Introduction
Consistent concrete pool care doesn’t just maintain visual appeal — it extends the life of your pool and equipment, helps you avoid costly repairs, and ensures that every swim is refreshing and healthy. By following a structured maintenance routine and understanding the needs of a concrete pool, you can enjoy sparkling, crystal-clear water through every season. This guide covers all the key aspects of concrete pool care, including cleaning, balancing chemicals, maintaining filtration systems, and preparing for seasonal changes.
1. Regular Cleaning and Skimming
Routine cleaning is the foundation of pool maintenance. Concrete pools tend to collect debris more easily because of their textured surface, so regular skimming and brushing are crucial.
- Skimming: Use a pool skimmer net daily to remove leaves, bugs, and other floating debris.
- Brushing: Brush the pool walls, steps, and floor at least twice a week to prevent algae buildup.
- Vacuuming: Use a manual or automatic vacuum weekly to remove dirt and sediment from the bottom.
Neglecting these steps can lead to cloudy water, slippery surfaces, and eventually algae growth, which can be time-consuming to fix. Consistent cleaning keeps the water clear and your pool surfaces pristine.
2. Maintain Proper Water Circulation
Good water circulation is critical for maintaining a healthy pool environment. It helps distribute chemicals evenly and prevents stagnant areas where algae and bacteria can thrive.
- Run the Pump: Operate your pool pump for 8–12 hours daily during warmer months, and at least 6 hours in cooler seasons.
- Check Jets: Ensure return jets are angled to promote circular water movement.
- Inspect Equipment: Regularly check the pump and motor for any signs of wear or reduced flow.
Efficient circulation ensures that sanitising chemicals work effectively and your water stays fresh and clear.
3. Balance Pool Chemistry
The chemical balance of your pool water plays a major role in keeping it clean and safe. Improper balance can cause eye irritation, cloudy water, and damage to concrete surfaces.
Key levels to monitor include:
- pH Level: Should remain between 7.2 and 7.6. Low pH is acidic and can erode concrete, while high pH can cause scaling and cloudy water.
- Alkalinity: Keep total alkalinity between 80–120 ppm to stabilise pH levels.
- Chlorine: Maintain free chlorine between 1–3 ppm to eliminate bacteria and prevent algae growth.
- Calcium Hardness: For concrete pools Melbourne, maintain calcium hardness between 200–400 ppm to prevent surface etching or scaling.
Test your water at least twice a week during summer and once a week in winter. Use a reliable testing kit or have a professional service check it periodically.
4. Shock Your Pool Regularly
Shocking your pool means adding a high dose of chlorine to eliminate organic contaminants, bacteria, and algae spores that regular sanitising may miss.
- Frequency: Shock every 1–2 weeks during swimming season and after heavy use or storms.
- Timing: Shock in the evening and allow the pool to circulate overnight.
- Products: Use a calcium hypochlorite or stabilised chlorine shock treatment.
Regular shocking restores chlorine efficiency, clears cloudy water, and keeps the pool safe for swimming.
5. Brush and Maintain Pool Surfaces
Concrete pool surfaces, including plaster, pebblecrete, or painted finishes, can develop stains and algae if not brushed consistently.
- Routine: Brush walls and floors at least twice weekly.
- Tools: Use a brush suited to your surface type — stainless steel for unpainted concrete and nylon for delicate finishes.
- Spot Cleaning: Address stains early with a pool stain remover or a specialised brush to prevent permanent marks.
Brushing not only removes debris and film but also promotes circulation and prevents calcium buildup.
6. Keep Your Filter Clean
Your pool filter is essential for trapping debris and maintaining water clarity. A dirty filter can strain the system and lead to cloudy or green water.
- Cartridge Filters: Clean every 2–4 weeks by rinsing with a hose or soaking in a filter cleaner.
- Sand Filters: Backwash once every 2–3 weeks or as the pressure gauge indicates a 7–10 psi rise.
- DE Filters: Backwash and recharge with fresh diatomaceous earth powder as needed.
A clean, efficient filter helps your entire system run smoothly and extends the life of your pump and other components.
7. Maintain Water Level
Evaporation, splashing, and backwashing can cause water levels to drop. Always maintain the waterline halfway up the skimmer opening to ensure proper circulation and prevent pump damage.
- Refill as Needed: Use a garden hose to top up water levels.
- Monitor After Rain: Heavy rain can cause overflow, diluting pool chemicals. Adjust accordingly.
Keeping the right water level ensures your skimmer and filtration systems function efficiently.
8. Manage Algae Growth
Even well-maintained pools can occasionally experience algae blooms. Algae can turn water green, cause slippery surfaces, and make the pool unsafe for swimming.
- Prevention: Maintain proper chlorine levels and brush regularly.
- Treatment: Use an algaecide or chlorine shock to eliminate blooms.
- Ongoing Care: Keep phosphates low by using phosphate removers, as they act as food for algae.
Staying proactive helps you avoid expensive and time-consuming algae treatments.
9. Inspect and Maintain Pool Equipment
Your pool’s mechanical system — including the pump, heater, filter, and chlorinator — needs periodic attention.
- Visual Checks: Inspect for leaks, corrosion, or unusual noises.
- Lubricate O-Rings: Apply silicone lubricant to prevent drying and cracking.
- Schedule Servicing: Arrange annual professional maintenance to catch potential problems early.
Well-maintained equipment ensures energy efficiency and keeps the water circulating and filtered properly.
10. Prepare for Seasonal Changes
Concrete pool care requirements vary throughout the year.
- Summer: Increase testing frequency, maintain chlorine levels, and run the pump longer to handle higher usage.
- Winter: Reduce filtration hours but continue running the pump daily to prevent stagnation. Add a pool cover to keep out debris.
- Before Storms: Lower the water level slightly and remove floating accessories to avoid damage.
Adapting your care routine seasonally ensures your pool stays in top condition year-round.
Conclusion
Caring for a concrete pool requires dedication, but the rewards are well worth the effort. With regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment maintenance, you can enjoy crystal-clear water all year round. Staying proactive prevents costly repairs, extends the life of your pool, and creates a safe, enjoyable swimming environment for family and friends.
By maintaining consistent routines, scheduling professional servicing, and adapting care practices for seasonal changes, your concrete pool will remain a source of pride and relaxation for many years. With the right attention, every swim can be a refreshing reminder of why your investment in a concrete pool was one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
