What are the Most Important Materials for Pool Maintenance?

Once a pool is built correctly, one of the most important factors for use is regular maintenance. Routine maintenance and cleaning should be done in the pools, regardless of the type of use and the number of users. Thanks to these processes, a hygienic environment is created in the pool. In addition to the hygiene issue, the maintenance of the aesthetic appearance of the pool is also ensured with the maintenance procedures. Coating materials are maintained and conditions such as calcification are eliminated. Routine maintenance operations are of high importance to use the pool safely for many years. We use a variety of materials with different purposes to realize these applications. We can list the necessary materials for pool maintenance as follows:

• Pool chemicals: Chemicals are used in pool maintenance for various purposes. There are pool chemicals for many purposes, from preventing algae growth to bacterial disinfection.
• Filtration system and water pump: The water pump provides water circulation in the pool and transfers the absorbed water to the filtration system. The water filtered in the filtration system is discharged back into the pool and pool maintenance is provided to a great extent. These systems require routine maintenance to continue to function properly.
• Overflow system or pool skimmers: Pool surface cleaning is very important for the pool to be generally hygienic and well-maintained. With the help of overflow system or pool skimmers, cleaning of the pool surface is provided effectively.
• Bottom cleaning broom: Pollutant factors sink to the bottom of the pool over time and cause the hygiene of the pool to be adversely affected. With the bottom cleaning broom, the pool is cleaned of the dirt that has settled to the bottom.
• Pool brush and pool scoop: In addition to automatic systems, these apparatuses are used to manually clean the pool. The pool brush is used for cleaning the sedimented dirt by brushing, and the pool ladle is used for cleaning the pool surface.

Is Pool Maintenance Difficult to Provide?

Pool maintenance is a very important practice that should be carried out regularly. Although this application may seem quite complex and troublesome at first, it is not very difficult to maintain the pool. If the right applications are made, it can be easy to provide maintenance in the pool. For this, first of all, it is important to establish a certain order and ensure continuity. Routine maintenance ensures that pollutants do not accumulate too much in the pool. Thus, an easier and more efficient cleaning process can be performed. In addition, when conditions such as calcification are eliminated before they grow too much, the process can be overcome with less effort. In addition to providing regularity in pool maintenance, the materials used in the structure of the pool are also of great importance. It will be easier to maintain a pool made with materials that provide advantages in terms of cleaning and maintenance. Along with the structure of the materials, the quality is also important. The quality of the selected pool covering material and the joint used is of extra importance. Because these materials are in direct contact with water.

The use of poor quality materials that are not suitable for use in the pool can complicate the maintenance operations. Problems such as algae and bacteria formation may occur more frequently, especially when poor quality materials are used in pool coating. Therefore, in order to facilitate the maintenance of the pool, the materials to be used in the construction of the pool should be chosen well. It would be more appropriate to prefer porcelain instead of ceramic as a pool covering material. Porcelain is a material that has high chemical resistance and provides extra defense against external factors. The use of porcelain tiles in pool coatings provides durability in many aspects, from bacteria formation to the damage of tiles over time. An important way of facilitating pool maintenance, which can be quite difficult when the right applications are not made, is the use of appropriate materials in pool construction. With the help of durable and quality materials, easier pool maintenance and cleaning is provided. As long as these procedures are applied regularly, it will not be very difficult to maintain the pool.

What are the Problems that May Occur in the Situations where Pool Maintenance is Not Provided?

In order for a pool to be used safely and with pleasure for many years, pool maintenance must be provided as needed. If regular maintenance and cleaning processes are not done for the pool, problems that are small at first can become quite annoying over time. For example, wastes such as leaves, dust, soil falling on the surface of the pool may settle to the bottom and contaminate the pool system. Or, sedimentation and calcification problems, which may seem insignificant at first, can become very serious over time. It is normal for the pool to become dirty and need maintenance. With regular maintenance and cleaning processes, pool maintenance can be provided quite easily. First of all, in order to ensure the cleanliness of the pool, it should be ensured that the filtration system works as it should. In addition, processes such as surface and bottom cleaning, ensuring the chemical balance in the water should be carried out.

It is possible to encounter very serious consequences if these applications, which are necessary for maintenance and cleaning in the pool, are disrupted or not done at all. First of all, the aesthetic appearance of the pool deteriorates and entering the pool water may become uncomfortable due to the accumulated waste. Problems such as algae and calcification may cause the pool water to remain polluted and lose its clarity. Also, these problems are some of the situations that make going into the water uncomfortable. Therefore, failure to maintain the pool may result in the pool becoming unusable. Visible pollutants create aesthetic problems, and organisms such as bacteria that accumulate in the pool can take on a health-threatening dimension.

