Enjoy Your Pool All Season Long — Keep It Clean and Clear

Released: May 14th, 2025

Your pool is open and ready, so now it’s time to make the most of it. To enjoy your swimming pool to the fullest this season, keeping the water clean and balanced is essential. A clear, sparkling pool isn’t just more inviting—it’s also safer and healthier for everyone. There are a few key steps, best practices, and smart tips to follow throughout the season to maintain water quality and avoid bigger problems down the line.

Water Chemistry Basics: Keep It Balanced

A properly balanced pool starts with the right water chemistry. Aim to keep your pool’s pH levels between 7.2 and 7.6 —this range helps chlorine work effectively and keeps swimmers comfortable. Establishing a weekly routine for cleaning and testing your water will make it easier to catch issues early before they become costly or time-consuming.

If your water starts to look cloudy, smells unusual, or causes red or itchy eyes, it may be time to shock the poo. Shocking involves adding a high dose of chlorine to kill bacteria, clear murkiness, and restore chemical balance. This should be done regularly, especially after:

* Heavy rainstorms

* High swimmer volume

* Long periods of hot weather

* When swimmers wear sunscreen, lotions, or perfumes that get into the water

All of these factors can affect your pool’s water chemistry, so it’s important to monitor your pool daily if you’re using it often.

Simple Tips for Keeping Pool Water Clean

Shocking your pool is one of the most effective ways to address major imbalances, but there are other important steps you can take to maintain crystal-clear water:

* Skim the surface daily to remove leaves, bugs, and floating debris.

* Vacuum the pool regularly using either a manual or automatic cleaner to remove dirt from the bottom.

* Brush the pool walls and steps to loosen algae and buildup in places your vacuum might miss.

* Clean or backwash your filter to ensure it’s working efficiently—filters can clog with leaves, oils, and debris if neglected.

* Run your pool pump for at least 8 to 12 hours per day. Proper circulation helps distribute chemicals and prevents algae growth.

* Use algaecide as a preventive measure or if you notice any signs of algae starting to form.

* Test your water daily using strips or a testing kit. This helps you stay on top of chemical and pH levels before they drift too far out of balance.

When in doubt, a quick shock with chlorine can bring your water back to a healthy state—but consistent maintenance is what keeps problems from creeping in.

If you're unsure about the right tools or cleaning supplies for your pool, your local pool professional can help guide you to the best options for your setup.

Pool Chemical Safety Tips You Should Never Skip

Adding chemicals is a necessary part of keeping your pool clean and safe—but safety must come first. Follow these guidelines every time you handle pool chemicals:

* Store chemicals securely, away from children, pets, and heat sources.

* Wear gloves when handling chemicals and wash your hands immediately afterward.

* Always follow the directions on the label—don’t guess quantities or combine different products.

* Never mix chemicals, even if they’re all intended for pool use. This includes mixing pool with spa or household products.

* Keep chemicals away from open flames or ignition sources.

* Use clean, dry measuring tools and rinse them after each use.

By following these precautions, you can treat your pool confidently and safely all season long.