Swimming pool season is just around the corner and you will undoubtedly be looking to make the most of your pool as the weather gets warmer – and with the correct maintenance and chemistry, you can ensure that your pool’s lifespan is extended this year!

Keeping the correct balance in your water will ensure that it is not only kept cleaner, but it can also help to prevent damage to your equipment and save you money. Before using your pool this year, you should first test its chemical balance by performing a site inspection and cleaning out any debris from the pool and surrounding area.

With that done, it is then time to test the water. A chemical imbalance can be very dangerous and actually destroy your pool’s finish so ensuring you get this right is key. You should test for the pH levels, alkalinity, calcium hardness and also the salt levels – you can either conduct this at home using specialist equipment or take a sample of your water to a local pool retailer who can do it for you.

You pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.6 while alkalinity should be in the range of 120-150. The level of calcium hardness will depend on the size and type of pool that you have, so it is best to check with a professional to ensure what your pool should be.

If you find that your eyes are burning whilst swimming then it is an indication that you have an imbalance in the pH levels, so this will need to be corrected. Equally you should regularly shock your pool to maintain chlorine balance in the water.

To ensure you and your family are always enjoying the best water possible, you should check your pool water at least twice a week. Accurate pool testing can ensure that your pool remains healthy and help to extended is lifespan.