Summer is fast approaching, and one of the most popular summer activities in Australia is going for a swim so its not surprising that having your own pool at home is not uncommon. It is also an excellent form of exercise, just one hour of swimming can burn 840 calories, which is more than you'd burn from either biking or running.

Unfortunately, during the winter months, pools tend to sit idle. That means you have some preparing to do before you can dive in and enjoy the cool, clear water. It's important to prepare properly to ensure that your pool and its water are in good shape and safe for you, your family and your friends to jump into. Here, we'll give you some swimming pool cleaning tips that you need to follow to get your pool in top shape.

1. Prepare the items you need

Before you undertake any kind of job, you need to make sure you have all the tools to get it done. Get your pool supplies together, including any cleaning products and other items you might need.


2. Start with the cover

Before you get to the pool itself, you need to address the cover. Chances are it's been sitting atop your pool for months and it's gathered quite a collection of twigs, dust, leaves, and other debris. Grab a long-handle brush and clean the top of your cover. Also, be sure that any water that is pooled on top of the cover is drained off. After sitting there for so long, it's bound to be pretty nasty and you don't want it getting into your pool. Once the cover is cleaned, you can remove it.


3. Check your water levels

Now that your cover is off, take a look at the water level of your pool. It's possible that it has dropped a bit since the last time it was used. You need to add water until it's at about the same level as the centre of the skimmer opening. If this requires you to add more than 2,000 litres, you need to check with your local council to see if a permit is needed.


4. Get your chemistry right

This is potentially the most difficult step that you need to complete, and it's also one of the most important. Before you or anyone else takes a dip, you need to be sure the water is free of algae and bacteria. This requires the chemistry of the water to be at certain levels. If you are not confident handling the chemicals yourself then get a professional pool cleaner involved as they have the experience to adjust the chemicals as needed and get just the right balance.

Alkaline - The alkalinity of the water needs to be right before the pH is adjusted.

pH - Ideally, this should be anywhere from 7.2 up to 7.6 for safe and comfortable swimming. Your pool cleaner can adjust levels as needed.

Calcium - If the water is soft, it has the possibility of absorbing calcium from your pool's grouting, which could eventually lead to costly pool renovations. Keeping your water hard prevents that.

Stabiliser - The sun's UV rays can deplete the chlorine from your pool if not properly treated.

Algaecide - Algae is the pesky green stuff that discolours your pool during the winter months when it sits untouched, and it needs to be removed before you jump in for a swim. This chemical kills the algae and gets rid of it.

Chlorine - This is the best-known ingredient in pool water and you should keep your levels at the range from 1.5 to 3 ppm. Additionally, you should add chlorine regularly, and your professional pool cleaner can tell you how much and how often. Also, make sure you have a plastic chlorinator in place if your filter system is metallic, the chlorine tablets that professional pool cleaners use can damage metal.


5. Give your pool a shock

People who own pools know what a "shock treatment" refers to. This is when you up the chlorine content of your pool to over 5 ppm in order to oxidise all the bacteria, dead skin cells, and dead algae that the regular chlorine treatment has killed in the pool. This should be done about once each week during the month when your pool sees heavy use.


6. Complete the clean-up work

Now it's time to give your pool a clean. By this we mean cleaning the filters and baskets as well as checking for any tiles that may have grout that looks a bit nasty. Use some baking soda and a good sponge or just grab some pool tile cleaner. Just be sure not to use any household chemicals as they are definitely not safe to swim in. Also, give your pool deck or surrounding pavers a cleaning, and give your lawn a little TLC as well.


7. Make your final checks

Finally, check all your pool equipment including pumps and filter systems. Also, check all the light bulbs that are in and around your pool to see if any need replacing. Ensure that all gates, latches, and locks are working as it's important to keep children away from the pool when there are no adults to watch them.


8. Time to take a dive

Congratulations! Your pool is now ready to go. So get your family together, rip off that cover, and jump right in. You've earned yourself the right to relax and take in the cool, clear water of the pool you worked so hard to prepare!