Maintaining a pristine plunge pool is not just about aesthetics—it’s about ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience through diligent upkeep and proper water management. From meticulous cleaning routines that rid the pool of dust, debris, and algae to achieving optimal chemical balance, every step plays a crucial role in preserving water integrity and swimmer safety.
Regular water testing stands as the cornerstone of plunge pool maintenance, allowing for precise adjustments of chemical levels to uphold sanitation standards and prevent costly chemical waste. By employing accurate testing methods and adhering to recommended ranges for chlorine, pH, and alkalinity, pool owners can safeguard against waterborne contaminants and ensure a refreshing environment that invites swimmers year-round.
This article explores essential practices—from effective skimming and vacuuming to the strategic use of chemicals—to uphold the allure of your plunge pool, providing insights into maintaining clarity, safety, and the longevity of your investment.
Water Testing
The most important task when performing plunge pool upkeep is testing the water on a regular basis. This ensures the water is healthy, sanitised and free of unwanted substances.
Water testing helps to optimise chemical efficiency by allowing pool operators to target specific levels, instead of adding chemicals to address multiple issues. This also eliminates waste and inefficient use of costly pool chemicals.
A high TDS reading indicates the level of dissolved solids in the water. These come from the original fill water and from residuals of added treatment chemicals. High TDS can increase surface corrosion and cause cloudy water conditions.
In order to get accurate test results, it is recommended that you use a pool testing kit or digital colorimeter. Make sure your testing materials aren’t expired and are stored properly to prevent inaccurate results.
Chlorine
A crystal-clear pool is a sight to behold, beckoning swimmers to take a dip. However, maintaining the pristine look of your plunge pool involves more than just cleaning and filtering. Two of the most important factors to consider are chlorine levels and pH balance.
Chlorine is an effective sanitiser and oxidiser that kills bacteria, viruses, and algae in swimming pools. It is commonly added in the form of chlorine tablets, but it can also be dissolved directly in water.
If left unchecked, chlorine can cause harmful side effects including irritated eyes and skin, stomach cramps, and breathing problems. To prevent this, a continuous process of chlorination should be used to constantly burn out chlorine byproducts called chloramines. This is known as “chlorine cycling”. Ideally, free chlorine should be maintained between 1 and 3 PPM.
Alkalinity
Total alkalinity is a vital element of water chemistry, as it acts as a buffer to stabilize the pH level. It also plays a major role in optimising the performance of pool chemicals. It is important to keep a steady level of 80 to 120 ppm.
A low total alkalinity causes the pH to bounce around too much, resulting in uncomfortable conditions for swimmers and damage to swimwear. It also makes chlorine less effective at sanitising the water.
To lower total alkalinity, you can use muriatic acid or a pool-grade pH reducer, such as sodium bisulfate. Both options are safer to handle than hydrochloric acid, but both require proper safety precautions. Follow the directions on your product to correctly apply it. Then, wait a few hours before retesting the alkalinity level.
Skimming
Plunge pools are smaller than traditional swimming pools, which means that they require less water. However, they also have more of the same problems as full-sized pools, including algae growth and chemical imbalances. Performing regular cleaning and skimming helps prevent these issues from developing.
A clean pool is irresistible to swimmers, but it also helps the filtration system function more efficiently. Debris like hair, twigs, leaves, and dead bugs can clog the pump basket, pipes, or filters if left to sink in the pool. Skimming removes these materials before they can clog the filtration system, saving money and time.
Plunge pools also require regular inspections by a Melbourne pool servicing team to catch cracks or damage and address minor issues before they become more serious. The filtration system is the heart of a plunge pool, so proper care is essential to maintaining an irresistible oasis of crystal-clear water.
Cleaning
When performing plunge pool upkeep, it is important to keep the water moving and clean by skimming and vacuuming. This prevents dangerous bacteria like e-coli from breeding in the stagnant water, safeguarding the irresistible allure of your pool.
Additionally, you should test your water chemistry and adjust it as needed. A balanced pH level protects your skin and eyes and prevents pathogens such as legionella, which can cause pneumonia and flu-like symptoms in individuals with compromised immune systems.
It’s also important to clean the filtration system on a regular basis. This prevents clogs and ensures that your pool is properly filtered and energy efficient. Finally, you should brush the floor and walls of your pool to dislodge any dirt or debris clinging to the surfaces.
Ensuring Pool Perfection
In conclusion, the key to maintaining a pristine plunge pool lies in consistent upkeep and adherence to proper water management practices. By integrating thorough cleaning routines, regular water testing, and vigilant chemical maintenance, pool owners can sustain a safe and inviting environment for swimmers. For further insights into enhancing your plunge pool experience, visit https://www.strikingpools.com.au/plunge-pools/.
