Basic Pool Maintenance

It’s not the most enjoyable part of owning a pool. But it’s definitely the most important. Keep your pool (and your swimmers) healthy.

The very phrase “pool maintenance” may sound like a collection of undesirable chores. But in reality, this maintenance is comprised of a few simple tasks for keeping a clean pool. Tasks that can easily be divided up across the month. Easily done in a couple of minutes in most cases. As long as you make a good schedule and stick to it.

Weekly Pool Maintenance
Frequency 7 Days
Aren't pools awesome? They are even better with weekly maintenance keeping them clean and safe for your swimmers!">

Brush/Skim

Brush and skim your pool at least once per week. And be sure to get to all the hard to reach spots, like behind the ladder, the corners, and stairs

Vacuum

After a good brush and skimming, follow up with a thorough vacuum to get the remaining debris on the pool floor. Vacuum at least once a week, but twice is even better.

Chemical Treatment and Testing

With regular pool use, you should test and balance your water at least once per week. This will prevent any major chemical level drops or spikes from taking place.

Pool Shock

Shock your pool once per week. But to keep your chemical levels in check consistently, be sure to shock your pool after heavy swims or pool parties.

Pool Pump

Your pool pump may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think “pool maintenance”. But it may be the most important part of this all. Because it’s your pool pump that keeps your water circulating. Which allows water to regularly filter and chemicals to evenly distributed.

Run your pool pump at least 8 hours a day (preferably at night).

Recommended Products / Services
hth Pool Shock Super Shock Treatment
$19.74 Why shock? Shock treat your pool at least once a week to kill unwanted bacteria and algae and to give your pool the boost of chlorine it needs to keep your water clean and clear. The hth Super Benefit: This is an effective shock product that kills bacteria and algae and restores crystal clarity to pool water within 24 hours, reduces chlorine odor and eye irritation caused by swimming pool water and won’t fade liners. It is convenient, easy to use, and won’t over-stabilize your pool.
Buy on Amazon
XtremepowerUS Automatic Suction Vacuum
$92.00 10 hoses included for up to 30' pool. Ideal for cleaning bottom surface and wall; does not apply for cleaning steps. Require at least a 1 hp swimming pool pump or 1600 GHP to function properly. No tools required and no electricity needed; Attaches to your existing filtration system. <! Read the reviews before purchasing. We usually don't recommend lower rated items but the reviews clarified many of our issues. We find at this price point it's great value. !>
Buy on Amazon
Taylor Technologies K-2006 Test Kit
$55.00 Tests for Total and Combined Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Cyanuric Acid. Comes with Taylor 9058 comparator. Best for accurate readings of Chlorine and CYA.
Buy on Amazon
Read full action description
Monthly Pool Maintenance
Frequency 30 Days
You're doing great with the weekly maintenance, only a couple more things to do on a monthly basis.">

Pool Heater

Your pool heater is your first line of defense against those surprise cold fronts throughout the year. And who wants to stop swimming over a little breeze? Your pool heater processes the same water that’s moved through your pool system by the pool pump. And more importantly, it keeps your water warm and comfortable throughout the year.  If it were to stop working or encounter problems, it can affect your pool system.

  1. We recommend a light checkup at least once per month:
  2. Check that vents are clear and unclogged
  3. Check for leaks
  4. Check for any error codes.

Safety check

Check the condition of all your pool equipment at least once per month.

  1. Ladders
  2. Return jets
  3. PVC and Light fixtures
  4. Pool wall
Read full action description
Yearly Pool Maintenance
Frequency 365 Days
The typical heater can go at least a few years before it needs servicing. Sometimes, calcium and other minerals build up in the heater's tubes, restricting its operation. When this happens, it's best to hire a professional to disassemble and repair it.">
Read full action description