How to Maintain a Pool for Beginners
Pool Care Made Simple
Owning a pool should be relaxing—not overwhelming. With the right routine, keeping your pool clean and clear takes only a few minutes each week. Whether you have an in-ground fiberglass pool or an above-ground setup, these simple steps will help you enjoy sparkling water all season long.
Regular maintenance not only keeps your pool beautiful but also protects your investment. Balanced water prevents corrosion, algae, and surface staining while extending the life of your equipment.
Skim, Brush, and Vacuum Weekly
Leaves, bugs, and debris can quickly cloud your water and clog filters. Use a skimmer net to remove surface debris daily if possible. Brush the walls, steps, and ladders weekly to loosen algae or dirt. Then vacuum the pool floor—either manually or with a robotic cleaner—to remove what your skimmer misses.
Pro Tip: If your pool sits near trees, invest in a leaf net or automatic skimmer to reduce daily cleaning time.
Test Your Pool Water Regularly
Testing your water is the most important step in pool care. Check chemical levels at least once per week—or more often during hot weather or heavy pool use.
Key parameters to monitor:
- pH: 7.1–7.7
- Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Chlorine or Bromine: 2–4 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
- Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): 30–50 ppm
- Metals (Copper or Iron): 0–0.2ppm
- Phosphates: <2,000ppb
You can use a home test kit, but for the most accurate results, bring a water sample to Mock Pools & Ponds. We’ll provide a free computer analysis and a printout with exact adjustment recommendations.
Balance Pool Chemicals
Once you know your numbers, adjust chemicals as needed:
- pH Too High? Add Splash pH Minus (acid).
- pH Too Low? Add Splash pH Plus.
- Low Alkalinity? Use Splash Alkalinity Plus.
- Low Chlorine? Add tablets, granules, or liquid chlorine shock.
Always adjust alkalinity before pH—it stabilizes your pH, which helps other chemicals work properly.
Pro Tip: Add chemicals slowly and one at a time. Never mix chemicals together.
Keep Your Filter and Pump in Top Shape
Your filter and pump are your pool’s heart and lungs—they keep the water circulating and clean.
- Run the pump at least 12 hours a day during the swimming season (more in extreme heat). Running the pump 24/7 during the summer is even better.
- Backwash or clean the filter whenever the pressure gauge rises 8–10 PSI above normal. Just note the filter pressure
- Inspect the pump basket weekly and clear any leaves or debris.
If your water flow slows, it may be time for a filter cleaning or replacement.
Shock the Pool Regularly
“Shocking” means adding a higher dose of chlorine to destroy contaminants, algae spores, and organic buildup.
- Shock your pool every two weeks, or after heavy use or rainstorms.
- Run the pump overnight to circulate.
- Always test chlorine levels before swimming again.
Maintain Water Level
Keep your pool filled halfway up the skimmer opening. Evaporation, splashing, and backwashing can lower levels. Low water can cause your pump to suck in air, which will damage the system.
If you need to add water, use a hose filter to reduce metals and minerals that cause staining.
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring pH and alkalinity levels
- Waiting too long to clean filters
- Adding chlorine directly to the skimmer (can cause corrosion of pump and filter)
- Forgetting to brush walls and steps
- Turning the pump off too often
Consistency Is Key
Maintaining a pool isn’t complicated—it just requires consistency. With a simple weekly routine and proper chemical balance, your water will stay clean, clear, and safe for swimming all season.
If you ever have questions about your pool’s condition or need help balancing your water, visit Mock Pools & Ponds. Our experts serve homeowners throughout Akron, Canton, and Northeast Ohio, offering free water testing, maintenance products, and professional service. Call us at (330) 628-9100, Option #2 for answers to all your pool maintenance questions!