Pool Maintenance Guide

Keep Your Pool Clear, Safe & Ready to Enjoy

A clean, balanced pool doesn’t happen by accident. Regular maintenance keeps your water sparkling, equipment functioning and swimmers safe. Whether you’re a first‑time pool owner or a seasoned pro, this guide offers practical advice to help you stay on top of everyday care, seasonal tasks and occasional troubleshooting. Dive in and learn how to keep your pool in tip‑top shape—so you can focus on fun.

Understanding Pool Maintenance Basics

Routine maintenance is the foundation of a healthy pool. Maintaining consistent water chemistry, cleaning surfaces and inspecting equipment prevents problems before they start. This guide breaks tasks into manageable intervals—daily, weekly and monthly—so you know exactly what to do and when. Remember: small, regular efforts save time and money by avoiding major cleanups or equipment failures.

Daily & Weekly Tasks

Daily:

Check Water Level: Ensure the water remains halfway up the skimmer opening.
Inspect Equipment: Listen for unusual noises and check for leaks around pumps and filters.
Skim the Surface: Remove leaves, insects and debris to prevent staining and clogging.

Weekly:

Test Water Chemistry: Use test strips or kits to check pH, alkalinity and sanitizer levels—or bring a sample to one of our customer care centers to test!
Add Chemicals: Adjust chlorine/bromine, pH and alkalinity as needed.
Brush Walls & Steps: Prevent algae buildup by brushing surfaces and waterlines.
Vacuum the Pool: Use manual vacuums or automatic cleaners to remove dirt from the floor.
Empty Skimmer & Pump Baskets: Keep water circulating freely.
Shock the Pool: Apply a chlorine shock treatment to break down organic contaminants and keep water clear.
Clean the Pool Filter: Backwash sand and DE filters; chemically clean and rinse cartridge filters.

Sticking to this schedule helps maintain clean, balanced water and reduces the risk of costly problems.

Monthly & Seasonal Maintenance

Monthly:

Check Calcium Hardness & Stabilizer: Adjust calcium and cyanuric acid levels to prevent corrosion or scaling.

Seasonal:

Inspect & Tune Equipment: Check pumps, heaters and automation systems; replace worn parts and lubricate moving components.
Deep Clean & Drain: Drain and refill spas every 3–4 months; for pools, periodically drain water (partially) to maintain fresh water.
Opening & Closing: Open your pool properly in spring and winterize/close it in fall to protect against damage and ensure easy start‑ups next season.
Inspect Safety Equipment: Check gates, alarms and safety covers for proper operation.

These tasks ensure your pool runs efficiently through changing seasons and prevents unexpected breakdowns.

Chemical Measurements for Water Testing

pH Level (7.2–7.8): Keeps water comfortable for swimmers and maximizes sanitizer efficiency.
Total Alkalinity (80–120 ppm): Stabilizes pH and prevents rapid fluctuations.
Sanitizer Levels: Chlorine (1–3 ppm) or bromine (3–5 ppm) to kill bacteria and algae.
Calcium Hardness (200–400 ppm): Too low causes corrosion; too high leads to scale.
Cyanuric Acid/Stabilizer (30–50 ppm): Protects chlorine from UV degradation in outdoor pools.

Always test water before adding chemicals and follow product instructions. Keep a log for consistent results, and take water samples to a professional if levels seem difficult to balance.

Cleaning & Debris Removal

Surface Skimming: Use a leaf skimmer daily to remove floating debris.
Brushing: Brush walls, steps and tiles weekly to remove algae and prevent staining.
Vacuuming: Manual vacuums attach to your filter, while automatic cleaners can be robotic, suction or pressure-driven. Vacuum weekly or more often during heavy use.
Tile & Waterline Cleaning: Use a non-abrasive cleaner to remove scale or oils along the waterline.
Leaf Nets & Covers: In the fall or during windy periods, use leaf nets or covers to reduce debris.

A clean pool not only looks inviting but also helps maintain chemical balance and reduces the load on your filtration system.

Filter & Equipment Care

Backwashing & Cleaning Filters: Sand and DE filters need backwashing when pressure rises 8–10 psi above normal. Cartridge filters need chemical cleaning.
Inspect Pumps & Motors: Listen for unusual noises, check seals for leaks and ensure steady flow rates.
Maintain Heaters: Remove debris from intake vents and check for ignition issues.
Check Timers & Automation: Verify that settings align with your desired filtration cycles and that smart systems are functioning.
Lubricate O‑Rings & Gaskets: Use silicone-based lubricants to prevent cracking and ensure watertight seals.

Proper equipment maintenance extends the life of your systems and improves efficiency, saving on utility costs and repairs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cloudy or Murky Water: Usually indicates dirty filters, unbalanced chemicals or high levels of contaminants. Test water, shock if needed and clean filters.
Algae Growth: Green, yellow or black algae require different treatments. Brush thoroughly, shock the pool and adjust sanitizer levels.
Stains or Scaling: Metal stains can be treated with chelating agents; scale requires balancing calcium hardness and pH.
Foamy Water: Often caused by soaps or residues; shock the pool and avoid using bubble bath or body washes.
Low Water Flow: Check for clogged baskets, dirty filters or pump issues. Adjust valves and check for leaks.
Air in the System: Can signal leaks or low water level; check pump lid seals and water level.

If problems persist, consult a pool professional to diagnose and resolve underlying issues.

Professional Maintenance Services

Even with diligence, some tasks are best handled by professionals:

Weekly Care Packages: For those who prefer minimal hands-on involvement, Pools of Fun offers weekly maintenance plans, including water testing, chemical balancing, cleaning and equipment checks.
Seasonal Openings & Closings: Properly opening and closing your pool prevents damage and simplifies seasonal transitions.
Equipment Repairs & Upgrades: Certified technicians can troubleshoot and repair pumps, heaters, filters and automation systems.
Deep Cleaning & Renovations: Over time, you may need liner replacements, resurfacing or deck repairs—professionals ensure these tasks are done safely and efficiently.
Vacation Services: Schedule our team to maintain your pool while you’re away from home so you can enjoy your time away.

Hiring experts provides peace of mind and frees up your time to simply enjoy your pool.

Online Resources

To make maintenance even easier, we’ve created how‑to videos you can reference anytime. These resources break down tasks into bite‑sized steps and provide visual demonstrations for tricky procedures like backwashing or adjusting chemical feeders. Bookmark our video library for quick guidance.

Need Help with Maintenance?

Keeping up with pool maintenance can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. The experts at Pools of Fun are here to help with advice, service and supplies. Whether you need a one‑time visit, regular service or guidance on a specific issue, reach out to us. We’ll make sure your pool stays clean, safe and ready for enjoyment all season long.