If you own a home with a swimming pool, you would know that maintaining a pool is a lot of work. Many people end up making expensive mistakes. Skimping on regular servicing and making pool-care mistakes can prove costly, make the water unsanitary, and endanger your loved ones. If you want to learn how to maintain your pool better, avoid making these six costly mistakes when caring for your swimming pool:

Improper cleaning
This is one of the most common mistakes people make. It is important to clean your pool at least once a week to remove any dirt, debris, or bacterial buildup. You also need to ensure that the sides and bottom of the pool are brushed regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and algae and to avoid any staining or discoloration of the pool tiles. Another important aspect of cleaning your pool is to vacuum it regularly. Not vacuuming can lead to an increase in algae growth and make the water appear cloudy. When vacuuming your pool, start from the deepest part of the pool, and move towards the shallow end, as this will ensure you clear all debris along the way.

Imbalance of water pH levels
Ideally, the pH levels of the water in your pool must be between 7.2 and 7.6 to prevent any skin or eye irritation. These levels need to be tested regularly, and they can be maintained with the help of certain chemicals.

Using the wrong chemicals
Using too many chemicals can also lead to health issues. An imbalance of chemicals in the pool could promote algae and bacterial growth, making it unhygienic for you to swim in. Hire a professional maintenance company to help you maintain the right balance of chemicals to ensure that your pool is safe for you and your loved ones to swim in.

Turning off the pump
Plan to run your pool pump for at least 8-10 hours during warm summer months. This helps circulate the water and prevent the growth of algae. Turning the pump off stagnates the pool water, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. Ideally, your pool water should go through the filter at least twice a day during the summer, especially if you have heavy use.

Not winterizing your pool
If you live in an area that experiences sub-zero temperatures for several days or months at a stretch, you should consider investing in freeze protection for your pool. Have your pool systems checked before winter begins, and install a freeze protection system that automatically keeps the water in your pool moving to keep the pipes from freezing over. Alternatively, you can opt for winterizing techniques like draining the water and removing any accessories from the pool. Failing to winterize could lead to costly repairs later on.

Not keeping your pool covered
Invest in a quality pool cover to keep it covered when it is not in use. This prevents the buildup of dirt and debris in the pool to keep the water clean and reduces water loss due to evaporation.

Avoiding these six mistakes can help you keep your pool safe and hygienic and help you bring down maintenance costs.