Pool Maintenance Tips
Keep Your Pool Clean, Safe, and Ready to Enjoy
Maintaining your pool doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right routine and attention to detail, you can keep your water sparkling and your equipment running efficiently. These essential pool maintenance tips from the experts at NOLA Pools and Spas will help you preserve your pool’s beauty and functionality year-round.
1. Skim and Clean Your Pool Regularly
Why It’s Important: Leaves, bugs, and debris can quickly accumulate on your pool’s surface, leading to clogged filters and poor water quality.
What to Do:
- Use a skimmer net daily to remove floating debris.
- Clean out the skimmer and pump baskets at least once a week.
- Vacuum the pool floor regularly to remove settled dirt.
2. Brush Walls and Steps to Prevent Algae
Why It’s Important: Algae and dirt can cling to pool surfaces, leading to stains and slippery areas.
What to Do:
- Brush your pool walls, steps, and corners weekly.
- Use a pool brush suited to your pool type (nylon for vinyl or fiberglass; stainless steel for concrete).
3. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry
Why It’s Important: Balanced water ensures safe swimming conditions and prevents damage to your pool and equipment.
What to Do:
- Test your water weekly for pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
- Keep the pH level between 7.4 and 7.6 for optimal balance.
- Add chemicals as needed to adjust levels—always follow manufacturer instructions.
4. Run Your Pool Pump Daily
Why It’s Important: Circulating water helps prevent algae growth and keeps your water clean.
What to Do:
- Run your pump for at least 8–12 hours daily during peak season.
- Ensure the pump and filter are operating efficiently by cleaning or backwashing them as needed.
5. Shock Your Pool Weekly
Why It’s Important: Regular shocking kills bacteria, algae spores, and organic contaminants that chlorine alone may not eliminate.
What to Do:
- Use a chlorine shock treatment weekly or after heavy use, storms, or if water appears cloudy.
- Follow the product’s instructions for dosage and wait time before swimming.
6. Keep Your Filter Clean
Why It’s Important: A clean filter ensures proper water circulation and prevents cloudy water.
What to Do:
- Clean your cartridge filter or backwash your sand or DE filter at least once a month.
- Check the filter pressure gauge—if it’s 8–10 psi above normal, it’s time to clean the filter.
7. Check and Maintain Your Pool Equipment
Why It’s Important: Malfunctioning equipment can lead to water quality issues and costly repairs.
What to Do:
- Inspect your pump, heater, and filter for signs of wear or leaks.
- Remove debris from around the pump and motor to prevent overheating.
- Schedule professional inspections annually to keep your equipment in top shape.
8. Protect Your Pool During the Offseason
Why It’s Important: Proper winterization prevents damage to your pool and equipment during colder months.
What to Do:
- Clean and balance the water before closing the pool.
- Lower the water level, drain the pump and filter, and cover the pool securely.
- If your area experiences freezing temperatures, use pool antifreeze in the pipes.
9. Prevent and Treat Algae Growth
Why It’s Important: Algae can quickly take over your pool if left untreated, turning the water green and cloudy.
What to Do:
- Maintain proper chlorine and pH levels to deter algae.
- Use an algaecide as a preventative measure.
- If algae appear, brush the affected areas and shock the pool.
10. Monitor Salt Levels for Saltwater Pools
Why It’s Important: Salt levels must be within the proper range for your salt chlorine generator to function effectively.
What to Do:
- Test your salt levels every 1–2 weeks and maintain levels between 2,500–3,500 ppm.
- Inspect and clean the salt cell every few months to prevent scaling.
Need Professional Help?
Maintaining your pool can feel like a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be. At NOLA Pools and Spas, we offer professional pool cleaning and maintenance services to save you time and ensure your pool stays in pristine condition.
Contact us today or request a free quote online for expert pool care tailored to your needs. With these tips and our professional support, your pool will be clean, safe, and ready for fun all year long!