Container pools with shipping container construction prove just how flexible containers are as building blocks. From offices to homes, shipping container-based buildings will only continue gaining popularity.
Using modular construction that allows easy installation in homes and offices, container pools can help people refreshment in alternative settings. But, much like any building or swimming pool, even container pools need cleaning, too.
So, what happens if you don’t clean them properly, and how can we clean them? Read more here!
Also Read: Shipping Container Pool: Comparison with Other Pool Types
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Container Pool Regularly?
We get it, cleaning a swimming pool can be tedious and time-consuming. However, not cleaning it regularly will only make your swimming pool feel like a useless investment once it accumulated enough damage.
Here’s what could happen if you don’t maintain your swimming container pool regularly:
Algae Growth Turns Your Water Green
As you know, algae thrive in stagnant, untreated water. If you skip cleaning your pool, algae will start growing and turn your water green and slimy.
Not only does this make your pool look uninviting, but it can also clog the filtration system and make swimming uncomfortable.
Over time, thick algae buildup can even stain the walls and floor of the pool. If this keeps up, the algae will stick hard to the walls and its color can permanently stain them after some time.
Additionally, certain algae types, like black algae, are stubborn and resistant to regular chlorine treatments. This means you’ll have to invest more time and effort in removing them once they’ve established themselves.
Bacteria and Germs Multiply
Standing and warm water is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Without regular treatment, harmful microorganisms can contaminate the pool and cause skin infections, eye irritation, and even diarrhea.
Harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can thrive in dirty pools, causing ear infections, rashes, and even respiratory issues. While bad enough for adults, these bacteria can also significantly affect children once they infect the children via untreated water.
Worse yet, an unclean pool can develop biofilm, a slimy layer that protects bacteria and makes them harder to kill with chlorine.
Filter and Pump Damage
Your pool’s filter and pump work hard to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria. But if you don’t clean the pool regularly, leaves, bugs, and grime can clog the filters and pumps over time.
A clogged filter forces the pump to work harder, which can increase energy consumption and shorten the lifespan of the pump. If the system is overwhelmed, it may burn out completely and force you to buy an expensive replacement.
Water Becomes Cloudy and Unpleasant
No one wants to swim in murky and cloudy water. Dirty pools collect dirt, oils, and debris, making the water look and feel gross. If the water is too dirty for swimming, you’ll have to spend extra time and money on chemicals and deep cleaning before you can use it again.
Cloudy water is often a sign of chemical imbalances, high calcium levels, or an overworked filter. In extreme cases, it can lead to scaling and deposits forming on the pool walls, making cleaning even harder.
The Pool’s Structure Deteriorates Faster
Since shipping container pools are made of metal, improper maintenance can lead to rust and corrosion over time. If your water chemistry is off or your pool isn’t cleaned properly, the metal structure may start to weaken and shorten the lifespan of your pool.
Rust can start as small spots and quickly spread, compromising the container’s integrity. This is especially concerning if rust develops near welded seams or structural joints, as it can lead to leaks or even collapse over time.
Best Ways to Clean Your Container Pool
Considering the various dangers of not cleaning container pools regularly, it’s only obvious if you don’t want them to happen and ruin your home’s sanctuary for relaxation.
So, how can we properly clean these swimming pools from time to time?
Skim the Surface Daily
Leaves, bugs, and dirt often float on the surface before sinking to the bottom. Use a skimmer net every day to remove debris before it gets into the filter or stains the pool walls.
If possible, use an automatic surface skimmer that can continuously collect floating debris. This reduces the workload on your filtration system and helps keep the water crystal-clear.
Brush the Walls and Floor Weekly
Even if your water looks clean, algae and dirt can stick to the pool’s walls and floor. Use a pool brush to scrub the sides and bottom at least once a week.
If you want a thorough cleaning, you can brush the pool’s walls before vacuuming to loosen debris and make it easier to remove. By doing this, you can significantly diminish the chance of the pool accumulating wall stains.
Vacuum the Pool Every Week
A pool vacuum helps remove dirt and debris that settle at the bottom. If you don’t have an automatic vacuum, you can use a manual vacuum to clean the pool yourself.
Vacuuming is especially important for container pools with textured or grooved floors, as the ridges can catch dirt and debris.
Clean and Backwash the Filter Regularly
Your pool filter is essential for keeping the water clean. If dirt clogs the filter over time, your water may become cloudy, and the pump will have to work harder. Here’s how to maintain your filter:
- Cartridge filters: Remove and rinse with a hose every two weeks.
- Sand filters: Backwash every few weeks to remove trapped debris.
- DE filters: Backwash and recharge with diatomaceous earth (DE) powder as needed.
Check and Maintain Water Chemistry
Balancing your pool’s pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels is crucial for keeping the water clean and safe. To do so, test the water at least twice a week using pool test strips or a liquid test kit. Keeping your water chemistry balanced prevents scale buildup, corrosion, and algae growth.
Additional Tips for Keeping Your Container Pool Clean
While regular cleaning is sufficient to keep your container pool functional, following these cleaning tips won’t hurt you and can help you in the long run:
Use a Pool Cover When Not in Use
A pool cover prevents leaves, bugs, and dirt from getting into the water. It also reduces water evaporation, saving you money on refills and chemical treatments.
Pool covers can also help retain heat, reducing the cost of heating your pool during colder months. Like in open-top containers, pool covers are made from tarpaulin that can protect them from rain that can damage the cargo.
Keep the Area Around Your Pool Clean
If grass, dirt, or trees surround the container pool’s installation site, they can cause more debris to end up in the water. To keep the place clean, you can trim overhanging trees whose leaves can accumulate around the pool.
Encourage Swimmers to Rinse Off First
Much as sunscreen and lotions are perfect for protecting your skin from sunlight, they can still introduce unwanted chemicals to the pool. Furthermore, sweat can cause the pool to smell unpleasant.
Because of that, you should encourage swimmers to rinse their bodies first before swimming. Having an outdoor shower or rinse station near the pool makes this even easier.
Inspect for Leaks or Rust
Since shipping container pools are made of metal, rust, and leaks can develop over time if not properly maintained. Regularly inspect the walls, welds, and lining for any signs of damage or corrosion.
If you notice rust, treat it immediately to prevent further deterioration. In this regard, using a protective pool liner can help prevent direct water contact with metal surfaces and reduce the risk of rust. Vinyl works best for container pools since you can apply them according to the pool’s design.
Also Read: Prefab Container Home: How to Extend Its Lifespan
Conclusion
While cleaning container pools does need some hefty work, it’s all worth it knowing that doing so can prove your investment in the alternative swimming pool is a smart one. To make such an investment even more profitable, you can use Tradecorp’s convertible shipping containers as the pool’s building blocks. Also, Tradecorp can build the container pool from the ground up to match and meet your dream pool’s specifications. Contact Tradecorp today!
