How often should I clean my pool?

At least once a week. During heavy use or windy seasons, you might need to skim and vacuum more frequently.

What’s the best time of day to add chlorine?

In the evening. Sunlight breaks down chlorine quickly, so nighttime is best for maximum effectiveness.

Why does my pool water look cloudy?

Cloudy water can result from poor filtration, imbalanced chemicals, or algae growth. Test your water and check your filter system.

How long should I run my pool pump each day?

Typically, 8 to 12 hours daily ensures proper circulation and filtration.

Can I do my own pool maintenance or should I hire a pro?

You can handle basic upkeep yourself, but hiring professionals ensures everything stays balanced and equipment problems are caught early.

Swimming Pool Maintenance: The Complete Guide to Keeping Your Pool Clean and Clear

There’s nothing better than diving into your pool on a hot California afternoon — until you realize the water’s cloudy, the tiles are slimy, and there’s something floating that definitely shouldn’t be there. Proper swimming pool maintenance is what separates a sparkling backyard paradise from a murky pond.

Whether you’re a new pool owner or a seasoned swimmer tired of fighting algae every summer, this complete guide will help you understand everything you need to know about pool maintenance. From daily cleaning routines to long-term upkeep, let’s dive right in (pun intended).

To understand how to keep your pool crystal clear, let’s break it down into the basics. Every pool — no matter the size or design — relies on three essential factors: circulation, cleaning, and chemistry.

1. Circulation: The Heart of Your Pool

Your pool’s pump and filter system are what keep the water moving, helping distribute chemicals evenly and trap debris.

Run the pump daily: For best results, aim to circulate your pool water for at least 8–12 hours a day.
Check filter pressure: If the pressure gauge is reading higher than normal, it may be time to clean or backwash your filter.
Inspect for clogs: Leaves, hair, or debris can slow water flow and strain your pump.

A pool without circulation is like a pond — still, smelly, and full of unwanted guests. Keep the water moving, and you’ll keep the pool healthy.

2. Cleaning: The Beauty Routine

Regular cleaning keeps dirt, leaves, and bugs from taking over your pool. Here’s a simple weekly checklist:

Skim the surface: Use a net to scoop out debris floating on top.
Brush the walls and floor: Algae loves to cling to surfaces, so give them a gentle scrub weekly.
Vacuum: Manual or automatic vacuums remove dirt from the bottom of your pool.
Empty baskets: Don’t forget to clear out your skimmer and pump baskets regularly.

3. Chemistry: The Science Behind Sparkling Water

Testing and balancing your pool water’s chemistry is crucial.

pH level: Aim for a range between 7.2 and 7.8.
Chlorine: Keeps bacteria and algae at bay. Maintain 1–3 ppm.
Alkalinity: Helps stabilize pH. Ideal range is 80–120 ppm.
Calcium hardness: Too low, and your pool can corrode; too high, and scale builds up. Keep it between 200–400 ppm.

With a good balance of circulation, cleaning, and chemistry, your pool will practically sparkle on its own.

Even the most experienced pool owners slip up sometimes. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them before they cost you.

1. Ignoring the Filter

Your pool’s filter is like the kidneys of your system. Neglect it, and your water will quickly turn murky. Always backwash or clean your filter as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Adding Chemicals at the Wrong Time

Many people pour chemicals in the pool during the day. The sun’s UV rays can burn off chlorine before it even starts working. Add chemicals in the evening for maximum effectiveness.

3. Forgetting to Brush

Vacuuming alone won’t stop algae from forming. Brushing prevents buildup in corners and along walls where circulation is weaker.

4. Not Running the Pump Long Enough

Some try to save on electricity by cutting down pump time, but poor circulation can lead to costly problems later.

5. Neglecting Shock Treatments

Shock treatments are like a “reset” button for your pool water, breaking down organic waste and restoring clarity. Once every week or two (especially after heavy pool use) is ideal.

Avoiding these pitfalls can save you hours of frustration — and a lot of money on repairs.

Living in North Hills, CA, gives pool owners a unique advantage — long swimming seasons and fewer freezing months. Still, seasonal pool maintenance ensures your system runs smoothly all year.

Spring: Opening Season

Remove your pool cover and clean it before storing.
Check your water level and refill if needed.
Test water chemistry and shock your pool before first use.

Summer: Peak Season

Test water chemistry at least twice a week.
Clean filters more frequently due to increased usage.
Keep an eye on your chlorine levels since heat and sun burn it off faster.

Fall: Leaf Season

Skim your pool more often to remove falling leaves.
Balance chemicals to prevent algae growth as temperatures cool.
Consider using a pool cover when not in use.

Winter: Off-Season (if applicable)

Reduce filtration hours, but don’t stop completely.
Use a pool cover to keep debris out.
Keep water balanced even if you’re not swimming — untreated water can damage your surfaces and equipment.

Taking a few extra minutes each season can make pool ownership easy and stress-free.

While DIY pool maintenance is possible, sometimes it pays to call the pros. Professional pool contractors like Aqua Escapes, Inc. have the experience, tools, and knowledge to handle everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs.

Why hire a professional pool maintenance service?

Accurate chemical balancing: Over-chlorination and improper pH can damage your pool and irritate skin or eyes.
Preventative inspections: Catching early signs of leaks, pump issues, or filter clogs prevents major repairs later.
Specialized equipment: Professionals use advanced cleaning tools and testing kits most homeowners don’t have.
Time savings: Let’s face it — you’d rather be swimming than scrubbing.

Regular visits from a qualified pool maintenance expert can help your system last longer and look better year-round.

If you’re tired of spending your weekends testing, scrubbing, and balancing, it might be time to call in the experts. At Aqua Escapes, Inc., we provide professional pool maintenance, pool cleaning, and pool equipment repairs to keep your pool sparkling clear and ready for every swim.

Our experienced team proudly serves North Hills, CA, and nearby areas, ensuring your pool stays beautiful, safe, and efficient all year long. Don’t let pool chores steal your summer joy — call (818) 576-1580 today to schedule your service or learn more about how we can make pool care effortless.

How often should I clean my pool?
At least once a week. During heavy use or windy seasons, you might need to skim and vacuum more frequently.
What’s the best time of day to add chlorine?
In the evening. Sunlight breaks down chlorine quickly, so nighttime is best for maximum effectiveness.
Why does my pool water look cloudy?
Cloudy water can result from poor filtration, imbalanced chemicals, or algae growth. Test your water and check your filter system.
How long should I run my pool pump each day?
Typically, 8 to 12 hours daily ensures proper circulation and filtration.
Can I do my own pool maintenance or should I hire a pro?
You can handle basic upkeep yourself, but hiring professionals ensures everything stays balanced and equipment problems are caught early.

Located in North Hills and serving surrounding areas