Pool Care 101 for Small Pools: Essential Tips & Tricks
Owning a small pool can be an easy, low-maintenance addition to your backyard. With the compact size, smaller pools require less frequent water chemistry testing, chemical dosing, and cleaning than larger pools. The small water volume is an advantage in pool care. But maintaining proper sanitization and cleanliness is still essential for keeping your small pool crisp and swimmable all season long.
With decades of experience, Plunge Pool Concepts is the leading expert on proper pool care for small plunge pools. Our team has installed and serviced thousands of pools across the country. As plunge pool pioneers, we have perfected the maintenance process needed for these small spaces. From water chemistry to cleaning, we have extensive knowledge of easy pool care for compact pools.
So, regarding “Pool Care 101” for small plunge pools, look no further than the pros at Plunge Pool Concepts. Our experts are here to share the best tips and tricks to help you keep your small pool crystal clear, safe, and healthy all season long.
So, let’s begin with our Pool Care 101 tips for small pools.
Test the Water Regularly
Test your pool water at least once weekly for proper pH and sanitizer levels during the swimming season. For small pools, convenient test strip kits provide sufficient accuracy. Aim to maintain a pH between 7.4-7.6 and a free chlorine level of 1-3 ppm. If using bromine, aim for 2-4 ppm. Tracking your water chemistry helps catch issues early before they become significant problems.
Chlorinate the Water
A vital component of Pool Care 101 tips is sanitizing your plunge pool water, which is critical for killing bacteria and algae. For small pools, liquid or tablet chlorine are simple options. Add the recommended dose based on your pool size regularly throughout the week to maintain a free chlorine level of 1-3 ppm. Pool calculators can help determine the right amount. Consider installing an inline or floating chlorinator for steady, gradual chlorine dispersion.
Shock When Needed
In addition to routine chlorination, shocking the water when needed helps maintain cleanliness. Shocking entails adding a larger dose of chlorine to oxidize contaminants and clear up cloudy water. Broadcast and dissolve the shock evenly throughout.
Salt-Water Pool Systems
Consider installing a salt chlorination system in your small plunge pool for easy sanitization. Salt chlorinators utilize dissolved salt to generate chlorine in the water electrolytically. This provides a steady sanitizer supply without constantly adding chlorine by hand. Check the chlorine level weekly and adjust the chlorinator setting to maintain 1-3 ppm.
Salt chlorinators are low maintenance, requiring periodic salt addition to maintain optimal levels. The soft chlorinated water is gentle on the skin, eyes, and pool surfaces. Salt chlorination is an effective, hassle-free way to sanitize your petite pool and undoubtedly eases your Pool Care 101 list.
Keep the Water Circulating
Run your pool’s pump and filter system daily to circulate the water. Proper water circulation helps distribute chemicals evenly and trap debris in the filter. For small pools, ruing your pump 6-8 hours daily during heavy use months. Clean out the filter cartridge about once a month or when pressure rises.
Control Algae Growth
Algae can quickly get out of control in all-size pools if left unchecked. Keep algae at bay by maintaining proper chlorine levels, shocking the water monthly, and brushing pool surfaces regularly. If algae take hold, treat with a concentrated algaecide. Draining and scrubbing the pool may be required in severe cases. Stay vigilant to prevent algae from reappearing after treatment.
Maintain Proper Water Levels
Check the water level of your plunge pool weekly and top off with fresh water as needed. Evaporation can lead to rapid water loss in small pool. Low water levels place strain on equipment. Add fresh water to keep levels optimal.
Keep the Pool Clean
Remove debris like leaves and bugs from the water’s surface daily using a hand skimmer. Brush pool walls and floor weekly to stop waste from settling. Check and clean pump/skimmer baskets regularly to remove collected gunk.
Protect the Pool
Cover your plunge pool with a solid safety cover when not in use. This prevents contamination from leaves and other debris. Secure ladders and safety fencing when unattended to prevent accidents. Drain any exterior hoses and secure pool chemicals in a locked storage area. Keep children and pets safe by adequately protecting the pool area.
Following these easy Pool Care 101 tips for water chemistry, sanitization, and cleaning, your small plunge pool can stay sparkling clean with minimal daily effort. The compact size of a plunge pool is ideal if you want the joy of having a pool but want to avoid the large maintenance requirements and costs of bigger pools.
Keep It Simple with a Plunge Pool
“Keep It Simple with a Plunge Pool” sums up the idea that owning a small plunge pool can provide the benefits of having a pool that is more effortless and requires less maintenance than larger pools.
At Plunge Pool Concepts, we specialize in plunge pools. Our plunge pools maximize backyard water fun while minimizing the work required. Contact us today to learn more about our range of plunge pools built for easy maintenance.
Our main office is in Easton, MA, and we provide services nationwide.
