So, you’re looking to put in a pool! Or, perhaps you have purchased a home that is already equipped with a pool. Either way, this is an exciting time for any homeowner! At Summerhill Pools, we want to make sure you have everything you need to successfully maintain the integrity of your pool—so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Daily and weekly maintenance is essential to a healthy pool and will help ensure a pool’s longevity, beauty, and overall health. If you’re a first-time pool owner, don’t fret—simply follow the tips and tricks below to keep your pool in tip-top shape.
“Maintenance is essential to a healthy pool.”
Your Daily Maintenance Checklist
1. Check Water Levels.
If the water is too low, the skimmers will begin to suck in air and stop functioning. To fix this issue, simply add more water to your pool—easy peasy!
Your water levels also shouldn’t be too high. A too-high water level can dilute your pool’s chemical levels. To remove water, set your multi-port valve to “waste.” This will direct the water from your pool into the backwash hose instead of the pool pump. You can also use a submersible pool pump and garden hose to remove water from the pool.
Always remember: pools should not be left unattended when draining the water as removing too much can cause damage to the pool itself or the accompanying equipment.
2. Check the Pool Filter and Pool Pump.
When checking the filter and pump, always examine the filter pressure gauge. The level should be within the normal range, which indicates that water is flowing normally through the filter. If the pressure levels are too low, it could mean that the water levels are also too low, or that there is a closed valve causing the problem.
Additionally, you may want to check your filter baskets, as they could also be full, resulting in pressure levels getting too high. Too-high pressure levels can also indicate there is a partially closed valve.
3. Inspect Your Automatic Pool Cleaners.
If you have a pressure cleaner, make sure you check the bag daily to see if it is full—and if it is, be sure to empty it. Your pressure cleaner should be operating every day on a two to three hour cycle.
If you happen to have a suction or robotic cleaner, it likely won’t have to be run every day, but you should still be checking it regularly throughout the week. These types of cleaners should be run a maximum of three times per week.
Your Monthly Maintenance Checklist
1. Check Your Calcium and Cyanuric Acid (CYA) Levels.
Calcium and CYA levels tend to remain stable. However, it is still important to check them monthly to make any necessary adjustments before a potential issue poses threats to the integrity of your pool.
Calcium hardness levels should stay between 200 to 400 PPM, while cyanuric acid levels should remain between 40 to 80 PPM.
2. For Saltwater Pools, Be Sure to Test Your Salt Levels.
If you have a saltwater pool, salt levels should be tested monthly. You can do this yourself, or you can take a test sample of water to your trusted pool expert to have it analyzed. We’re happy to do this for you at Summerhill Pools should you wish!
If testing the levels yourself, make sure to check the saltwater sample for:
- Metals
- Total dissolved solids
- CYA
- Calcium
Your Yearly Maintenance Checklist
Clean and Replace Filters
Make sure you thoroughly clean filters and replace any damaged or worn-down elements.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters need to be disassembled and cleaned internally at least once a year. Make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s guide to ensure you are doing this properly. For added assistance, feel free to contact our pool experts!
You should also be replacing the internal elements of your cartridge filters every 12 to 18 months, depending on the quality of said elements.
Make sure you are also frequently lubricating the O-rings to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
Worried That You Are Missing an Important Maintenance Step?
This list covers all the important maintenance steps you should complete each day, month, and year, to successfully operate and manage your pool.
If you’re worried you may be missing something or you have additional questions about one of the maintenance steps we listed, reach out to our trusted and experienced team of pool experts today!
At Summerhill Pools, we’ll get your pool up and running beautifully—so all you have to do is sit back, lounge, and relax by the water.
