Challenge of Cleaning Pool Stairs

Pool stairs are one of the most important components of a pool, but when it comes to maintenance they can also be one of the most neglected. It goes without saying that these come in many shapes and sizes – vertical, wide, ledges, cantilever – which makes it difficult to know exactly how to clean and maintain them.

Of course, stairs are essential as they provide a safe and simple way to enter and exit while swimming. Different types of stairs will serve different purposes – those with young children, for example, would tend to opt for “in-ground” stairs that provide a generous angle for getting into and out. Owners often choose a more space-efficient option such as molded stairs or a ladder.

The one unique purpose that all these stairs serve is that they are used to enter and exit while the wider stairs also could help you to sit and relax in the water. You can even use a chair in such stairs. For this reason, it is absolutely essential that they are maintained and cleaned on a regular basis as unclean steps can pose a number of health and safety problems.

A build-up of Algae on fiberglass steps can cause them to become slippery underfoot, presenting a health hazard to users of all ages. Not cleaning them and ledges can also lead to contamination, which in turn creates an even greater health hazard. No-one wants to swim in a potentially disease-ridden waters.

In addition to the health risks, neglected steps just look unappealing and dirty – not what you want in a swimming environment.

PREVENTION

When it comes to cleaning steps and ledges, you should take the same philosophy as you would with any other cleaning project: finding a prevention is better than finding a cure! Make sure the chlorine levels are high enough to prevent algae from growing in the first place. To do this, you first need to ascertain the cyan uric acid level. The higher this is, the more chlorine you’ll need to add. Get this somewhere between 30-80 ppm to greatly decrease the risk of steps and ledges becoming algae “hot spots”.

If algae is already lurking, then you need the cure rather than the prevention. The most common way to cure algae problems is to use a copper algaecide. You can find a wide range of algaecides available for purchase online, or in home improvement stores. Make sure you properly identify the color of algae on your pool steps, as this will determine the algaecide you require.

Again, you’ll need to increase the chlorine levels, and then add the “algaecide”. Run the filter overnight, and you should find that most of the algae on your steps has died and broken up. It’s a lengthy process, though, as you’ll then need to use a flocculent to push the dead algae to the bottom so that it can be vacuumed out.

CURE

These are tips to clean when it gets dirty or to clean on a routine basis.

Using the right Pool Cleaners

There are a number of different kinds of cleaners, many of them do a great job of various types both within In-ground and Above-Ground systems. But not all of these cleaners could climb and clean the steps. Some handle corners very well. Some could actually climb the steps but may not clean very well and some are really good at cleaning the steps, too. This is where this review site could help you immensely in choosing the right cleaner considering all your other requirements.

An alternate, quicker method for cleaning steps and ledges is to use a magic eraser sponge. It sounds like an unconventional technique, but they actually provide the owner with a remarkably effective, chemical-free stain removal option. Cleaning the steps in this way once a month can be a time and cost-effective way of staying algae-free. But in some cases you may need to clean once every fortnight or even on weekly basis, depending on your environment and the type of surface you are having.

Your best bet is to stay one step ahead of dirt and algae by ensuring that your stairs and ledges are kept clean. Check your chlorine levels, scrub your steps with a sponge, and remember that good maintenance is essential for good pool hygiene.