Summer is here and if you've not already got your pool ready, this is your reminder. Just because you've winterised it properly doesn't mean it's ready for you to jump in. You still have a few minor pool maintenance tasks to take care of. They don't require a lot of time, but they are essential if you want to swim safely.
First thing: clean the pool basin
Even if the pool has been covered all winter, the basin may have got dirty. You should start by cleaning and disinfecting the walls and floor, paying particular attention to the waterline, where dirt tends to become encrusted.
To do this, simply add a shock dose of chlorine to the water and then scrub the entire surface with a soft brush. In 24 hours the dirt will have settled to the bottom and you will be able to clean it with a pool cleaner. You must of course check what type of chlorine you need to use, as depending on the pool surface, it will either be liquid or granular chlorine.
If the pool is empty or needs to be emptied, simply use a descaling product suitable for the surface material, rub in the grout and rinse. This is also the best time to check if there is any damage that needs to be repaired.
Clean the rest of the installation
To get the pool shipshape for summer, you need to go a little further with your pool cleaning. Although we don't always pay much attention to it, the edge, which may have been uncovered for months, should also be cleaned thoroughly. It is as simple as brushing it with a cleaning product and rinsing it, always taking care to do so from the inside of the pool outwards so that the dirt does not fall into the pool.
You should also inspect and clean elements such as the skimmers, jet nozzles and even ladders to remove any dirt that may have accumulated while the pool has been out of use. But that's not all: dirt may have built up in the shower drains and gutters, so they need to be cleaned and disinfected too.
Treat the water and enjoy the pool
The filtration system may have been affected as a result of not being used, so you should inspect it before starting up the pool. What do you need to do? Here are some basic tasks:
- Check the filtration equipment for damage or rust and repair it, if necessary.
- If you have a sand filter, check that it has not become clogged and that the sand is in good condition. If not, change it.
- Bleed the pump, check the system for leaks and make sure that seals are in perfect condition.
- As for the electrical installation, the pool's purification system must work properly, so it's a good idea to inspect the connections and wiring.
- If the pool has lighting, check it to make sure it is ready for use.
Treat the water and enjoy the pool
Once the pool is clean and you've inspected all the elements, the only thing left to do is to check the water quality and treat it if necessary. Just remember that the chlorine level should be between 0.5 and 1.5 mg/l and the pH between 7.2 and 7.6. If any parameter is not within these ranges, simply adjust it.
An important point regarding chlorine: it is best if it is fast-acting and not only disinfectant but also has other functions: algaecide, flocculant, bactericide, fungicide, etc.
Once you've completed these tasks, your pool will be summer-ready and ready to use. But don't forget that maintenance is not a one-day job. If you want the pool to stay in perfect condition throughout the season, you must carry out regular checks. This is the only way you will be able to enjoy it risk-free, and you will also extend the useful life of its different elements.
Can tourists be banned from using the pool and common areas in Spain?
Everyone's talking about tourist flats. Sometimes, tourists may have different schedules than the rest of the building's tenants. Blocks with homeowners' associations are looking at how to combat this type of rental and often ask whether tourist flat tenants can be banned from using the pool and common areas.