Indoor Swimming Pool Maintenance

Indoor pools are a great way to beat the summer heat, but they are not as maintenance-free as you might think. Although indoor pools are locked in a controlled environment, they still need regular maintenance. From shocking the pool to keeping humidity levels under control, here are a few ways you can maintain your indoor swimming pool.

Regular Oxidations

Just because your pool is indoor does not mean you can forgo oxidation treatments. The oxidation process also referred to as super-chlorinating or shocking a pool, is critical in getting rid of the waste that can't be filtered, including body oil, grease, perfume, nitrogen, and powders. The difference with indoor pools is that you need to provide plenty of ventilation while shocking the water. If you fail to ventilate, the waste will simply remain in the room and fall back into the water. The frequency of the oxidation treatments will depend on the levels of chlorine present in the pool. When free chlorine levels drop below total chlorine levels, then it's time to shock the water.

Winter Shocking

It's easy to forget about the pool when winter hits, but you should still check chlorine levels and oxidate when necessary. Remember to ventilate and move fresh air into the room while shocking the pool to remove any unfiltered waste. Just remember to wait until the chlorine levels drop before you take a swim.

Vacuuming

A typical pool filter runs about eight to 12 hours every day. With such a demanding schedule, you should keep the pool as clean as possible. Ideally, this means vacuuming the interior of the pool once a week. If your pool does not get that much use, brushing the bottom and walls every week should suffice. Brushing can help break up algae and mold growth and lessen the load on your filter.

Filter Maintenance

Speaking of the filter, you should clean it out once every three months. Use a filter cleaner along with rinsing it out as the cleaner will break up and remove dirt and debris. If you only rinse the filter, then you run the risk of buildup in the system that will be harder to remove at a later date. Further, make sure all hoses and fans are operating properly and fully flush the system to remove all excess chemicals.

Cover Cleaning

Automatic pool covers and solar blankets should be kept clean. The frequency of cleaning varies from pool to pool, but you should be washing them at least two times every year. Again, use a chemical cleaner when rinsing the covers to remove all the dirt and grime. You should maintain this cleaning schedule even when the pool is not in use as substances can get trapped under the cover over prolonged periods of time.

Water Testing

Maintaining the correct water chemistry is critical in keeping your indoor pool running its best. This includes testing the pH levels and making sure they are well balanced. You should also check the levels of free chlorine and total chlorine as this will tell you when you need to shock the water. If you are unsure about your water chemistry, a foul or pungent odor is typically a sign that the pH levels are off. To remedy the problem of an odor, simply shock the water with chlorine and add chemicals until the pH levels are back to normal.

Troubleshooting Problems

One of the biggest issues with indoor pools is improper ventilation and poorly insulated windows. Without proper ventilation, the humidity levels in the room can increase and spur the growth of mold and algae. Humidity can also weaken building structures and rot out wood, so it's critical that your indoor pool has proper ventilation and a good dehumidifier system.