What could be better than sunshine, splashes, and endless fun right in your own backyard? From springtime soirees to mid-July birthday bashes, your pool shines as the centerpiece for every outdoor celebration. Amidst the fun, owning a pool comes with its to-do list of upkeep that can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time pool owners. From regular cleanings to essential maintenance checks, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials of pool care, so you can relax stress-free and poolside all summer long.
How Often Should You Run Your Pool Pump?
Your pool pump lies at the heart of your pool’s circulation system to keep your water looking crystal-clear. Generally, your pump should run for at least 8 hours per day to ensure your pool has ample time to flush all water through filtration. During the summer months, however, once heat, algae growth, and pool usage spikes you may need to extend your pool pump’s operation to 10-12 hours per day.
The good news? These hours don’t need to be consecutive. You can split up run times throughout the day and night. While daytime operation is more effective for preventing algae and maintaining water clarity, running your pump at night during off-peak hours can help lower energy costs. Pools come in various shapes and sizes, contact a licensed pool professional to accurately determine what’s best for your pool.
Best Practices for Pool Cleaning
Whether your pool sits beneath a shady oak or out in the open, leaves, pollen, and other debris always find a way to land on the surface. Don’t wait for a storm or seasonal cleanup to kick off your cleaning routine. Small, consistent maintenance habits make a big difference—not only in your pool’s appearance but also in extending its lifespan. Whether skimming the surface, brushing the walls, or vacuuming the floor, implementing routine upkeep will make your pool sparkling and swim-ready from the surface to the lining.
Winterizing Your Pool: What First-Time Pool Owners Should Know
As much as we wish summer could last all year, Northeast weather has other plans. Once cooler temperatures roll in—along with snow, rain, and hail—your pool can take a serious hit if it’s not properly protected. Winterizing your pool isn’t optional; it’s essential. Proper winterization helps prevent costly damage, protects your equipment, and maintains water quality until it’s time to open again.
Water Testing
Covering your pool without proper prep can lead to larger issues when spring rolls around. Before winterizing, check if your water is clean and balanced to prepare for months of coverage. Performing one final water test, using a reliable strip or liquid kit, will help you check key levels like pH, alkalinity, and chlorine content. Balancing these chemicals not only prevents algae and bacteria buildup but also reduces surface damage during the off-season. A few extra minutes spent testing now can save you hours of maintenance later.
Pool Coverings
Start the pool coverage process by cleaning and lowering the water level 4-6 inches below the skimmer line. This helps prevent freezing-related damage to your skimmer and other components. Also be sure to drain pool pumps, filters, heaters, and chlorinating equipment to ensure maximum protection from harsh winter weather. Once everything’s in check, seal your pool with a quality cover designed to block out debris and UV rays that promote algae reproduction. For added convenience, consider an automatic pool where you can protect and monitor your pool with the push of a button from the comfort of your own home.
Creating a Pool Maintenance Schedule That Works
Staying on top of pool maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming—with a consistent schedule, you can keep your pool clean, safe, and swim-ready all season long.
Weekly, you can stay on track by skimming the surface, testing and balancing your water chemistry, applying a shock treatment to prevent algae, checking water levels, and running the pump to maintain circulation. Give your pool a deeper clean by scrubbing walls, steps, and corners monthly to prevent buildup in hard-to-reach spots. Be sure to inspect the pool pump, filter, and heater for wear or leaks, and clean or replace your filter as needed.
Maintaining a pool takes work, but you don’t have to face these hassles alone. Shoreline Pools’ expert team can help with any pool need—from routine maintenance to equipment repairs and full-scale renovations. Call us today at (203) 967-1203 and let us handle the hard part, so you can enjoy your pool worry-free.
