Swimming Pool Maintenance

To maintain the efficiency, safety, and useful life of your swimming pool, it is important that your home maintenance program include the proper maintenance for your swimming pool.

Keeping a swimming pool clear and clean involves balancing 4 key elements:

• Sanitizer levels (kills bacteria and helps control algae growth).

• Water circulation and filtration (removes particulates and debris).

• pH and temperature.

• Regular brushing and vacuuming.

See also:  Decking and Hot Tub Spa.

Shown below are the four recommended routine maintenance tasks for your swimming pool.  

Learn to enjoy managing your home with our free Newsletter or our free Automatic Maintenance Reminders.  We can also show you the Recommended Maintenance Schedules for your entire home.

 Maintenance Task #1:  Winterize the pool (cold climates)

Each swimming pool is different so you should contact a local pool professional for the specific maintenance requirements for your particular pool.  But below are shown some generalized instructions for preparing your pool for winter:

Inground pools:

1. Backwash the filter very well. 

2. Disconnect pump and filter, being sure to drain all water out.

3. Drain water from all of your pipes and fittings around your pump and filter system.

4. Drain and remove all water from heater (if applicable).

5. Remove all return jet fittings.

6. Use an air compressor to blow water out of all return jet pipes.

7. Use an air compressor to blow water out of all skimmer pipes.

8. Use an air compressor to blow out main drain line (as applicable).

9. Cover all exposed pipe openings with duct tape.

10. Remove rope, floats, volleyballs nets, diving boards, ladders, etc.

11. Add winterizing chemicals (be sure they are pre-dissolved in a bucket, since you will not have the circulating pump on).

12. Adjust water level as appropriate for your pool and region of the country.

13. Place the cover on the pool.

14. Lay out water tubes, if applicable.

Above ground pools:

1. Backwash the filter very well. 

2. Plug the return pipes and skimmer.

3. Disconnect pump and filter, being sure to drain all water out.

4. Remove skimmer box and replace with plate and gasket (optional).

5. Blow up and install air pillows (optional).

6. Remove rope, floats, ladders, rails, etc.

7. Add winterizing chemicals (be sure they are pre-dissolved in a bucket, since you will not have the circulating pump on).

8. Secure the cover on the pool.

Water expands when it freezes, and will crack fittings, pipes, pumps, etc.  Proper winterization will help avoid unnecessary problems and potentially costly repairs in the spring.

 Maintenance Task #2:  Monthly off-season maintenance (cold climates)

Over the winter, the following items should be routinely checked:

1. Water level: A slow leak in the liner could cause you to loose a lot of water for the pool, resulting in damage to the cover, liner, and walls.  If low, add water using a garden hose.

2. Check cover condition: Be sure cover is still on secure and tight.

3. Remove debris or water from cover: Pull off accumulated leaves, etc., and pump off accumulated water.

4. Replace any broken water tubes.

Helps prevent damage to pool cover, liner, walls, etc.

 Maintenance Task #3:  Open the pool for the summer (cold climates)

1. Remove debris and water from on top of the pool cover.
2. Carefully remove, clean, and store pool cover.
3. Empty out water tubes or air pillows as applicable.
4. Unplug all pipes.
5. Re-attach rope, floats, volleyball nets, diving boards, ladders, etc.  Lubricate bolts, etc.
6. Re-install skimmer baskets.
7. Hook up pump, filter, etc.  Check grounding straps or wires, and then turn on power.
8. Check for leaks or drips.
9. Shock the pool with chlorine or the sanitizing chemical of choice.
10. Check and adjust chemicals.
11. Vacuum debris from bottom. 

See also:  Decking and Hot Tub Spa.

Prepares pool for summer use.

 Maintenance Task #4:  Weekly summer pool maintenance

The following maintenance tasks should be conducted weekly when the pool is open during the summer:

1. Completely backwash filter.

2. Test and adjust chlorine or the sanitizing chemical of choice, pH, and alkalinity.

3. Vacuum pool floor and walls.

4. Shock pool and add algaecide.

5. Empty skimmer baskets.

See also:  Decking and Hot Tub Spa.

Helps keep pool water clean and safe.

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