Pools provide a suitable environment for bacteria and microbes to live and reproduce. Cleaning systems in the pool are very effective in cleaning visible pollutants when necessary maintenance is done. However, when it comes to bacteria and microbes, it is necessary to use various pool chemicals. If bacteria and microbes are not cleaned effectively, there is a risk of various diseases for users. Pools that are not properly maintained can cause many diseases, from stomach and intestinal infections to skin problems. For all these reasons, pool maintenance should be provided regularly.

List of Materials That Can Be Used to Maintain Pool

Maintaining the pool is a multi-step process and requires the use of different materials. Invisible organisms contaminate the pool as well as larger particulate contaminants. Therefore, different strategies are used for all these polluting factors and different materials are used. All these materials serve a specific purpose and provide the maintenance of the pool. We can list some of the materials that can be used to provide pool maintenance as follows:

• Pool pH reducer and pool pH increaser
• algae remover
• pool liquid flocculant
• Chlorine or ozone pool cleaning system
• pool brush
• pool bucket
• pool bottom vacuum cleaner

1. Pool pH Reducer

Having a certain pH value of the water of the pool is of great importance in terms of cleanliness and hygiene. The pH value of the water shows us the acid and base balance in the water. First of all, this balance is important in terms of the suitability of water for use. Swimming in very acidic or basic water can invite health problems. Therefore, the pH value of the pool water should always be between 7.2 and 7.6. In addition, pH values ​​must be kept within this range for other chemicals to work most effectively. Chemicals that are important in pool hygiene such as chlorine, algae remover and liquid flocculant can perform their functions at the right pH values. pH values, which are important in terms of hygiene and health, are also essential to prevent the pool from being damaged over time. Coating materials in a pool with unstable pH values ​​will corrode and be damaged. Various chemicals are used to adjust pH values ​​to protect both the pool and the users.

The pH values ​​of the pool water should be measured at regular intervals and the pH values ​​should be decreased or increased depending on the result obtained. A pool pH reducer is used to lower the pool pH values. In order to balance the pH values ​​of a pool water with a pH value above 7.6, it is necessary to use a pH reducer. The use of 1 kilogram of pool pH reducer per 100 m³ of water reduces the pH value by about 0.1. In this way, the pH value of the pool will be balanced and chemicals such as chlorine will work more effectively and provide hygiene. If the pH value of the pool water drops too much, help is taken from the chemicals that increase the pH of the pool. Extremely low pH values ​​can cause burning and itching on the skin of users. Substances such as sodium carbonate are used to raise the pH values ​​in the pool. When using chemicals that decrease and increase pH in the pool, it is necessary to adjust the ratio well. Because as a result of excessive use, a great imbalance in pH values ​​may occur.

2. Algae Remover

Another factor that creates pollution in the pool is the formation of algae. Pools sometimes hold algae and if this algae formation is not controlled, it can create a very bad situation for pool cleaning. The reason for the formation of algae is that the pond environment provides suitable conditions for the algae to live and multiply. Especially depending on the rain, the nitrate rate in the pool water increases and nitrate is a food source for algae. Algae, which find the food source and ideal habitat it needs, begin to accumulate in the pool over time. This situation creates an unaesthetic appearance and, due to the formation of algae, an environment arises that will disturb the users while swimming in the pool. In addition, since algae are living organisms, the formation of algae will trigger the proliferation of bacteria and microbes over time.

In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, using an algae remover is a good solution to prevent algae formation and accumulation. It is used by mixing 1 liter of algae remover in approximately 100 m³ of water. The amount required may vary depending on the brand and other characteristics of the product used. The efficiency you get from the algae remover depends on the amount of algae growth. If the pool does not hold a lot of algae, it is possible to get rid of these algae without much effort. However, if the algae formation is quite advanced, it may be necessary to manually clean the algae and use an algae remover at regular intervals. However, in this case, care should be taken and a high percentage of algae remover should not be added to the pool water. Because, like all chemical cleaners, algae remover can disrupt the chemical balance of the pool water.

3. Liquid Flocculant

The filtration system in the pool is very effective when it comes to wastes of a certain size and completes the cleaning process well. However, since very small particles cannot be absorbed by the filtration system, these substances can contaminate the pool water and impair its clarity. While some waste material is prone to clumping, others are not clumped and remain suspended in water in small pieces. These small particles suspended in the water create an unsightly appearance and pervasive pollution in the pool. This problem can not only spoil the appearance of the pool, but also spoil your swimming pleasure. Because every time you enter the pool, small wastes stick to your body and make you uncomfortable. In other words, the more bad the clumping and sediment formation in pool cleaning, the more annoying it is that the wastes are not clumped.

