Introduction to Pools

If you have a swimming pool, cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keeping the water safe for you and your family.

From collecting leaves and debris to keeping the chlorine levels stable, there is a huge range of tricks, tools and products that will keep your pool in tip top shape.

This guide provides information about what to look for when you’re deciding which pool maintenance regime and equipment will suit your needs. This includes:

• Cleaning your pool
• Pool chemicals
• Pool heating

Cleaning your pool looks at the different options for collecting the dirt and leaves that inevitably collect in pool water. We outline the pros and cons of various cleaning systems, to help you decide which type will be the best choice for you — from simple creepy crawlies to high pressure cleaners with their own booster pump.

Pool chemicals describes how best to chlorinate your pool water, looking at the pros and cons of regularly adding chlorine mechanically, by hand or installing a salt chlorinator. We also explain why the chemical balance (including pH) of your water is crucial for sanitisation and swimmer comfort.

Pool heating describes the various solar, gas and electric options that are available, and suggests which type is likely to suit your climate, lifestyle and budget.