"It's easy to neglect the pool in the backyard for a week or so, but really you should be monitoring the water level and keeping it clean on a daily basis," said Ed Marshall, vice president of Marshall Oil Company, which provides pool water to customers every year.
Maintaining proper chemical levels in the pool is one of the most important steps in keeping the water clear. The key levels to monitor are the chlorine and pH. Chlorine is used to kill germs and bacteria in pool water, while the pool’s pH level measures the water's acidity and determines how effective of a cleaner the chlorine is.
"Purchasing a water testing kit is usually the best way to monitor the chemicals in a pool," said Marshall. "Make sure you have the proper amount of chlorine in the water before opening the pool up to family and friends."
The pool filter also plays a key role in keeping water clean, as it's designed to remove dirt and microscopic debris from the water. However, the filter must also be cleaned regularly to keep from building up too much bacteria.
"Backwashing is a process that involves the water flowing through the system in the opposite direction to clean out the filter," said Marshall. "This simple process can be very effective and can avoid any unnecessary build up of debris."
Finally, skimming the pool for organic materials like leaves or insects collects anything the filter may have missed and avoids cloudy or murky water. When these materials are left in the pool for too long, they can break down and sink to the bottom of the pool.
"There's a little bit of legwork to do after filling a pool, but after it's finished everyone can stay cool all summer long," said Marshall.
To contact Marshall Oil Company for pool water or other products or services, visit their website.