Summer is all about sunshine, barbecues, and, of course, long, relaxing days by the pool. But while taking a dip in cool water is the highlight of the season, keeping your pool clean and well-maintained is what makes the magic happen. The good news? With just a little effort and the right strategy, you can keep your pool sparkling and swim-ready all summer long.
Whether you’re hosting pool parties, unwinding after work, or giving the kids a way to stay active outdoors, these five essential tips will help you maintain the perfect pool experience all season.
1. Skim, Scrub, and Clean Regularly
Debris like leaves, bugs, dirt, and even sunscreen oils can quickly turn your beautiful pool into a mess. That’s why staying on top of regular cleaning is the first step in pool maintenance.
Start by skimming the surface of the water daily. This prevents organic material from sinking and decomposing, which can throw off your water’s chemistry. You should also brush the sides and bottom of your pool at least once a week to prevent algae buildup. Don’t forget your pool steps, ladders, and corners—algae loves to hide in neglected spots.
A pool vacuum (manual or automatic) can also make your life easier. Set it to run weekly or as needed based on how much use your pool is getting. Consistency here keeps everything looking fresh—and saves you from bigger problems later.
2. Keep an Eye on Water Levels
Your pool’s water level plays a bigger role than you might think. If it’s too low, it can damage your pump and filtration system. Too high, and it affects your skimmer’s ability to do its job. Ideally, your water should be halfway up the opening of your skimmer.
Throughout the summer, water levels can fluctuate due to evaporation, heavy rain, or splash-outs during playtime. Make it a habit to check your water level once a week. If it’s too low, use a hose to top it off. If it’s too high, you can drain some water using the pool’s backwash setting or a submersible pump.
Bonus tip: After a big pool party or storm, always double-check your water level and chemical balance—those events can quickly throw things off!
3. Test and Balance Your Pool Water
Water chemistry can seem intimidating, but it’s a vital part of pool maintenance, and it’s not as complicated as it seems. You’ll want to test your water at least twice a week, especially during peak summer use. You can use test strips, a liquid test kit, or even take a sample to your local pool store.
The key levels to monitor include:
Chlorine: Keeps your water sanitized and safe.
pH: Should stay between 7.2 and 7.8.
Alkalinity: Helps buffer your pH; aim for 80–120 ppm.
Calcium hardness: Prevents corrosion or scale buildup.
When any of these levels are off, you’ll notice problems—cloudy water, irritation to skin and eyes, or algae growth. By keeping things balanced, you create a healthier, more enjoyable pool for everyone.
4. Shock Your Pool Weekly
Even if you’re diligent about adding chlorine and skimming debris, there’s still bacteria and organic material that builds up. That’s where shocking comes in. “Shocking” your pool means adding a higher dose of chlorine to kill off anything regular maintenance might miss.
Plan to shock your pool once a week during summer, preferably at night when the sun won’t burn off the chemicals too quickly. If you’ve had a lot of swimmers, heavy rain, or a noticeable odor or cloudiness, go ahead and shock it sooner.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the shock product you use, and wait until chlorine levels return to normal before diving back in—usually about 12–24 hours.
5. Run Your Pool Pump Enough Every Day
Your pool’s pump is the heart of the circulation system. It keeps water moving, which helps prevent algae growth and ensures your chemicals are evenly distributed. In short, your pump is doing more than you might think.
As a general rule, you should run your pool pump for about 8–12 hours per day during the summer. This may vary depending on your pool size and usage, so check with a professional or refer to your pool manual if you’re unsure. A timer can be a lifesaver—set it and forget it, while your system does the hard work in the background.
If you’re trying to save on energy costs, running your pump during off-peak hours (like early morning or evening) can help reduce your bill without compromising on cleanliness.
Keep It Fun, Not Frustrating
Having a pool is a big responsibility, but it should never feel like a burden. With the right habits and just a bit of weekly upkeep, you can spend less time stressing over maintenance and more time enjoying the sunshine.
And remember—if anything ever feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to call in a pool professional for seasonal servicing or a mid-summer check-up. Sometimes, a quick tune-up can prevent a major headache.
So grab your float, apply that sunscreen, and relax. Your pool is about to be perfect, all summer long.
