How Can I Know My Swimming Pool’s Water Is Clean?

A CDC study found only about 20 percent of public swimming pools were considered “clean” in that they were free of serious health and safety hazards. The point is if more than half of all public swimming pools aren’t officially considered clean, you should definitely be mindful of what’s going on with an underground pool you have in your own backyard. Here’s how to tell if your pool is clean and what to do if it’s not.

Your Pool Water Looks Blue & Clear

The easiest way to tell if your pool is clean is to do a quick visual check before you use it. Because of the chemicals typically used in a pool, the water should appear clear blue. Chlorine helps with water clarity, which gives pool water a clear appearance. Some of the visual indications suggesting your pool isn’t clean include:

• Cloudy or murky pool water
• Leaves or other debris floating on the surface
• A dull blue appearance and an inability to clearly see the bottom of the pool

Your Pool’s Water Doesn’t Feel Slimy

A clean pool is also one that literally feels clean. In other words, when you put your hand in the water, it should feel wet and nothing else. However, if you’re noticing a slimy feeling on your hand, it means the chlorine isn’t working. This is also a sign it’s time to shock your pool’s water, which refers to adding more chlorine and related chemicals to your pool to get the correct balance.

Water Is Flowing around Your Pool’s Filter

Inlet filters play an important role in removing debris from your pool. When your pool’s filter system is working properly, you should see water clearly coming from the circulation jets. If you’re not noticing any water flowing around these jets, it means there’s a clog or some other issue with your pool’s filter. A filter that’s not working as intended can also overstress the pump, which could result in a breakdown of this equally important component.

There’s Not a Strong Chlorine Odor

Contrary to popular belief, a strong chlorine odor isn’t a sign of a clean pool. It’s actually an indication that your pool’s chlorine is weak. When chlorine becomes less potent, it produces chloramines. These are chemical compounds produced by watered-down chlorine. The result is a strong odor produced in reaction to urine, lotion, and other materials that tend to get into pools.

Keeping Your Pool Clean

Maintaining your pool is the most effective way to keep it clean and safe to use. This is a process that involves a combination of steps you should perform on a fairly regular basis. In addition to using a handheld pool skimmer or net to remove debris floating on the top, routine pool maintenance involves:

• Checking pH levels every week or so when your pool is being used
• Using a pool vacuum to remove debris and dirt from the bottom
• Having mechanical parts professionally checked once or twice a year

Whether they need expert advice on maintaining their pools or they’re looking for a premier pool builder, San Diego residents should reach out to the team at San Diego Pools. We’ve been designing and building pools for almost half a century, and we pride ourselves on our innovation and outstanding craftsmanship. To get started on your new pool, give us a call today at 888-707-7786.