Pool care is not just a summer job—water never takes a season off, and neither should your maintenance routine. Limiting pool care to the warm months creates hidden risks, from algae infestations to cracked pipes during the colder months.
A consistent, year-round pool maintenance routine builds the foundation of clean, safe water and reliable equipment. This guide outlines a seasonal checklist designed to keep every aspect of your pool under control. Whether the sun is blazing or the frost is biting, follow these steps to ensure crystal-clear water, lower repair costs, and a pool that’s always ready for a swim!
Why Does Year-Round Pool Care Matter?
Pools Don’t Take a Break, Neither Should Your Care Routine
Your pool doesn’t just stop needing care as soon as you are done using it. Proper upkeep, even during the off-season, is required to keep your pool in perfect condition. Otherwise, the cleanliness and integrity of your pool can become compromised, leading to the need for costly repairs that could have easily been prevented.
Proper Pool Care Equals Pool Safety
Taking care of your pool not only protects your equipment, but it also helps keep your swimmers safe and healthy. Broken or improperly functioning equipment can lead to dangerous accidents that can be avoided through proper care. This can also prevent swimmers from becoming sick due to dirty or chemically unbalanced water.
A Checklist That Saves Money
While year-round pool care might be an initially time-consuming task, it can save you both time and money in the long run. Not only is year-round pool care a preventative measure, but it can also help you spot damage early, before it becomes a costly repair.
The Core Pool Care Checklist for Every Homeowner
Weekly Pool Care Habits
- Test water chemistry and balance as needed.
- Remove large debris.
- Clean pool walls and floors.
- Check your pump system and filter.
Monthly Maintenance Must-Do’s
- Thoroughly inspect pool equipment.
- Clear out the pool filter.
- Check for calcium hardness.
Seasonal Adjustments
While these habits are a good place to start, they should not be a routine set in stone all year round. Your pool care routine must adapt as the seasons change in order to keep your pool in the best condition.
How Do You Take Care of Your Pool In Spring?
When you start the new season off strong with some spring cleaning, don’t forget about your pool!
Safely Remove Covers & Debris
Prior to removing your pool cover at the beginning of the season, ensure that all the debris that may have collected on the top has been removed. Failure to do so may result in debris falling into the pool. Also, inspect the pool surface after removal to ensure there was no trapped debris while the pool was closed.
Shock the Pool & Balance Chemicals
Before taking a swim, collect a water sample and have it tested to make sure that all the proper chemicals are balanced. It is also crucial to shock your pool before using it to kill off any algae or bacteria that may have developed while not in use. This helps ensure that the water quality will be ready for safe swimming during the season.
Inspect Filters, Pumps, and Plumbing
Thoroughly inspect your pool equipment before, during, and after running it. This can help detect any damage sustained during the winter months and allow you to address issues before they become costly repairs.
How Do You Take Care of Your Pool In Summer?
While in use, your pool can’t just take care of itself. Follow these tips for proper and easy upkeep during the peak season.
Test Your Pool Water Multiple Times a Week
Making sure that your pool’s chemicals are properly balanced keeps your pool clean and safe for swimming. Testing your pool water regularly and adjusting chemicals as needed keeps your pool water crystal clear and prevents skin irritation and algae growth.
Brush, Skim, & Vacuum Regularly
When your pool is regularly being used, it is more prone to becoming dirty. Consistently cleaning the pool using a brush, skimmer, and vacuum can help prevent buildup from forming. A regular routine keeps your pool clear and sparkling all season long.
Monitor Water Levels
Make sure that the water in your pool is not too high or too low. A high water level can cause your pool to overflow, while a low water level can prevent your skimmer from working properly. Add or remove water as needed to keep a balanced level.
How Do You Take Care of Your Pool In Fall?
Keeping your pool in proper condition during the off-season starts with the right prep during fall, before the weather gets too cold.
Clear out Organic Debris
While you should regularly clear debris out of your pool, do a thorough cleaning before you close your pool for the winter. Use a large net or pool skimmer to clear out any remaining debris, such as:
- Dirt
- Leaves
- Bugs
- Tree branches
Balance Chemicals for Transition
Your pool’s chemicals must stay in balance when not in use, not just during the peak season. Failing to balance the chemicals before closing up your pool can lead to stains, algae growth, and scaling.
Protect Pool Equipment
If you have any removable equipment, make sure to sanitize and properly clean it in a safe, dry space. Make sure that all non-removable equipment has also been cleaned and cleared of all water and trapped debris.
How Do You Take Care of Your Pool In Winter?
Properly protecting your pool equipment while it is not actively being used is crucial to extending its lifespan.
Winterize Plumbing & Equipment
The process of winterizing your pool equipment involves draining all water from the pool’s plumbing. Allowing water to remain in your pool’s pipes during the colder months can lead to the need for expensive repairs. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, resulting in potential cracking.
Use a Secure Pool Cover
Make sure to install a pool cover that is in good condition and properly fits your pool. An ill-fitting pool cover can result in debris entering your pool. Properly fitted pool covers can also prevent accidents while your pool is not in use.
Schedule Professional Pool Inspections
The offseason is a great time to have a professional, such as the team at Shoreline Pools, come out to perform a thorough inspection of your pool and its equipment. This allows for potential problems to be spotted as early as possible and repaired before they drain both your wallet and your pool.
What Are The Benefits of Consistent Pool Care?
Maintaining a proper pool care routine not only keeps your pool safe for use year-round but it also helps extend its lifespan.
Clean Water for Healthy Swimming
Consistently monitoring the health of your pool’s water can help:
- Reduce bacteria
- Eliminate algae growth
- Prevent the need for major chemical rebalancing
Extend the Life of Your Investment
Regular checks on your pool equipment, such as liners, pumps, and filters, to ensure that they are functioning properly, can help prevent the need for premature replacement.
Lower Long-Term Costs
Through proactive upkeep, you can spot small damages before they grow into larger issues. Small, immediate repairs are typically far less costly than ones where an issue has progressed or been ignored.
Year-Long Maintenance with Shoreline Pools
Don’t let the changing seasons turn your pool into added stress on your to-do list. With Shoreline Pools, you get a trusted team that helps make your year-round pool care simple, reliable, and hassle-free. Whenever you are ready, give us a call at (203) 357-1544 and let’s make a plan to keep your pool clean and safe, always ready for year-round enjoyment.
