Your swimming pool is a major investment that requires proper cleaning and maintenance. While professional cleaning is the best option, you can opt to go natural and use products like vinegar or baking soda to remove dirt and stains. They may be cheaper, but they are known to be effective.
Natural Alternatives for Pool Cleaning
White Vinegar
White vinegar is good for removing calcium buildup right at the waterline. Excess calcium is caused by altered pH levels and high levels of water hardness, and can also cause scaling inside the pipes and all over the pool.
One of the telltale signs of calcium buildup is when people’s skin starts to itch when they leave the pool, or experience burning or itching eyes. You can mix a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar to scrub the calcium residues away. It can also help reduce the pH level of the water and kill bacteria.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice or lime works as effectively as vinegar and smells nicer. It’s a natural cleaner that helps remove rust, grime, and calcium buildup. Mix one cup of lemon juice with salt, apply the mixture to the pool tile, then gently scrub the gunk away.
Tip: You can opt to plant a lemon tree near the swimming pool to have shade, added privacy, and lemons to help keep your pool clean.
Baking Soda
Adding baking soda to your pool water will help raise both pH and alkaline levels. This will improve clarity and stability. It’s also a cheaper way of maintaining your pool than using commercial pool products. Just sprinkle it directly into the pool water, then wait for about 6 hours to let it dissolve.
When using it as a cleaner, mix it with water then use it on your tiles and grout. You can also use it to clean a stone or concrete pool deck. Baking soda also reduces pool corrosion, softens pool water, and poses little risk to the water and swimmers.
Bleach
The simple household bleach can help remove stains from the grout and clean your pool water. When using it as pool treatment, keep in mind that it should be used in specific concentrations. Too little and it will not be effective, but too much of it can cause the water to be too harsh to use. You can use 100 to 200 ounces of bleach per 10,000 gallons of swimming pool water.
Borax
Borax is usually used as a laundry booster and is perfect for getting bad smells out of clothes. It can also be used as a natural pool cleaner by adding water until it forms a paste, then using it to remove any slippery spots, sticky residue, and other stains. It’s a better option than most commercial cleaning products.
Tip: You can also use borax to raise the pH level of your pool. Just add one cup to 10,000 gallons of water, and go slowly to avoid raising the pH beyond proper levels.
Reputable Commercial Pool Service
Weber Pools offers high-quality residential and commercial pool cleaning services that use new technologies for a safer-to-use swimming pool.
Book an appointment with us today by calling 214-693-7005 or filling out our online form.