The 5 Fundamentals of Pool Care: How to Keep Your Oasis Sparkling
There is nothing quite like diving into crystal-clear water on a hot afternoon. But as every pool owner knows, that sparkling blue water doesn’t happen by magic. It is the result of a delicate balance of circulation, cleaning, and chemistry.
If you are new to pool ownership, or just looking to brush up on your maintenance skills, it can feel overwhelmed by the science of it all. The good news? You don't need a degree in chemistry to keep your pool healthy.
Here is a breakdown of the basic maintenance routine required to keep your pool swim-ready all season long.
1. Skim the Surface (Daily)
This is the absolute baseline of pool care. Leaves, bugs, and pollen land on your water constantly. If you leave them there, they eventually become waterlogged and sink to the bottom, where they can cause staining and promote algae growth.
The Habit: Spend 5–10 minutes every day quickly skimming the surface.
The Benefit: It reduces the load on your filtration system and keeps the pool looking inviting.
2. Keep the Water Moving
Stagnant water is the enemy of a clean pool. Your pool pump is the heart of your system—it pushes water through the filter to catch dirt and debris.
Run Time: Generally, your pump should run about 8 to 12 hours a day during the swimming season.
Check the Basket: Don't forget to empty the pump and skimmer baskets regularly. A clogged basket restricts water flow, making your pump work harder and shortening its lifespan.
3. Brush the Walls and Tile
This is the step most DIY pool owners skip, but it is crucial. Even if your water looks clear, microscopic algae and bacteria can cling to the walls, steps, and ladders.
Technique: Use a pool brush to scrub the sides and bottom of the pool at least once a week. This knocks the algae loose so your filter can catch it and your chlorine can kill it.
Target Areas: Pay special attention to "dead spots" where water circulation is poor, such as behind ladders or in corners.
4. Master the Chemistry
Water balance is essential for two reasons: protecting your equipment from corrosion/scaling and protecting your skin and eyes from irritation.
Pro Tip: Test your water at least once a week.
Here are the two main numbers to watch:
pH Level: This measures how acidic or basic the water is. You want to aim for a pH between 7.4 and 7.6. If it's too low, the water can damage your heater and pump; too high, and your sanitizer won't work effectively.
Sanitizer (Chlorine): This kills bacteria and algae. A steady reading of 1.0 to 3.0 ppm (parts per million) is usually ideal for standard chlorine pools.
5. Vacuuming
Skimming takes care of the top, but vacuuming takes care of the bottom. Even with great circulation, fine dirt and heavy debris will settle on the pool floor. Manual vacuuming (or using an automatic cleaner) ensures the floor stays pristine.
The Secret Ingredient: Consistency
If you read the list above and thought, "That sounds simple enough," you are right. None of these tasks are inherently difficult. However, the real challenge of pool ownership isn't knowing what to do—it's finding the time to do it consistently.
Missing a week of brushing or forgetting to check the chemicals before a rainstorm can turn a clear pool into a green swamp overnight. Suddenly, you aren't swimming on Saturday; you're spending your weekend shocking the water and scrubbing algae.
Want to Enjoy Your Pool Instead of Working on It?
You bought a pool to relax, host barbecues, and cool off—not to add another set of chores to your weekly to-do list.
At JA.B. Pool Service LV, we specialize in reliable, hassle-free pool care for homeowners in Las Vegas. We handle the chemistry, the cleaning, and the equipment checks so that when you walk into your backyard, the only thing you have to do is jump in.
Why choose us?
Reliable: We show up on time, every time.
Affordable: Professional care shouldn't break the bank.
Expert: We spot small equipment issues before they become expensive repairs.
Ready to hand over the pool care? Contact us today at (702)912-8521 or email Info@jabpools.com to get in touch! Let us do the work, so you can do the swimming.