Maintaining Your Swimming Pool: Affordable Household Solutions
Having a swimming pool can be a delightful addition to your home, especially during the hot summer months. However, to keep it looking pristine and inviting, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. Typically, pool cleaning services can cost between $84 and $278 per week, primarily due to the high expense of pool supplies and chemicals. Fortunately, many household items can serve as effective and budget-friendly alternatives for pool cleaning. These products are widely available at local department stores and are known for their affordability and efficacy.
Before you begin, it’s important to note that these household items work best for chlorine-based swimming pools. If you’re using a saltwater pool system or an oxidizer, these solutions may not be as effective.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, commonly found in kitchens, is not just a baking ingredient. It can significantly enhance the alkalinity of your pool water. Comprising sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate), it plays a crucial role in maintaining the water’s pH balance. Many pool owners use baking soda to eliminate pesky black and yellow algae, making it ideal for above-ground pools, as it is gentle on vinyl walls.
For effective results, add 1.5 lbs of baking soda for every 10,000 gallons of water. Purchasing in bulk (5 lbs or more) can lead to significant savings. Just a reminder: while household baking soda is effective for pool cleaning, it’s best not to use the more expensive pool-specific version for cooking.
Muriatic Acid
Muriatic acid is a vital pool chemical that helps reduce the alkalinity of pool water and prevents mineral build-up and bacterial growth. You can easily find it as a household cleaner in home improvement stores. A dosage of 10 ppm for every 10,000 gallons of water is generally sufficient for maintenance. However, caution is advised, as it is acidic and can cause skin burns or respiratory issues if mishandled.
Bleach
Sodium hypochlorite, the main ingredient in household bleach, serves as a cost-effective alternative to expensive pool shock treatments. In addition to sanitizing the pool, bleach helps reduce calcium precipitation in the water, making it a dual-purpose solution. For optimal results, choose unscented, regular bleach, preferably with a concentration of at least 6%. Lower concentrations may require you to double the amount for the same sanitizing effect.
Borax
Borax, or sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, is another household staple effective for pool maintenance. Adding about half a cup of borax for every 10,000 gallons of water can help elevate the pH level of your pool. Its properties also aid in limiting algae growth, making it a valuable addition to your pool cleaning regimen.
Vitamin C Tablets
If you notice stubborn stains on your pool’s walls, vitamin C tablets can be a lifesaver. These tablets not only ensure the health of your family but are also effective at removing stains. Simply crush a few sugar-coated vitamin C tablets and rub them directly onto the stained areas. Avoid using capsules or gel tablets, as they won’t produce the desired effect.
Liquid Dishwashing Soap
Liquid dishwashing soap can assist in identifying leaks and cracks in your pool’s plumbing system. However, it should not be used for cleaning the pool itself. By mixing three-quarters of the soap with warm water, you can create a solution to spray on pump lids, fittings, and pipes. The formation of bubbles indicates the presence of a crack that requires attention.
Old Pantyhose
Old pantyhose can be repurposed as an effective tool in your pool cleaning arsenal. Placing them in the skimmer basket helps capture fine debris, such as hair and dirt, before it reaches the filter, ultimately prolonging the life of your pool’s filtration system.
Coca-Cola
Surprisingly, Coca-Cola can be an effective cleaning agent for your pool. Its phosphoric acid content makes it suitable for cleaning metal railings and fixtures, helping to maintain their shine. For best results, mix two liters of Coca-Cola with water near the metal fixtures.
Tennis Balls
Even if you’re not a tennis enthusiast, tennis balls are remarkably effective at cleaning your pool. The fibers of the tennis ball absorb oil residues from suntan lotion, makeup, and hair products left in the water. Just toss a few tennis balls into the pool and let them do their job while floating. However, keep pets indoors to avoid any accidents.
Milk Jugs
During winter, above-ground pools can suffer from severe damage due to snow and ice accumulation. To prevent this, keep some water in the pool, as it provides structural support. Instead of using wire cables that could pull down the walls, place milk jugs filled with water around the pool’s perimeter to secure the cover and prevent wall collapse.
Plastic Broom
A plastic broom is an invaluable tool for cleaning your pool. It effectively removes dirt and debris from both your garage and the pool. Opt for a broom designed for cobweb removal, as these have sturdy bristles and durable handles, making them perfect for vacuuming the bottom and sides of your pool.
White Vinegar
Calcium build-up around the waterline can detract from your pool’s appearance. To combat this, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water to effectively remove these unsightly white streaks. Additionally, vinegar can restore shine to metal surfaces. If vinegar isn’t available, rubbing alcohol can serve as a great alternative.
Olive Oil
For stubborn sticky residues, such as tree sap, olive oil can be a game-changer. Its natural properties break down tough stains, allowing you to easily remove them with soapy water. Olive oil is gentle on most materials, ensuring that your pool’s covers and vinyl linings remain undamaged.
Lime Juice
Lime juice is excellent for restoring shine to metal surfaces and effectively removing rust. Combine one cup of lime juice with enough salt to create a paste, and apply it to rusted areas. For added effectiveness, pre-treat the rusted spots with a baking soda paste to loosen the rust before applying the lime juice.
Rubbing Alcohol
If you find yourself in need of a cleaner and vinegar or lime is unavailable, rubbing alcohol is a fantastic substitute. It acts as a powerful antiseptic and is effective at removing sticky residues along the pool’s sides. For cleaning purposes, use a diluted solution of 50% to 70% rubbing alcohol.
Simple Green
Simple Green is an eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaner that has gained popularity for its effectiveness in stain removal. It can be used to treat rust and grease around the pool. For optimal results, dilute it in a 1:1 ratio with water for heavy cleaning or a 1:30 ratio for lighter cleaning.
Melamine Sponge
Melamine sponges, often called magic erasers, are incredible cleaning tools for your pool. They are exceptionally effective at removing sticky residues and stains without the need for additional chemicals. However, they can scratch certain surfaces, so it’s wise to test them on a small area before using them extensively.
Adjusting Hardness
To maintain optimal water hardness, you may need to drain a portion of your pool water. Water hardness varies by region, so testing the water with a strip is essential. If the hardness is too high, you can fill the pool with soft water to balance it out. Just be careful not to overdo it, as excessive softening can lead to other issues.
Dilution
If your pool water has adequate calcium hardness, diluting it can help. Simply drain some water and refill with softer water to achieve the desired hardness. Regularly test the water to ensure the alkalinity remains stable. If the pH level is not within the ideal range of 7.2-7.8, use muriatic acid to lower it or baking soda to raise it, depending on your needs.