For the most effective results when using a liquid flocculant, first make sure that the pH values ​​of the pool are within the normal range. Low pH values ​​are preferred as high pH value will slow down the formation of agglomeration. Liquid flocculant is mixed at a rate of approximately 30-200 milliliters to 100 m³ of water. Since this ratio may vary for different products, read the instructions that come with the product and determine the ratio according to the instructions. After mixing the liquid flocculant into the pool, the motors are run for 1 hour and the water circulation in the pool is continued. In this way, it is ensured that the liquid flocculant mixes well with the pool water and adheres to the small particles. Then the motors are turned off and within a few hours the small particles in the pool will clump together and settle to the bottom. These clumped particles that settle to the bottom can be cleaned with a pool bottom sweeper. If small particles create pollution in your pool, you can get a liquid flocculant from a pool supplies store or online to get rid of these particles. In case of excessive use, the liquid flocculant can irritate the eyes and skin, so the amount should be carefully adjusted.

4. Chlorine

Cleaning of visible waste in the pool is done manually or with the help of automatic systems. Although this cleaning provides hygiene up to a point, it is not sufficient against bacteria and microbes. Pools provide the ideal environment for many organisms to live and reproduce. If these organisms are not controlled by chemical methods, they can render the pool unusable. Bacteria and microbes can multiply in the pool and come to a point that threatens human health. One of the most well-known substances used for chemical cleaning in pools is chlorine. By chlorinating the pool at regular intervals, organisms such as bacteria that cannot be seen with the naked eye are destroyed. For chlorine use, first of all, the pH level must be in the right range. At high pH levels, pH values ​​may need to be lowered, as chlorine cannot provide effective hygiene. Afterwards, it will be sufficient to add about half a kilogram to 100 m³ of water. When chlorine is mixed with water, a substance called hypochlorous acid is produced. This substance, which has acidic properties, ensures that the water is disinfected.

Adjustment of the amount of chlorine should be done carefully. The use of low amounts of chlorine will not provide adequate hygiene and bacterial growth continues to increase. The high amount of chlorine used causes problems such as skin irritation for users. Excessive use of chlorine can also cause respiratory problems, as well as hormonal disorders. For this reason, the volume of the pool should be known precisely and the amount of chlorine should be adjusted accordingly. An alternative to chlorination, which is a very effective method for maintaining hygiene in the pool, is the ozone cleaning system. It is possible to provide disinfection with ozone gas produced by ozone generators in pools. The ozone cleaning system is known as a healthier option. However, chlorination is preferred more frequently because it is more economical. You can disinfect the pool with chlorine, which you can easily get from a market that sells pool equipment. By adjusting the amount correctly, you can achieve the most effective and safe results.

5. Pool Brush

Pollution in the pool does not occur only when the pollutants enter the pool system and remain scattered in the water. These pollutants mixed with the system come together over time and stick to the bottom, sides and outer part of the pool and cause clumping. The resulting clumping not only creates an unsightly appearance, but also creates a very negative situation in terms of hygiene. Sedimented dirt can continuously grow larger and cause an environment that will constantly pollute in the pool. In order to ensure continuous cleanliness in the pool, it is necessary to prevent this sedimentation and, if it occurs, to destroy it as soon as possible. Well-functioning surface cleaning, filtration and bottom cleaning systems are the first step to prevent this sedimentation. Afterwards, a more detailed cleaning is provided with pool chemicals. However, there may be cases where all these are not enough and the dirt may become sedimentary.

A pool brush is used to manually clean the factors such as sedimented dirt, fungus, moss and lime. In order to get rid of such stubborn dirt, the area where sedimentation occurs is thoroughly brushed and cleaned with the help of a pool brush. Pool brushes are attached to different handles, making it possible to access everywhere inside and outside the pool. Although other systems may work effectively, sedimentation of dirt and other substances is possible. As with all operations in pool cleaning, immediate action should be taken when sedimentation of dirt is observed. Some force will be required to clean effectively with the pool brush. The bottom, sides and outer area of ​​the pool can be cleaned with a pool brush and sedimentation can be prevented.

