If you’ve recently decided to have a pool installed in your backyard, congratulations! You’ve just invested in a wonderful way to combat boredom, create countless hours of memories with loved ones, and build a beautiful oasis on your own property. However, to keep your pool in like-new condition, it’s vital to understand key pool maintenance tasks.

In this quick guide, we’ll review some basic things you should know about pool maintenance and give you the tools you’ll need to keep your pool clean and clear for years to come.

• Test and balance pool chemicals. The first step in pool maintenance involves understanding the different types of pool chemicals, knowing how they work, and how to adjust their levels accordingly. The four key factors you’ll need to familiarize yourself with include chlorine, pH levels, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Properly balancing these components will keep your pool water clean, clear, and safe to swim in.
• Skin and vacuum. It’s recommended to skim the surface of your pool at least once per day to remove leaves, bugs, dirt, and other contaminants before they can sink to the bottom of the pool. Vacuuming once a week can help remove any grime that accumulates on your pool floor and prevent algae growth.
• Maintain the filter. In addition to pool maintenance, you’ll need to do regular pool filter maintenance. Depending on what kind of filter you have, you may need to change, clean, or recharge the filter every few weeks or as recommended by the specific manufacturer. Keeping the filter clean is key for properly filtering out contaminants in your pool.