For those who have a swimming pool in the backyard, this is a fun way to not only stay cool during the summer heat but also entertain family members and friends. On the other hand, maintaining a pool is also hard work. Those who do not keep up with their pool maintenance might be disappointed when they see the quality of their water. Water can go from cloudy to hazy and even green in the matter of a few days. The good news is that there are a few ways to keep the pool water crystal clear. Maintain Optimum Chemical Levels in The Swimming Pool There is a common misconception that pool water can never be “crystal clear” because the chlorine will turn it blue. This is simply not the case. Many pools have blue water because they are a reflection of the blue sky. In order to keep the pool water crystal clear, it is important to maintain the right chemical levels. The two most important levels are the pH and chlorine levels. Chlorine in the pool is used to kill both germs and bacteria. By killing these germs, bacteria will not be able to change the color of the pool. The chlorine levels should be between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million, often shortened to PPM. The pool’s pH level is used to measure how acidic or basic the water gets. The ideal pH is between 7.2 and 7.6. If the pool’s pH level is out of balance, not only will it be unsafe but it will also start to change color. Provide Shock and Algaecide for the Pool Weekly One of the most commonly overlooked steps of pool maintenance involves shock and algaecide. Those who are wondering why their pools turn green should know that the most common culprit is algae. Even if the chlorine and pH are within safe limits, there is some pool algae that may still grow around the pool, causing the water to turn green. Shock and algaecide can be used to kill the algae, ensuring the pool water remains crystal clear. Now, these are strong chemicals that need to be used correctly. Therefore, make sure to read the package before using it. The amount required is going to vary with the size of the pool. Try to use shock and algaecide once per week to kill pool algae. Algae can turn the water green, yellow, or hazy. Clean the Pool Filter The pool filter plays a critical role in keeping the water clear. Many people believe that the pool filters do not need to be changed as long as they skim the pool regularly. This is simply not true. Yes, it is important to skim the pool regularly; however, the pool filter also has to be cleaned. This is a process known as backwashing. The job of the pool filters is to clean dirt and debris that might otherwise be too small for the skimmer. If the filter gets clogged, it will not be able to do its job well. In order to backwash the filters, force water through the system in the opposite direction. When the water starts to look cloudy, this is one of the first places to look. Eventually, it might be time to replace the filters. Do this to keep the pool water crystal clear. Avoid Baking Soda Finally, it is important to address one of the most common misconceptions. Many people think that baking soda is a magical trick that can be used to kill anything in the pool. Do not use baking soda. It is a powerful base that will shoot up the pH in a matter of seconds. This is not a reliable pool chemical. Baking soda is best left to removing strange odors from the fridge. At Dunn-Rite, we are here for all of your summer pool needs. When you are enjoying your pool this summer, why not add  pool volleyball and pool basketball to the mix? This is fun for family members and friends of all ages and we are proud to stock some of the top products from the leading brands! Take a look at our options today! Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball

Everyone wants to make sure that their pool is clean and this means investing in crystal clear water. In order to make sure the water is as clear as possible, it is important to keep the pool clean. There are a few steps that should be formed on a regular basis to make sure the pool is as clean as possible. By investing in routine maintenance, pool owners are less likely to become frustrated with the condition or state of their pool. Skim Off the Leaves and Debris of the Pool Surface This is a task that should be done daily. It should also be the first step of any weekly pool maintenance routine. In order to skim the pol effectively, use a long-handled skimmer to collect leaves, insects, and other debris that could be floating on the surface of the pool. This takes only a few minutes and will go a long way toward keeping the water clean. Try to catch dead debris early before it sinks to the bottom. If it touches the bottom, it might stain the pool. Also, if there are any trees hanging over the pool, thinking about trimming them back to reduce the number of leaves and branches the land in the pool. Brush the Sediment Off of Walls of the Pool As pools start to age, algae and small bits of debris can start to collect on the sides of the pool. This is common on pool slides and ladders as well. Weekly, pool owners should take the time to remove dirt and other debris from the sides of the pool as well as the fixtures. This can be used to prevent the spread of algae. In addition, try to brush the sediment toward the main drain of the pool. This will make it easier to vacuum. Vacuum the Swimming Pool Regularly Speaking of vacuuming the pool, this is another task that has to be completed on a weekly basis. The goal of the vacuum is to collect debris that might have dropped to the bottom of the pool. It needs to be collected quickly or it could end up staining the pool itself. There are a few options when it comes to a pool vacuum. The first option is to go with a manual vacuum, which is the easiest to control and still one of the most popular. Another option is a robotic vacuum. This is a vacuum that does the work for the pool owner. They are energy-efficient, meaning they will not run up the utility bills, and can work free from the control of the owner. There are two types of pool vacuums. The first is called a pressure vacuum that uses a pool pump to collect debris. The other vacuum is called a suction vacuum that attaches to either a skimmer or suction port. Backwash the Pool Filters on a Regular Basis Every week, it is important to check the pool filters are used to collect small dust and debris that might have escaped the skimmer. Look at the filter, remove anything that might be present, and consider backwashing the pool. If the pool is used on a daily basis, it might be a good idea to backwash the filters on a weekly basis as well. As a rule, look at the pressure reading on the filters. If the pressure reading is 10 PSI above normal, it is time to backwash them. Do Not Neglect the Swimming Pool Chemicals Finally, take the time to check the chemicals on a regular basis as well. This includes chlorine and pH. These should be checked daily. In addition, use shock treatments and algaecide on a weekly basis to keep the pool clean. This could be the last step because the other steps above might alter the chlorine and pH levels. Once all of these steps are done, the pool is clean and ready for use! This might include paddleboarding, pool volleyball, pool basketball, or other fun activities. If you are looking for pool products, check out Dunn-Rite! We offer some of the top products from many of the leading brands! We can make your next pool day one for the record books! Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball