Comprehensive Guide to Large Pool Maintenance - Maygo Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Complete Guide to Large Swimming Pool Maintenance

Maintaining a large swimming pool is a systematic task that requires regular and standardized operations to ensure clear, sanitary, and safe water. It can be primarily divided into Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Seasonal maintenance.

I. Daily Maintenance (Every Day or Every Other Day)

1.Water Testing and Balancing:

Free Chlorine: Maintain between 1.0 - 3.0 ppm. This is the primary sanitizer.

pH Level: Keep in the ideal range of 7.2 - 7.6. Low pH corrodes equipment and irritates eyes; high pH reduces chlorine's effectiveness and causes cloudy water.

Total Alkalinity: Maintain between 80 - 120 ppm. It stabilizes pH levels, acting as a buffer.

Based on test results, add chlorine (e.g., sodium hypochlorite, trichlor) and pH adjusters (e.g., Soda Ash to raise pH, Muriatic Acid or Sodium Bisulfate to lower pH).

2.Surface Skimming:

Use a leaf skimmer net to promptly remove leaves, insects, and other floating debris from the water surface.

3.Equipment Inspection:

Quickly check that the main equipment, like the circulation pump and filter system, is operating normally, with no unusual noises or leaks.

II. Weekly Maintenance

1.Vacuuming and Brushing:

Thoroughly vacuum the pool floor and brush the pool walls using an automatic underwater vacuum or a manual pool brush to remove algae and sediment.

2.Filter System Backwashing/Cleaning:

For Sand Filters, perform a backwash when the pressure gauge reads 5-10 psi above the clean, start-up pressure to flush out trapped debris from the sand.

For Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters, perform a backwash and add new DE powder.

For Cartridge Filters, remove the cartridge and clean it thoroughly with a hose.

3.Comprehensive Water Testing:

In addition to daily tests, check the Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid) level weekly. The ideal range is 30 - 50 ppm. Too high a level "locks" the chlorine, making it ineffective.

Test Calcium Hardness. The ideal range is 200 - 400 ppm to prevent corrosive (soft) or scaling (hard) water.

4.Shocking (Super-Chlorination):

Especially after periods of high temperatures, heavy rain, or high pool usage, perform shock treatment with a large dose of chlorine (typically 5-10 times the normal dose) to oxidize organic contaminants (e.g., sweat, urine) and combined chlorines (chloramines), eliminate odors, and restore water clarity.

III. Monthly & Seasonal Maintenance

1.In-Depth Equipment Check:

Inspect the pump seals, multiport valves, and plumbing for wear or leaks.

Clean the skimmer and pump baskets.

2.Perimeter Cleaning:

Clean the pool's tile line to remove scale and biofilm.

3.Seasonal Tasks:

Summer: Due to high temperatures and strong sunlight, chlorine depletes faster. Increase testing frequency, use a stabilizer, and be vigilant against algae.

Winter: In climates where freezing occurs, perform winterization: lower the water level, drain water from plumbing and equipment, use a winter cover, and balance the water chemistry to prevent algae and scaling.

IV. Problem Prevention & Treatment

Algae Bloom: Shock the pool immediately and add a dedicated algaecide. Run the filter system continuously and brush the pool walls repeatedly.

Cloudy Water: Check and clean the filter, perform shock treatment. Use a clarifier or flocculant if necessary to help the filter remove tiny particles.

Strong Smell / Eye Irritation: This is often not due to too much chlorine, but too much "combined chlorine." Shock treatment is required.

Core Principle: Prevention is better than cure. Maintaining stable water chemistry balance and effective circulation/filtration is the key to successful large pool maintenance.