Pool maintenance advice
Pool Maintenance Tips & Ongoing Care Guide
Keeping your swimming pool properly maintained is essential for clean, healthy water, efficient equipment operation, and extending the life of your pool and filtration system. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, algae growth, cloudy water, and unnecessary chemical usage. A well-maintained pool is easier to manage, safer to swim in, and always ready to enjoy.
Pump Run Times & Seasonal Adjustments
Your pool pump plays a major role in water circulation, filtration, and chemical distribution throughout the pool.
During Summer: Increase pump run times due to higher temperatures, increased swimming use, and faster algae growth. Running the pump longer helps keep water clear and chemicals evenly distributed.
During Winter: Pump run times can often be reduced as cooler temperatures slow algae growth and water demand decreases.
Heavy Usage Periods: If the pool is used frequently, after storms, or during heatwaves, increase circulation hours temporarily.
Best Practice: Run the pump during daylight hours when sunlight and heat place the highest demand on chlorine levels.
Filter Maintenance
Your filter removes dirt, debris, oils, and fine particles from the water. Keeping it clean is critical.
Sand / Media Filters
Backwash when filter pressure rises above normal operating range.
Regular backwashing restores water flow and filtration performance.
Rinse after backwashing before returning to filter mode.
Replace filter media when recommended to maintain efficiency.
Cartridge Filters
Remove cartridges and hose clean regularly.
Deep clean cartridges using a filter cleaner when required.
Replace worn or damaged cartridges when flow becomes restricted.
Clean cartridges more frequently during heavy swimming seasons.
Water Testing & Chemical Balancing
Balanced water protects swimmers, pool surfaces, and equipment.
Test water regularly, especially during summer.
Maintain proper chlorine or sanitiser levels to control bacteria and algae.
Keep pH balanced for swimmer comfort and sanitiser efficiency.
Check alkalinity to help stabilise pH levels.
Monitor calcium hardness to protect surfaces and equipment.
For salt pools, maintain correct salt levels for chlorinator performance.
Shock treat the pool when needed after storms, heavy use, or cloudy water.
Skimmer Baskets & Pump Baskets
Blocked baskets restrict water flow and reduce pump performance.
Empty skimmer baskets regularly.
Clean pump baskets to prevent blockages.
Check baskets more often during windy weather or leaf drop seasons.
Never allow baskets to overfill as this can strain the pump.
Pool Cleaning
Routine cleaning keeps the pool looking great and reduces chemical demand.
Vacuum the pool floor regularly.
Brush pool walls, steps, and waterline tiles.
Remove leaves and floating debris with a leaf scoop or net.
Clean around ladders, corners, and hard-to-reach areas.
Maintain robotic or suction cleaners as required.
Visual Inspections
Small issues caught early can save expensive repairs later.
Check for leaks, unusual water loss, or wet areas.
Inspect pumps, valves, and pipework.
Listen for unusual pump noises.
Ensure timers and automation systems are operating correctly.
Check lights and pool accessories regularly.
Benefits of Regular Pool Maintenance
Cleaner, safer swimming water
Lower running costs
Longer equipment life
Reduced chemical usage
Better circulation and filtration
Prevention of algae and cloudy water
Less chance of breakdowns and repairs
A pool that is always ready to enjoy