Owning a swimming pool is one of life’s simplest, yet sweetest luxuries. It’s your very own personal escape on hot summer days, the go-to spot for weekend gatherings with your family and friends, and a fun way to squeeze in some physical activity.
However, making sure that your pool stays clean, crystal clear, inviting, and suitable for swimming requires a bit of upkeep. If you’re a homeowner who likes things done right (and maybe even enjoys the process a little), this swimming pool care and maintenance guide will walk you through important things you need to know to care for your pool like a seasoned pro.
Why Does Consistent Pool Maintenance Matter, Anyway?
A pool is a major investment. As stated above, it’s a centerpiece for relaxation, fun, and even a little exercise. Without regular maintenance, though, it can quickly become a money pit – or worse, an outright health hazard. Algae blooms, murky water, clogged filters, and broken pumps are all the stuff of nightmares for anyone who owns a pool.
Consistently caring for your swimming pool doesn’t just keep it from becoming a green and cloudy mess that smells like a chemical spill that no one wants to swim in. It also helps you avoid costly repairs, prolongs the life of your equipment, and ensures that the water stays safe and clean for everyone.
The Chemistry of Clean: Balancing Pool Water
Water chemistry is one of the trickiest – but most important – parts of pool maintenance. Yes, we know that it sounds intimidating at first. However, once you get the hang of it, it’s really just keeping to a consistent routine. Get the levels right, and you’re already halfway to pool perfection!
The first thing you need to do is to check your swimming pool’s pH level. Test strips or a liquid test kit will help you keep tabs on this. The aim is for something between 7.2 and 7.6: if it’s too low, your water is acidic, which can corrode pool parts and irritate skin. On the other hand, a pH level that’s too high will lead to scaling and cloudy water.
Chlorine is next up. It eradicates harmful bacteria and keeps unsightly algae under control. You want your chlorine level to hover around 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm).
It’s also important to consider alkalinity and calcium hardness. Total alkalinity should sit between 80 and 120 ppm, while calcium hardness ideally ranges from 200 to 400 ppm.
Skimming, Brushing, and Vacuuming – Yes, You Need to Do All Three
Put bluntly, your swimming pool is kind of like a big bathtub that never gets drained.
Gross, right? That’s why you can’t – shouldn’t, really – skip physically cleaning it. Skimming the surface daily removes leaves, bugs, and other debris before they sink to the bottom of your pool and become harder to fish out. It’s quick, and it can be oddly satisfying. Meanwhile, brushing the walls and tile line at least once a week helps prevent algae from making a home in your pool. Then there’s vacuuming: it gets all the stuff you miss with skimming and brushing, and you can get it done manually or with a robotic vacuum cleaner.
If you’re consistent, each of these chores only takes a few minutes. Neglect them, though, and the condition of your swimming pool will go downhill, fast.
Filter and Pump TLC: Don’t Ignore Your Equipment
Your pool’s filtration system is its backbone. It works behind the scenes, keeping the water circulating and free from gunk. However, like anything else that’s mechanical, it needs a little love every once in a while, too.
The pump should run daily. How long you run it for depends on the size of your pool and the climate, but a good rule of thumb is about 8 hours a day in the summer. Check it regularly for leaks, unusual noises, or weak water flow – those could be signs it’s struggling.
As for the filter, it comes in three types: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Each has its own cleaning schedule, but a general guideline is to clean the filter every month during heavy use. Dirty filters can’t do their job, and that means murky water and extra stress on your pump.
Don’t Forget Shock Treatments and Algaecide
Your water may look perfect, but contaminants can still build up over time from sunscreen, sweat, rain, and just plain old usage. That’s where shocking comes in – it’s like hitting the reset button on your pool water. You’ll want to shock your pool about once a week during peak season, or after a heavy rainstorm or pool party.
Algaecide isn’t a must for everyone, but it’s helpful if your pool is prone to algae outbreaks, especially if it gets lots of direct sunlight. Think of it as insurance. It’s cheaper and easier to prevent algae than to deal with a full-blown invasion.
Winterizing and Seasonal Maintenance
Do you live somewhere with cold winters? If so, closing your pool properly is critical. Drain water from the pump, filter, heater, and other equipment. Lower the water level, add winter chemicals, and cover the pool tightly. It’s a bit of a hassle, but skipping this step can mean broken pipes and a hefty repair bill come spring.
In warmer climates, where you don’t need to winterize fully, it’s still smart to cut back on your filtration schedule and test your water less frequently – but don’t stop altogether. Algae doesn’t take a vacation.
Or: Leave Your Swimming Pool Care and Maintenance to the Pros
Leaving your swimming pool care and maintenance to those who know what they’re doing can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Think about it: would you rather spend your time cleaning and maintaining your pool, or enjoying it?
Smith Pool is the company to call if you’re looking for trustworthy, highly-trained pool service technicians in and around Memphis, Tennessee. We’ll make regular visits to your home to service your swimming pool, keeping it clean and clear. You can place a service request right here on our site or call 901-512-6662.
