My dad taught me this trick to keep the pool crystal clear in just 2 minutes with zero effort. Here's how to do it

Here’s the simple trick that my dad taught me: Use a tennis ball. Yes, that’s right—a standard tennis ball. This trick works on the principle of absorption.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use this method:

Simply throw one or two tennis balls into your pool. Tennis balls are made from a fibrous felt material, which naturally attracts oils and lotions that can accumulate on the surface of your water. These oils and lotions often come from sunscreens, hair products, and the natural oils from swimmers' skin. They can make your pool look murky and can also degrade the efficacy of your pool chemicals.

Once you’ve tossed the tennis balls into the pool, your work is essentially done. The balls will float around, passively soaking up surface oils and preventing them from forming a film on the water. For best results, leave the tennis balls in the pool at all times and replace them monthly or as needed, depending on your pool’s usage.

The effectiveness of the tennis balls comes from their material. The felt covering has a natural affinity for oils, which it absorbs out of the water. This method won’t replace the need for proper chemical maintenance, but it significantly reduces surface grime, leading to a visibly clearer pool.

To complement the tennis ball trick, consider these additional tips:

Regularly check and adjust pool chemicals: Maintain proper pH and chlorine levels to ensure your pool stays clean and sanitary.

Use a pool cover: When the pool is not in use, covering it can prevent debris from falling in and reduce the workload on your filtration system.

Regular filtration: Ensure your pool’s filtration system is running efficiently. Depending on the size of your pool, running the filter 6-8 hours a day can be sufficient.