Learn 7 things to avoid when it comes to pool maintenance for beginners. This guide offers tips and tricks for maintaining your pool.
Pool maintenance for beginners comes down to avoiding a few common mistakes that cause cloudy water, algae growth, and expensive equipment problems. Proper maintenance is essential, but the steep learning curve can be a frustrating process for new pool owners. However, if you want your pool to last and to maintain a safe, healthy swimming environment, it’s essential.
If you’re concerned about caring for your pool in a way that will ensure it lasts for many years to come and is as enjoyable as possible, here’s 7 common mistakes to avoid.
1. Not Having the Right Tools
First and foremost, you need the right tools to help you keep your pool properly maintained. Unfortunately, many beginners skimp on tools. While it might save money upfront, in the long run, it will cost more to repair the damage caused by cutting corners.
To get you started, we recommend the Complete Swimming Pool Maintenance Starter Kit (PPC13). It includes a leaf skimmer, a brush, a test kit, a thermometer, and a vacuum. It’s a great start for new pool owners and ensures that you have everything you need to keep your pool clean and healthy. It also makes the process easier because you’ll have everything you need in one kit.
2. Neglecting Water Balance
Water balance is one of the most important factors in maintaining your swimming pool. Neglecting it could lead to a variety of problems, including health issues from swimming.
The most common errors beginners make in maintaining water balance are not testing pH, alkalinity, and chlorine balance. When your pool’s water isn’t properly balanced, the sanitizers you add to your pool are ineffective. You’ll notice algae growth and cloudy water, even if you’re dumping in jugs upon jugs of chemicals.
The best way to ensure that your water balance is adequate?
Test weekly to nip issues in the bud before they become a problem.
3. Ignoring Chemical Buildup
You’ll also need to consider the buildup that occurs in your pool from use. Every time someone doused in sunscreen jumps into the pool, they leave behind residue that, over time, builds up and can lead to scum and filter problems.
Natural Chemistry Pool Perfect (75230NC) is a great product that helps you mitigate the problems caused by surface oils and other chemicals in your pool’s water. It’s an enzymatic product that helps keep your pool water clear, thereby extending the life of your equipment.
4. Neglecting Brushing and Vacuuming
Adding chemicals to your pool water is necessary, but it isn’t enough to maintain your pool. You should brush down your pool walls and steps at least twice a week to stop algae colonies from taking hold. Vacuuming regularly is a necessity to keep your pool clean.
Pro tip: Skim, brush, and vacuum before shocking your pool to get the water cleared up faster.
5. Not Maintaining Proper Circulation
Your pool pump needs to run for 12-16 hours per day every day during the hot summer months, and 8 hours per day when it's cooler. This ensures that water is moving through the system effectively. When circulation is poor:
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Chemicals don’t distribute evenly
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Debris isn’t filtered out
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Algae can grow more easily
Over time, this puts extra strain on your equipment and makes it harder to keep your pool clean and balanced.
6. Leaving Too Much Time Between Cleanings
You don't necessarily need to clean your pool every single day, but the more often you clean it, the better. Keep up with small cleaning tasks and schedule regular, more comprehensive cleanings once or twice a week. Your pool filters also need regular attention so they don't get clogged.
It’s a good idea to check your pressure gauges and backwash or clean them if they aren’t operating efficiently. If you notice slow flow or cloudy water, you’ll want to clean your filters right away.
7. Not Bothering with Seasonal Shocks
Your pool needs attention throughout the swimming season and when you open and close it for the year. Things like weather changes, heavy use, and storms can all result in the need for shock treatment. Regular chlorination and occasional shock treatments kill bacteria and algae spores before they multiply, helping your pool recover quickly after heavy use or disruptive conditions.
Get the Products You Need for Pool Maintenance
All beginning pool owners are likely to make mistakes. In most cases, an occasional error won’t cause any long-term problems, but long-term neglect of pool maintenance will cost you.
If you’re new to pool ownership and you’d like guidance in choosing innovative pool tools, visit us at Pool Products Canada. We offer a wide range of products that make keeping your pool clean easier than ever. Our experts are always here to help!