guests like algae.
6. Shock Treatment
   Prevent potential pool problems by shock-treating your pool regularly. For pools using granular chlorine, a monthly shock treatment is typically sufficient. However, if you’re using HTH Floater+ or PACE floater, you may want to increase the frequency to every two weeks, especially during the summer months when the pool gets a lot of use. It’s also a good idea to shock treat your pool after adverse weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, or when your pool has had a high bather load, like when the kids have been splashing around all day.

By following these simple yet effective summer pool care tips, you can enjoy a clean and inviting pool all season long. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more summer pool care tips and updates.

Remember, your pool is not just a refreshing escape from the heat; it’s a place for fun and relaxation for the whole family. So, keep it sparkling, keep it safe, and make the most of your South African summer. Happy swimming!