There’s nothing quite like a sparkling clean pool on a hot day—but that clear, inviting water doesn’t stay that way on its own. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your pool safe, healthy, and enjoyable all season long. Whether you’re a new pool owner or just looking for a refresher, here’s your easy-to-follow guide to cleaning and maintaining your pool.
1. Skim, Scrub, and Vacuum Regularly
Skim Daily, Scrub Weekly
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Use a skimmer net to remove leaves, bugs, and debris from the surface of the water every day.
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Brush pool walls and the floor once a week to prevent algae buildup.
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Vacuum the pool weekly—use either a manual vacuum or an automatic pool cleaner—to keep dirt and debris from settling on the bottom.
2. Test and Balance Your Water
Keep Your Water Chemistry in Check
Test your water 2–3 times per week using test strips or a liquid test kit. Balanced water prevents algae growth, protects your equipment, and makes swimming more enjoyable.
Ideal chemical levels:
Adjust chemicals as needed to maintain these levels and ensure swimmer safety.
3. Shock the Pool When Needed
Deep Clean with Pool Shock
Shocking your pool means adding a large amount of chlorine (or non-chlorine shock) to kill bacteria, algae, and organic contaminants.
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Shock after heavy pool use, a rainstorm, or if the water looks cloudy or smells unpleasant.
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Always shock at night to prevent the sun from burning off the chemicals before they take effect.
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Let the pump run overnight to circulate the shock throughout the pool.
4. Clean the Filter System
Each Filter Type Needs Different Care:
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Cartridge Filters: Rinse with a hose every 2–4 weeks and deep clean monthly.
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Sand Filters: Backwash only when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 PSI above the normal clean pressure. This helps prevent over-cleaning and preserves filter effectiveness.
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DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters: Backwash when pressure increases, then recharge with fresh DE powder.
Tip: After cleaning, note your filter’s “clean pressure” so you’ll know when it’s time to clean again.
5. Monitor Water Level
Stay in the Sweet Spot
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Water should be at the midpoint of your skimmer opening.
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If it’s too low, your pump could run dry and get damaged.
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If it’s too high, your skimmer won’t function properly.
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After storms, splashing, or refills, check the water level and adjust as needed.
6. Maintain the Pool Surroundings
A Clean Deck Helps Keep a Clean Pool
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Sweep or rinse your pool deck often to keep dirt, leaves, and grass out of the water.
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Trim trees and shrubs near the pool to reduce falling debris.
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Make sure pool furniture and floats are stored properly when not in use.
7. Schedule Annual Professional Service
Even if you’re diligent with your pool care, it’s smart to bring in a pro once a year. A certified technician can:
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Inspect your pump, heater, and electrical systems
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Check for leaks and structural wear
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Perform deep cleanings and preventative maintenance
This keeps your system running efficiently and helps you avoid expensive repairs down the line.
Final Thoughts
Pool maintenance might sound like a lot, but once it becomes part of your regular routine, it’s simple—and well worth the effort. Clean water, properly balanced chemicals, and a smooth-running filter system mean you’ll enjoy every minute of pool season without stress.
Keep up with these basics, and you’ll enjoy a crystal-clear pool that’s always ready when you are.
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