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A pool set against a stonework wall, overlooking dense greenery

Overview

Keeping your pool looking good doesn't have to be hard work. Regular maintenance once a week will make sure your pool is ready to swim in, when you want to. We'll show you how to keep your pool clean, what things you'll need, and how to check your chemical levels.

Steps

1Scoop leaves out of the pool

If leaves are left to settle at the bottom of your pool for too long, they'll break down and stain the bottom of your pool. Simply scoop them out when they're floating on the surface. This will also make vacuuming the pool much easier.

Leaves being scooped out of a pool by a Bunnings team member

2Brush the pool

After scooping the leaves, brush the floor and sides of your pool. Regular brushing prevents algae, removes dirt and keeps the pool surface smooth to ensure a long lasting finish. Have the pump running when you brush, so that any debris will be pulled into the filter, and removed from the water.

The tiled floor of a pool being scrubbed by a person with a pool brush

3Vacuum the pool

Even after scooping out the leaves, there'll still be debris left in the pool. Connect the pool vac and give it a thorough clean. This shouldn't take too long and will leave your pool looking great.

The tiled floor of a pool being vacuumed by a person with a pool vacuum

4Test your pool water

To keep your pool healthy to swim in, check the chemical levels in it once a week. Back wash the filter before you carry out the tests. There are several pool test kits that tell your pH and chlorine levels. Follow the instructions on the kits to conduct the tests and add the recommended amount of acid or chlorine.

A pool water testing kit that checks your pool's pH and chlorine levels

5Adding chlorine to the pool

If you need to add chlorine, there are several ways of doing it. There are liquid chlorines, powdered chlorines and chlorine tablets. The tablets make it easy to add chlorine to the pool. Simply drop the tablet into the dispenser, put the lid on and let it float in the pool. For the other chlorines, follow the instructions on their packages.

A chlorine tablet being added to a pool chlorine dispenser by a Bunnings team member

6Tip for salt water pools

If you have a salt water pool and it's been raining heavily, turn your filter off. Fresh rainwater is lighter than the salt water in your pool so it will sit on the surface. This means the rainwater will be drawn in through your filter and dilute your salt water and you will then have to add more chemicals.

A pool set against a stonework wall, overlooking dense greenery

Suggested products

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.