Owning a pool in Australia? Strewth, that’s the dream! But keeping it sparkling can feel like a right proper chore sometimes. You wanna dive into crystal-clear water, not a murky swamp, right? Well, getting the cleaning order right is key. Whether you’re wrangling a manual vac, letting a robot do the hard yards, or a bit of both, doing things in the right sequence saves you heaps of time and keeps your pool looking bonza.
Why Does the Order Matter, You Ask?
Look, it’s not just about scooping out the leaves, is it? The order you tackle things in makes a big difference to how well it all works. If you scrub the walls first, then let all the gunk settle on the bottom, you’re just gonna have to do it all over again. Cleaning in the right order means everything works together, like a well-oiled machine. Plus, it makes sure your gear – like your pool cleaner – is working at its best.
Step 1: Skim the Surface, First Off
First things first, grab your skimmer net and get rid of all the floating bits. Leaves, bugs, twigs – you know the drill. Do this before anything else, ’cause if that stuff sinks, it’ll just make the rest of the job harder.
Why skim first? It’s the quickest job and keeps the water clear. Stops your filter and pool cleaner from getting clogged with big bits.
Pro Tip: If you’re swamped with leaves, chuck a pool cover on when you’re not swimming. Saves you heaps of skimming!
Step 2: Vacuum the Pool Floor, Then
Right, surface’s clear, now for the bottom. Vacuuming gets rid of all the dirt, sand, and other bits that’ve settled down there. You can use a manual vac or let an automatic one do the work.
If you’re using a manual vac, hook it up to your filtration system and slowly work your way around the pool. Don’t rush it, or you’ll miss bits.
If you’ve got the best pool cleaner, just keep an eye on it to make sure it’s doing its job properly.
Best Pool Cleaner Options: For a top-notch auto vac, look for ones with good suction and energy-efficient motors. Makes life a whole lot easier.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the steps, corners, and those hard-to-reach spots. They’re magnets for dirt!
Step 3: Give the Walls and Floor a Good Brush
Now that the floor’s sorted, give the walls and floor a good scrub. Gets rid of any algae or dirt that’s stuck on. Use the right brush for your pool surface – nylon for vinyl and fibreglass, stainless steel for concrete.
Why brush? Stops algae and dirt buildup, especially in spots the cleaner can’t reach.
Pro Tip: If you see any algae, use an algae treatment before brushing. Stops it from spreading.
Step 4: Clean Out the Skimmer and Pump Baskets
After all that, clean out the skimmer and pump baskets. They collect all the bits and pieces, and if they’re clogged, your filtration system won’t work properly.
Why clean the baskets? Clogged baskets make your pump work harder, which costs you money and wears out your gear.
Pro Tip: Check the baskets regularly, especially after cleaning.
Step 5: Test and Balance the Water, Mate!
Once the pool’s physically clean, check the water chemistry. pH, alkalinity, chlorine – you know the drill. Balanced water keeps your pool clear, safe, and algae-free. And it helps your pool cleaner do its job properly.
Why test and balance? Unbalanced water leads to algae, cloudy water, and damage to your gear.
Pro Tip: Test the water weekly to keep it in check. Add chemicals slowly and in the right amounts.
Step 6: Run the Filter for a Few Hours
After everything else, run the filter for a few hours to get rid of any fine bits left in the water. Keeps your pool sparkling between cleans.
Why run the filter? It’s the last line of defence against debris.
Wrapping It Up: Keep Your Pool Looking Sweet All Season Long
Cleaning your pool in the right order saves you time and effort. Follow these steps, and your pool will be the envy of the neighbourhood. If you want to make life easier, grab yourself a decent pool cleaner. A good automatic cleaner makes all the difference.
Pro Tip: Keep your pool cleaner and filtration system in good nick. Check for clogs and clean the baskets regularly.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be swimming in a sparkling pool all summer long!