6. Pool Bucket

Surface cleaning in pools is the first step in providing adequate hygiene. When this step is done correctly, all other cleaning systems of the pool are effectively protected and overall cleanliness is achieved in the pool. Because the pollutants falling on the surface of the pool do not only stay on the surface and settle towards the bottom of the pool over time. As these contaminants settle to the bottom of the pool, they also clump together. Clumping of dirt makes cleaning in the pool more difficult and puts extra strain on the filtration system. Surface cleaning in pools is carried out automatically with the help of overflow system or pool skimmers. In addition to these systems, surface cleaning can be done manually with a pool scoop. The pool bucket can also be used to support these automated systems. In small sized pools, only the pool ladle may be sufficient for all surface cleaning. However, it will often be necessary to seek assistance from automated systems.

Besides its role in surface cleaning, the pool ladle apparatus can also be used to remove contaminants in the pool. The pool bucket is a highly functional cleaning tool when it comes to large contaminants such as leaves and twigs. But it won't do much for smaller substances and sedimenting dirt. You can get a pool scoop from a market that sells pool cleaning materials and start using it for surface cleaning of your pool. The prices of this apparatus may differ according to the dimensions of the bucket, but do not vary greatly. If you do not want to deal with surface cleaning manually, you can do this with pool skimmers. The overflow system, which is another automatic surface cleaning method, is another alternative for the pool bucket apparatus.

7. Pool Vacuum Hose

Like surface cleaning, bottom cleaning is also of great importance in the pool. A clean pool should be hygienic in all aspects and free from contaminants. In case of contamination at the bottom of the pool, it will be very difficult to swim and have a pleasant time in the pool. In addition, circulating dirt can combine over time and form a sediment at the bottom of the pool. As a result of the sedimentation of the dirt, we may be faced with a situation that will constantly create pollution. In addition, accumulated and clumped dirt can strain the pool's filtration system. For this reason, we should always keep the pool surface clean and use a pool cleaner for the dirt that sinks to the bottom of the pool. The pool cleaner is the apparatus that performs the cleaning of the dirt and waste that sinks and sinks to the bottom. With the help of this apparatus, hygienic, clean and clear pool water can be obtained. In cases where surface cleaning and filtration systems are not sufficient, pool cleaners are used.

One of the most important parts of the pool cleaner is the pool cleaner hose. Because the condition of the pool cleaner hose affects the working performance of the pool cleaner. Dirty and old pool vacuum hose will adversely affect the suction power of the vacuum cleaner. The pool cleaner hose is exposed to pool chemicals and contaminants during the cleaning of dirt. All these substances can accumulate in the pool vacuum cleaner hose over time and form clumping. Small damages due to this possible clumping and chemicals may reduce the suction power of the pool cleaner. A clean and quality pool vacuum hose is a great help in providing better cleaning.

Does the Quality of Pool Tiles Affect Pool Maintenance?

Besides the materials we use in pool maintenance, one of the important factors is the structure of the pool itself. For example, the tiles used in the pool structure affect the pool maintenance significantly. It is more difficult to provide maintenance and protect these pools from abrasions in pools using ceramic as a covering material, compared to pools using porcelain. The main differences between these two materials arise from the raw materials used in their production and the way they are produced. Produced by pressing at higher pressures and firing at higher temperatures, porcelain is more resistant to external factors than ceramic. In addition, the water absorption of ceramics is higher and pools using ceramics as coating material are more prone to bacteria and algae formation.

It would be wise to choose porcelain with high chemical resistance as a coating material in pools. If ceramic is preferred for this process, it can be seen that a higher amount of wear and damage occurs over time. Because the chemical resistance rates of the ceramic material are low and substances such as chlorine, pH reducer, algae remover can cause corrosion on the ceramic. As a result of this wear, tile losses can be seen and this will cause an unesthetic appearance. In addition, choosing ceramics instead of porcelain can make maintenance processes more difficult. It can be seen that more pollution occurs in the pool when ceramic coating is used, which creates an environment more prone to algae growth. The use of porcelain in pool coating creates many advantages in terms of both maintenance and cleaning.

No pores are formed in the structure of porcelain tiles pressed with high pressure. Thus, it is ensured that they do not absorb water and these properties make porcelain tiles more durable. Due to its production methods, porcelain is a hard and durable material. It is more resistant to external factors such as thermal shock and pool chemicals than ceramic. Thanks to their smooth structure, they do not stain and are easily cleaned. Due to all these features, the use of porcelain tiles in the pool is very beneficial for the maintenance of the pool. Of course, it is of high importance to make a quality choice when choosing porcelain tiles. The quality of this material should be taken into account as well as the material used. You can make the maintenance and cleaning of the pool easier by choosing a quality porcelain tile as a pool covering material.