Very soon summer will be here again so now is the time to start getting your pool ready for the steady stream of visitors.  This article aims to help you get the pool clean and get you into a manageable cleaning routine. 

Initial Clean - to be done at the beginning of the season

• One of the first things you need to do is clean your pool cover before removing it from the pool. This will limit the amount of dirt that drops into your pool. Once the cover is off you should take the time to give it a thorough clean.  
• You will need a net to help you get the leaves, floating bugs and dirt off the top of the water.
• When you have removed as much as possible it is time to check your pool supplies and purchase new if necessary. 
• Even if you think that you remember how to use them you should read the instructions on the chemicals again. If you are unable to understand the instructions your supplier will be happy to advise you. 
• Ensuring the valves are in the correct positions, restart the pool pump and check for leaks. Now you can start your regular maintenance program.

Daily:

• Skim debris out of the pool.
• Clean out skimmer and hair baskets.

Weekly:

• Test the water.
• Clean the walls and floor. Use cleaners, brushes and vacuums recommended for your type of pool by the manufacturer or pool supply shop. Start at the shallow end and continue to the deep end. Overlap each stroke when vacuuming and brushing to cover all areas thoroughly. Always keep the vacuum head under water while in use.
• Check the water level, it should be half way up the height of your skimmer.
• Hose down the pool area after cleaning. Direct the spray away from the pool to prevent dirt from washing into the water.

Testing Your Pool Water
Use test kits to measure for chlorine and pH. Below are suggested ranges for healthy water.

• pH determines the water's acidity. Maintain pH for equipment and swimmer protection. If the pH is less than 7.2, use sodium hypochlorite to raise it. If the pH is higher than 7.6, use granular acid to lower it.
• Chlorine kills bacteria, algae and most viruses. It also eliminates grease and oil. If the chlorine is too low, add a shock treatment. A shock treatment is a high concentration of chlorine. Test and balance the pH before doing a shock treatment. Apply the shock treatment after sundown with the pump and filter turned on. After a shock treatment, test the chlorine level. Do not enter the pool until the reading is 1.0-3.0 PPM. If it is too high, allow the chlorine to evaporate naturally.

When testing your pool water, take samples 12"-18" below the surface.

Flocculents
Your swimming pool will always attract small particles of dust and other suspended matter from the atmosphere and surrounding environment. Flocculents are chemicals which coagulate very small suspended particles together into larger particles which can be more easily removed by vacuuming the swimming pool.

Summary
Clean water and balanced water chemistry are the keys to pool maintenance. Establish a weekly routine to clean the pool and maintain the chemical balance. Test the pH and chlorine in the pool water and shock treat, if necessary. Do additional shock treatments if any of the following occurs:

• More swimmers than usual
• Foul odour from pool water
• Extreme temperatures
• Swimmers with burning, red eyes
• Algae growth
• Murky, slimy water

If you find you are really stuck many pool shops offer a one-off instruction course where an experienced operative will come and show you how to properly maintain your pool.