Inflatable pools are cost and space-saving, among other benefits they offer. Compared to above-ground and in-ground pools, they are easy to use and clean. But, algae, leaves, and bacteria, among other inconveniences, will interrupt your fun.
This guide has helpful pointers to help you keep pool water clean. So, let's dive in!
Top Ways to Keep Inflatable Pool Water Clean
The tips below will help in maintaining a very hygienic and safer environment. Your pool's size shouldn't limit you.
Thus, here are five crucial things you need to have to keep your inflatable pool safe and clean.
- A stable type of chlorine with a strength of 55 to 62%
- An algaecide with active strength of 60%
- Borax
- Old plain regular bleach with active strength of 6%
- Water testing kits
1. Clean the Pool After Any Splash
For a pint-size pool, this is obvious. You can't fold your pool to store it when it is dirty. Thus, ensure to empty it and clean it.
2. Skimmer Nets
If you own any pool, you understand the need for a skimmer net. That's because it scoops out leaves and debris from the water surface.
If you can't find this, get a large aquarium net to use. Moreover, it should be clean to avoid contaminating the water further.
3. Cover the Pool
It is a solution for maintaining clean pool water if you need it in there for a few days. Doing this will lock out mosquitoes and debris. Some pools come with covers. If yours doesn't have, create a tarp and tuck it under the pool.
Moreover, you can add bricks to weigh its edges. It prevents the wind from blowing the tarp and allowing for the entry of dirt and debris.
4. Personal Hygiene Is Key
You can't leave the land all muddy and dump in the pool. Senseless, right? Anyone who seeks to use the pool should get a bath immediately before entering it. As a result, it prevents the entry of potentially harmful bacteria and germs.
5. Aqua Brooms Work
Aqua brooms are tiny yet fun gadgets you can use to vacuum up dirt and sand from the bottom of a pool. But, you have to be keen on the broom you choose. That's because some users have had issues with the batteries rusting because of exposure to water.
Always check on the user reviews before buying it. It helps you identify the aqua broom's pros and cons.
6. Try Scum Bags
In the movies, you must have seen an enormous sponge soaking oil below and above the water. Scum-sucking sponges use a similar technology to operate. So, you can use them to absorb lotions that you slather on yourself and the kids.
Extra Tips for Keeping the Pool Clean
Here are more valuable guidelines that you never thought would be so important.
Ensure to read the manual and manufacturer's instructions first. Besides, master them to know how well you can undertake procedures such as draining. By this, you will get to learn about the endorsed chemicals, cleaning agents, and detergents.
Exceeding the stated chlorine quantity will not make your pool cleaner. It's wrong because overusing chlorine is harmful to your health. Again, this is where your manual comes in handy.
If you are using a second-hand inflatable pool and don't have the leaflet, call the manufacturer. They will help with directions on how to use chlorine for water safety.
Chlorine is also not a guarantee that your water will be 100% safe for use. That's because there are stubborn bacteria that will survive in chlorine water. Even if you use the right amount of treatment without a backup, you are unsafe. Thus, introduce the suitable algaecide to help in controlling such germs.
Essential Steps to Treat Water in an Inflatable Pool
Here, we are explaining the basic steps of cleaning and sanitizing your pool. We'll show you how to use chlorine, which is the commonest water bleach and sanitizer. Any measurements we give here are for the explanation.
Moreover, we advise that you use the recommended measurements of your pool. They exist in different types and sizes, so the amounts vary.
Step 1: Test the Pool's Water
Use a water testing kit to estimate the chlorine level and PH balance of the water. The kit will give information on the alkalinity, PH, and free chlorine levels. In short, it helps determine the right chemicals to use.
Step 2: Calculate the Water Volume of Your Pool
Identify the shape of your pool and use the right formula to calculate volume. Whether it is a rectangle or circle, this is easy.
Step 3: Adjust PH Levels
Before adding chlorine, adjust the PH. Even so, the level has to balance to allow the bleach to clean the inflatable pool well and last longer. Thus, aim at 7.4 to 7.6.
Step 4: Add Chlorine to the Water
If your pool is new and this is the first time to sanitize it with chlorine, ensure that you shock it first. Most pool manufacturers recommend shocking the pool after two weeks as often.
But, factors like the temperature and the frequency to use will matter. With time, you won't need to shock it.
For small pools, add chlorine to sanitize the water if you don't have time. The recommended amount is a quarter a teaspoon for 10 gallons of water.
Likewise, medium size inflatable pools will need about two and a half teaspoon for 100 gallons. Also, you can do this after several weeks to shock the pool.
Step 5: Keep Your Pool Clean and Cover It
Clean out all the debris and dirt in the pool. Moreover, ensure that your filter pump is functional to deal with this. Cover your pool using a tarp to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. What's more, it also allows the chlorine to last longer and do its job well.
FAQs:
1. Can I Add Bleach to an Inflatable Family Pool?
The bleach recommended for pools is chlorine. If you don't want to keep emptying and refilling your small inflatable pool often, this is an option.
But, use the right amount of chlorine bleach for pool sanitization.
The standard measurement is a quarter teaspoon for 10 gallons. Moreover, follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the manual.
2. After How Long Should I Change the Pool Water? Especially an Inflatable Pool?
Every 10 to 14 days will be okay. But, other exceptions will force you to change the water often. For instance, for pools that you don't sanitize with bleach to kill germs and bacteria, drain the pool daily.
Note: Stagnant water that has no chlorine will be unhealthy within 24 to 48 hours.
3. Can I Swim a Few Minutes After Adding Chlorine to My Inflatable Pool?
Most pool manufacturers recommend waiting for at least 25 minutes to 1 hour. That's because it allows the chemicals to balance well. For a single yet complete cycle through a filter, wait for 2 to 4 hours before swimming, especially if you are using calcium chloride.
The safest time to use the pool after sanitizing with chlorine will be when the levels are at five ppm. It reaches there about 24 hours after the process.
4. Can I Keep an Inflatable Pool Clean Without Using a Filter?
Sure! You can use a good flocculants chemical or combine this with chlorine. A flocculant will group impurities floating in the water. Besides, it forces them to fall at the bottom of your pool. They will drain out later with the help of a cleaner.
Final Thoughts!
Even as you have fun, your health is a priority. This guide reveals how you can keep your inflatable pool very clean. It is crucial to know that contaminated pool water will be a source of trouble and ongoing health issues. Some might feel vomiting, skin infections, watery diarrhea, and others.
Thus, ensure to follow the tips above to protect everyone using the pool. After all, these are sources of fun in the summer and not misery and worry. Happy and safe swimming!
