Leaves in pools can quickly turn into a slippery, slimy mess that will ruin your swimsuit opportunity for the day. It doesn’t matter if you have just cleaned the pool or if it has been there for a while – leaves in the water make it impossible to keep your cool during those hot summer months. But don’t fret, we’ve got you covered on this one. Here’s how to clear up brown pool water from leaves.
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Shuck Them
The first step is to remove the leaves from the water. You don’t need to throw them out, but you certainly shouldn’t put them back in, either. Instead, use a pair of tongs or a long fork to remove the leaves from the water. Make sure to keep them away from the water’s edge where they’ll continue to grow and cause more problems. After you’ve removed all the visible leaves, give the water a quick stir to ensure that all the dirt at the bottom has been stirred up. Then, pour the water through a strainer to remove any remaining particles. Finally, replace the filter and enjoy your clean, clear pool.
Rake It
To ensure that your pool stays clear of debris, you’ll need to rake it at least once a week. Begin by gathering a few long-handled or stick-style pool rakes (depending on the size of your pool). Then, dip them in a bucket of water before throwing them in the pool. Ensure that the water is at least three inches deep when you drop the pool rakes in. This will help prevent the formation of algae (which can appear greenish in color) and cause you less irritation to your skin if it comes into contact with the pool water. After you’ve raked your pool, give it a stir with a long handle or wooden spoon to ensure that all the dirt at the bottom has been removed. It’s also a good idea to do this every other week in addition to your regular cleaning routine.
Scrub It Clean
To make sure that your pool stays clean and clear of any algae or other substances, it’s a good idea to scrub it thoroughly at least once a week. Begin by pouring some chlorine-based water cleaner into the pool and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, scrub your pool with a brush or sponge filter attached to a long handle. Cleaning your pool in this manner will assist in removing any algae or discoloration that may have formed during the week, as well as any dirt that may have settled at the bottom during the day. Finally, when you’re done scrubbing, rinse your pool thoroughly with fresh water and dry it with a towel to ensure that all the water has been removed and that your pool is ready for use.
If you have a pool that is around four feet deep, you might not need to do any scraping or shaking at all. However, if your pool is less than four feet deep, then you might need to do some scraping or shaking to ensure that all the debris is at the bottom of the pool.
Wash It Down
To keep your pool free of any debris, it’s a good idea to wash it down every week. Begin by filling the pool with water and attaching a garden hose to the outdoor spout or to the faucet near the pool. Then, while the water is running, pour in a couple of cups of chlorine-based water cleaner and let it flow through the pool for about 10 minutes. When the water reaches the top of the pool, stop the flow and allow the chlorine to dissipate into the air. After the chlorine has been washed down the pool, you can begin rinsing it with fresh water and removing any debris that may have formed during the week. Finally, when all the water has been washed down the pool, dry it with a towel to ensure that all the water has been removed and that your pool is ready for use.
Depending on where you live, the weather, and how often you use your pool, you might need to do some adjusting to ensure that your pool is operating at its optimum capacity. For example, if you live in a cold climate, you might need to heat your pool a little bit before using it. Similarly, if you live in a warm climate, you might need to cool down your pool a bit before using it. However, if you use your pool consistently and regularly, then you probably don’t need to adjust too much. Simply make sure that you clean it as often as possible and that you change the water regularly.