Pool Care Basics

Basic Pool Care Schedule

Are you new to pool ownership and need help establishing good pool care habits? Or are you a more seasoned owner in need of some structure? This basic pool care schedule can guide you in creating your own pool care routine. Keep your pool a paradise by sticking to a schedule!

Daily

  • Look at the water, notice the clarity and color.
  • Test the chlorine level and adjust if needed.
  • Test the pH and adjust if needed.
  • Examine the skimmer(s) and clean if needed.
  • Use a leaf rake to remove any surface debris.

Weekly

  • Clean out the pump strainer basket(s).
  • Brush and/or vacuum the entire pool or run pool cleaner.
  • Check the filter pressure and backwash/clean the filter if needed.
  • Test the TA level and adjust if needed.
  • Test the CH level and adjust if needed.
  • Check the water level and add water if needed.

In the spring, mid-summer, and any time there has been substantial water replacement

  • Test the CYA level and adjust if needed.
  • If you use salt, test the salt level and adjust if needed.
  • If you use borates, test the borate level and adjust if needed.

This schedule is a good starting point, but every pool will be a little different. As you become familiar with your pool you may find that some tasks can be done less often while others need to be done more frequently. How frequently you need to do some of the tasks will also vary by season.

Looking at the water can tell you a lot about how your pool is doing. The color of the water and how sparkling or dull it appears can tell you in an instant if there is a problem that needs attending to. Look at the water every day and watch for small variations in clarity and color. You may not be able to tell much at first, but after a while you should be able to tell if there is a problem at a glance.