1. Choose the right filter
A proper filter system is critical to maintaining a clean pool. Filters come in a variety of models. According to Malay Shah, general manager of Belhasa Projects, a UAE-based pool-building firm, the most popular and economic ones are sand filters. These can run for about four hours in the morning and in the evening and they can be cleaned by reversing the flow of water through the filter.
2. Watch chlorine levels
It's important to test the water daily using a chemical test kit to ensure it is clean and safe to swim in. The ideal chlorine level is 1.5 to 2 ppm (parts per million) and high chlorine levels can be reduced by installing Ozone or UV disinfection systems. Stabilisers like cyanuric acid can be used to prevent chlorine in an outdoor pool from being destroyed by the sun's UV rays.
3. Think safety
Swimming pools are a great way to spend time outdoors but there are safety issues to be considered, especially if you have small kids or pets. While there is no foolproof safety system, Malay recommends measures such as fences, pool covers and alarms. It's also a good idea to equip the pool with floats or lifebuoys, although the best form of safety is supervision.
4. Monitor water levels
If your pool has a skimmer system, water should be kept at about half the level of the skimmer opening. If it falls below the opening, it can affect filtration efficiency or even cause damage. Surface debris will not be skimmed into the skimmer, Malay says. In an overflow channel pool, the water level should be up to the overflow grating point as this will help the surface debris to be skimmed off easily.
5. Cover it up
Pool covers have many useful functions in addition to safety. They are essential in cases where the pool is exposed to high levels of wind-blown debris. They also help lessen evaporation and assist in maintaining water temperatures where the weather conditions are extreme. Cost, durability, installation process, maintenance and warranty are considerations when choosing from the different designs and materials.
6. Suck up the dirt
A dirty pool is not only unhealthy to swim in, it can also damage the filters. To prevent this, use a pool vacuum cleaner regularly. Malay suggests you make sure the pool deck slopes outwards to prevent dirty water from flowing back when washed. Encourage people to shower before they enter the pool to prevent body oils and sand from reaching the pool.
7. Play with tiles and lights
From whites, blues or earth tones, tiles are available in different sizes and designs. Choosing the right type can add value to your home. Tiles start from Dh20 per square metre and go up to Dh10,000 per square metre for exclusive hand-painted designs. Malay says a good acid-wash and re-grouting can help the tiles regain sheen. Lighting can also make a difference and the current trend in pool lighting, he says, is LED lights with a colour-change facility.
8. Ask an expert
All equipment such as filters, pumps and dosing systems should be serviced by professionals on a regular basis. These services are available as a one-off or on an annual-contract basis. The day-to-day maintenance of a domestic pool about 10m x 5m in size could cost as little as Dh550 per month, inclusive of necessary chemicals, according to Malay.
9. Test the water
The pH balance is a measure of relative acidity or alkalinity of the water and should be checked daily. It is measured on a scale of 1 to 14, where 7 is neutral; below 7 is acidic and above is alkaline. The recommended level is between 7.2 and 7.8. Malay suggests setting an ideal target of 7.4 to make things easier.
10. Pick your tools
If you plan to buy an elaborate pool-repair kit, you should check that it matches the type of the pool you have, as most products are designed for specific pools only. Some of the basic must-haves are a water-testing kit, vacuum hose,leaf net and nylon brush.