Complete Guide
Pool care is not complicated when you have a schedule. Here is everything you need to do daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonally to keep your water clean, safe, and clear.
Most pool problems happen because something got skipped. A week without testing water leads to an algae bloom. A month without cleaning the filter leads to poor circulation. A season without checking equipment leads to an expensive repair. A simple schedule prevents almost all of it.
Check the pump and filter. Make sure the pump is running and the pressure gauge is in the normal range. A quick glance as you walk by is enough.
Empty skimmer baskets. Leaves and debris in the skimmer restrict water flow. Takes 30 seconds.
Visually inspect the water. Is it clear? Any discoloration or floating debris? Early detection prevents big problems.
Test water chemistry. At minimum, check free chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity. Adjust as needed. This is the single most important thing you can do for your pool.
Brush walls and tile line. Algae starts on surfaces before it turns the water green. Brushing once a week prevents buildup even in areas with poor circulation.
Vacuum or run the robot. Remove debris from the floor. If you have an automatic cleaner, make sure it is running and not stuck.
Add chlorine. Whether you use liquid chlorine, tablets, or a salt cell, make sure your free chlorine is in range (2-4 ppm for most pools).
Check water level. Evaporation and splash-out lower the water level. If it drops below the skimmer, add water. Too low and the pump can run dry.
Test CYA (cyanuric acid). Stabilizer builds up over time, especially if you use trichlor tablets. Target 30-50 ppm for chlorine pools, 60-80 ppm for saltwater.
Test calcium hardness. Target 200-400 ppm. Too low causes corrosion. Too high causes scale.
Clean the filter. Cartridge filters: remove and hose off. Sand filters: backwash. DE filters: backwash and recharge. A dirty filter is the most common cause of poor circulation.
Inspect equipment. Check for leaks at the pump, filter, and plumbing connections. Look at the pump basket for cracks. Check salt cell for buildup (saltwater pools).
Clean the waterline. Use a tile cleaner or enzyme product on the scum line. This is easier to do monthly than to scrub off after it builds up all season.
Spring opening: Remove cover, clean, reconnect equipment, fill to proper level, shock, balance chemistry, run pump 24 hours. Full opening checklist.
Mid-season checkup: Deep clean the filter, inspect all equipment for wear, check CYA levels, test calcium hardness, verify salt levels (saltwater pools).
Fall closing: Balance water chemistry, add winterizing chemicals, lower water level, blow out plumbing lines, add antifreeze to pipes, install winter cover.
Winter (covered pools): Check water level monthly, remove standing water and debris from cover, inspect cover for damage after storms.
| Reading | Target Range | Test Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Free Chlorine | 2-4 ppm | Weekly |
| pH | 7.2-7.6 | Weekly |
| Total Alkalinity | 80-120 ppm | Weekly |
| Cyanuric Acid (CYA) | 30-50 ppm | Monthly |
| Calcium Hardness | 200-400 ppm | Monthly |
| Salt (Saltwater Pools) | 2,700-3,400 ppm | Monthly |
Pool Clarity tracks your test results, shows you what to add, and keeps a history so you can see how your pool chemistry changes over time. Free to use.