Even if you rely on a professional pool cleaning service for regular maintenance, taking care of your pool between visits plays a crucial role in keeping it safe, clean, and ready for use. DIY pool care doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming—it’s about consistency and knowing what to look for. The better condition your pool stays in between professional visits, the longer your equipment lasts and the more enjoyable your swimming experience becomes. Below are some smart, effective DIY tips that any pool owner can follow.
Skim the Surface Daily
One of the easiest tasks you can do is use a hand skimmer or leaf net to remove floating debris such as leaves, insects, and twigs. This should ideally be done every day or at least every other day, especially during windy seasons. Debris left floating can sink to the bottom, decompose, and affect your pool’s chemical balance. It can also clog the skimmer basket and put extra pressure on your filter system. Spending just five minutes a day skimming can significantly reduce long-term cleaning time and stress on equipment.
Brush Walls and Tiles Weekly
Algae, dirt, and calcium deposits tend to cling to pool surfaces over time. Brushing the pool walls, steps, ladders, and tiles at least once a week prevents this buildup. Make sure you’re using the correct brush for your pool type:
- Concrete pools need a stiff wire-bristle brush.
- Vinyl or fiberglass pools require a softer nylon brush to avoid damage.
Pay close attention to corners, steps, waterlines, and behind ladders—these are hotspots for algae growth. Brushing helps keep surfaces clean and makes your sanitizer more effective.
Vacuum the Pool Floor
Even if you don’t see much visible debris, it’s good practice to vacuum your pool weekly. This removes fine dirt, sand, and other materials that settle on the pool floor. Manual vacuums are cost-effective but do require time and effort. Robotic pool vacuums are a great upgrade for homeowners who want more convenience—they operate automatically and can clean both floors and walls efficiently. Regardless of the type, regular vacuuming keeps your pool looking and feeling clean.
Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Chemical balance is the backbone of pool health. Even between professional service visits, fluctuations in weather, usage, and debris can shift your pool’s chemical composition. Use test strips or a liquid test kit at least once a week to monitor:
- Chlorine levels
- pH (ideal range: 7.4–7.6)
- Alkalinity
- Calcium hardness
- Cyanuric acid (stabilizer)
Once tested, make minor adjustments using pool-safe chemicals like chlorine tablets, pH increasers or reducers, and alkalinity balancers. Maintaining proper balance helps prevent algae, bacteria, skin irritation, and damage to pool surfaces and equipment.
Clean the Filter Regularly
Your pool filter is the heart of your cleaning system. Whether you have a cartridge, sand, or DE (diatomaceous earth) filter, keeping it clean ensures your pool water stays clear and sanitary.
- Cartridge filters should be rinsed every 2–4 weeks and deep cleaned monthly.
- Sand filters need to be backwashed when the pressure gauge rises 8–10 psi above normal.
- DE filters also require backwashing and occasional recharging with new DE powder.
A dirty or clogged filter can lead to cloudy water, poor circulation, and algae growth. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or ask your pool tech for recommendations.
Monitor Water Level
Keeping your water at the right level is more important than most people realize. Evaporation, splash-out, heavy rain, and backwashing can all affect your pool’s water level. Ideally, water should reach mid-skimmer level to allow proper circulation and skimming. If it’s too low, air can enter the pump system and cause damage. If it’s too high, skimmers won’t work effectively. Use a garden hose to top it off as needed, and consider installing an auto-fill system for convenience.
Empty Skimmer and Pump Baskets
Skimmer and pump baskets capture large debris before it reaches your filter. If left unchecked, these baskets can get clogged, reducing water flow and stressing your system. Make it a habit to check and empty these baskets every few days, especially during heavy debris seasons. This small task can improve overall efficiency and help extend your pump’s lifespan.
Keep Your Pool Covered
When the pool isn’t in use, especially overnight or for extended periods, use a pool cover. Covers protect your water from debris, limit evaporation, and help maintain heat and chemical balance. There are multiple types of covers available—solar, safety, and automatic—each with its own benefits. Investing in a good-quality cover can save you hours of cleaning and reduce chemical use by up to 50%.
Be Observant of Changes
While performing your DIY tasks, keep an eye out for anything unusual: changes in water color, pool surface stains, odd smells, air bubbles in return lines, or strange pump noises. These may be early signs of issues that require professional attention. The sooner they’re caught, the easier and cheaper they are to fix.
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