How to Maintain a Mineral Swimming Pool in the Summer

As summer brings warm weather and more poolside fun, it’s the perfect time to ensure your mineral swimming pool is in top condition. Mineral pools, like those using Mineral Swim™, offer a luxurious swimming experience with softer water and natural purification. Regular maintenance, focusing on water quality, system upkeep, and cleanliness, is essential to ensure it remains in pristine condition. To enjoy a pristine pool all summer, follow these essential maintenance tips:

1. Regular Pool Water Testing and Balancing

Increased pool usage and higher temperatures can affect water balance. Regularly test your pool’s water to ensure it is correctly balanced within the recommended ranges. Ensure the recommended salt/mineral levels are reached after being fully dissolved. If you have a new pool, confirm with your pool builder if chemicals can be safely added to it.

For optimal water quality, the following levels are recommended for a Mineral Swim™ pool:

Chlorine Level: Even with a mineral pool, maintaining adequate chlorine levels is necessary for safe, sanitised water. The free chlorine level should be 1 - 3 ppm.

pH: If you have a fibreglass pool aim for a pH level of 7.0-7.2. If you have a concrete pool aim for a pH level between 7.2-7.6. This range will keep the water feeling comfortable.

Alkalinity: Keep it between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million). This stabilises the pH and prevents large fluctuations.

Mineral Levels: The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level should be3500 – 4500 ppm. Keeping the recommended mineral level concentration aids in pool water purification and water softness.

Regular water testing must be carried out to ensure the water is within the recommended ranges. Your local pool shop will be able to carry out quick and easy water testing and give you recommended chemicals to use.

Tip: Always add minerals to the pool with the pump running to ensure they are evenly dispersed.

2. Optimise Filtration and Circulation

Proper filtration and water circulation are crucial for keeping your Mineral Swim pool in top condition. During the peak summer months, run your pool pump for longer, around 6 hours per day, to improve water circulation and ensure effective filtration. An Ecoclear variable speed pool pump will provide powerful filtration but save energy costs. If you’re using a sand filter, backwash it weekly to prevent blockages and maintain efficiency. Consider using glass filter media, which will filter smaller particles and require less frequent backwashing, saving water and energy.

3. Clean the Pool Floor and Surface

Mineral Swim pools naturally produce clear, glistening water thanks to the flocculation properties of Dead Sea minerals. However, summertime means more leaves, sunscreen, and dirt can end up in your pool. Regular vacuuming of the pool floor and scrubbing of the pool walls will prevent algae from forming and dirt from accumulating. Invest in a Dolphin robotic cleaner to efficiently remove debris without disturbing the mineral balance.

These steps will ensure your water remains clear and inviting all season long.

5. Top up Water Levels

With the summer heat and increased splashing, water levels can drop quickly, and mineral concentration can increase and unbalance your water. Keep the water level in the middle of your skimmer opening to ensure proper filtration. When adding water, test and adjust the chemical balance as needed.

6. Cover Your Pool When not in Use

A pool cover minimises water evaporation, reduces debris, and helps maintain temperature, saving energy and water. It's especially important to protect your pool during extreme weather, including summer storms or windy days, which can impact your pool and cause chemical imbalances.

7. Monitor Swimming Pool Use

During the summer, the swimming pool may get used more, and more people enjoying your pool means chemicals and minerals will deplete quickly. After heavy use or pool parties then it will be necessary to increase cleaning and carry out pool water testing.

9. Professional Servicing and Support

While regular maintenance is essential, scheduling a professional service visit at the start and end of summer will ensure your pool’s systems are in optimal condition. Your local Elite Dealer pool shop can provide a thorough check-up, including a detailed inspection of your pool system and mineral levels.

Enjoy a Sparkling Summer Pool

By following these tips, you’ll maintain crystal-clear, inviting water that’s soft, gentle, and naturally purified. Mineral swimming pools are a joy to own, and a little routine care ensures they remain the centrepiece of your summer.

For more tips or to explore innovative pool care solutions, visit Mineral Swim.