Proper cleaning is one of the most important tasks a pool owner needs to perform. A clean pool is not only healthier and more inviting for potential swimmers – this routine maintenance will extend the life of your pool and decrease the risk of potentially costly and time consuming repairs.

Here we have put together a quick reference guide for you to follow (or perhaps to give to a less experienced friend who is a new pool owner – or even pool sitting for you while you are away from home!) While not a comprehensive list, this guide can get you started or act as a reminder to-do list for basic routine pool maintenance.

Step 1:

Skim the Pool

A long handled leaf skimmer will allow you to remove leaves, insects, and debris floating on the surface f your pool. Many pool owners perform this task daily, to remove debris before it sinks to the bottom, where it will become more difficult to remove and could even create stains on your pool surface.

Step 2:

Brush The Pool

A bristled pool brush can be used to remove any dirt that has settled on the bottom of your pool, or is clinging to the pool walls. Try to collect this sediment near the pool’s drain where it will be easy to vacuum.

Step 3:

Vacuum the Pool

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating your pool vacuum. In most cases, the procedure will require you to submerge your vacuum head and vacuum hose prior to hooking up the vacuum to the filter.

Step 4:

Clean Skimmer Baskets

Once a week (or more often if necessary) you should check your skimmer baskets and empty them of any debris that may have collected there to allow the skimmer to work at optimum efficiency.

Step 5:

Check Your Water Circulation

Your skimmer, pump, pump strainer, drains, and filter are all parts of your pool’s circulation system. Proper circulation helps the chemicals you have added to the pool to work effectively and ensures proper water filtration. Be sure to look for any problems your equipment may be experiencing, and run the pump for an appropriate amount of time each day. This step can be eliminated if your filtration system is on a timer.

Step 6:

Check your Pool Filter

Sand, cartridge, and vertical grid DE are three of the most common types of pool filters. These filters screen out debris and particles from your pool water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your pool filter.

Step 7:

Shock the Pool

Use a test kit or strips to check your pool’s water quality on a set schedule that makes sense for your pool’s usage, climate, and weather circumstances – daily in many cases. Add chemicals if necessary, according to manufaturer’s instructions. Consider regular shock treatments to eliminate algae, bacteria, dirt, and other organic matter that has entered the pool.