Many homeowners enjoy the addition of a pool or pond to their property. Pools and ponds can provide hours of enjoyment for family and friends, as well as increase the value of your home. However, if they are not properly maintained, pools and ponds can become eyesores and even safety hazards. But what are the biggest mistakes?
Not Using a Pool Pump
As the first mistake, not using a pool pump is one of the most common problems. Pool pumps are designed to circulate the water in your pool, which helps to prevent stagnation and keeps the water clean. Without a pool pump, the water in your pool can become murky and dangerous to swim in as the water just sits there.
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Not Maintaining the Water Level
While this might seem like a small thing, not maintaining your pool level can actually lead to big problems. If the water level gets too low, it can damage the pump and other equipment. What’s more, it can also cause the pool to crack. On the other hand, if the water level is too high, it can overflow and cause flooding.
With a pond, water levels are also important to maintain. If the water level gets too low, your fish could die. A consistent water level is essential for a healthy pond ecosystem – often, pond owners don’t realise this until it’s too late.
Not Cleaning the Pool or Pond
It goes without saying that not cleaning your pool or pond is a huge mistake; not only will the water become dirty, but it can also become a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. Over time, this can make the water unsafe to swim in.
To avoid this, you should clean your pool or pond regularly. For a pond, this means removing any debris that has accumulated on the surface, as well as performing a partial water change every few weeks. For a pool, you’ll need to vacuum the floor and walls, as well as scrub them down with a brush. While a pump will constantly rotate the water, it doesn’t automatically negate the need for cleaning (sorry!).
Not Maintaining the pH Levels
When you have a pond, the water needs to be properly balanced for the plants and fish to thrive; this means maintaining a pH level at a certain point. If the pH level gets too high or low, it can cause problems such as fish death, plant die-off, and water clarity issues.
How do you check your pH levels? You’ll need to purchase a pH testing kit (they’re not too expensive) and test the water regularly. If the levels are off, you can add chemicals to raise or lower the pH as needed.
Likewise, pH is also critical for pools – though the ideal pH level for a pool is slightly different than that of a pond. For instance, if your pool’s pH is too low, it can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as damage to swimsuits and pool equipment. If the pH is too high, on the other hand, it can make the chlorine in your pool less effective.
Not Running the Filter Enough
Your pool or pond’s filter is responsible for keeping the water clean and clear. So, it’s important to make sure that you’re running it for the recommended amount of time each day. Otherwise, you run the risk of the water becoming murky and stagnant. For example, many manufacturers recommend running a pool filter for at least eight hours a day during the summer months.
