The Complete Pool Maintenance Checklist
While having a swimming pool assures wonderful summer days, a lot of work must be done to keep it in working order at all times. Whether you use your swimming pool on a daily basis or perhaps occasionally, routine upkeep is essential.
To ensure that you do not overlook any steps, here is a complete pool maintenance checklist that covers the supplies you’ll want on hand, plus a simple routine to keep your water clean, clear, and safe year-round.
Pool Maintenance Supplies Checklist
Before you begin, make sure you have all the supplies necessary to carry out the tasks below.
1. Pool Testing Kit
A pool testing kit aids in balancing the levels of pH, calcium, alkalinity, and chlorine in the swimming pool water. A wide range of test kits is available in the market. Pool water analysis kits, calcium hardness test strips, and chlorine indicator strips are among the most common. While strips are a quick and easy way to test, it is also a good idea to have a high-quality test kit with fresh reagents.
However, it is recommended to change the test kits every season because the shelf life of the chemical reagents included in the test kits is rather limited.
What to test (and how often):
- Chlorine levels – Test twice weekly, more when the weather is warm.
- pH levels – Twice weekly at the minimum.
- Total alkalinity (TA) – Once a week and more if the pH levels have changed.
- Calcium hardness levels – Once a month.
- Stabiliser (cyanuric acid) – Once a month.
- Total dissolved solids (TDS) – Once a month.
2. Swimming Pool Chemicals
Numerous chemicals are needed to keep the swimming pool in a functional state. Before you add any of them into the pool, get the pool water tested. Once you have tested the swimming pool water, you will get an understanding of what chemicals need to be added to maintain a suitable safe water balance.
Core chemicals to keep stocked:
- Chlorine
- The sanitising agent your pool uses (salt, minerals etc)
- Stabiliser / conditioner
- pH balancer
- Calcium balancer
- Alkalinity balancer
Several water balancing supplies are available like pH balancer, alkalinity balance, chlorine, stabiliser, conditioner, calcium balancer, lubricants, and so on. Non-chlorine chemicals are also popular among swimming pool owners. Restock when your chemicals are getting low.
3. Pool Maintenance Accessories
For regular cleaning, you will need certain pool maintenance accessories that will assist you in keeping your swimming pool sparkling clean. A pool pole, a vacuum hose, a leaf rake, a brush, and a leaf skimmer are the most important tools in this area. These cleaning supplies aid in the removal of dirt, leaves, and other debris that may be floating on the surface of the pool water. In addition, you can vacuum the pool’s bottom and brush the tiles on the sides.
Essentials to have on hand:
- Telescopic pool pole
- Brush attachment
- Leaf scoop / leaf skimmer attachment
- Vacuum attachment (if manually cleaning)
- Vacuum hose
- Leaf rake
4. Pool Cleaner
If you haven’t already got an automatic cleaner for your pool, there are many reasons why you should consider one. While they are an initial outlay, they can cut your physical cleaning time down dramatically. There are several different options, all with various features and price points. More advanced cleaners such as robotic cleaners clean the water meticulously and are practically self-sufficient.
5. Pool Cover (Winter Cover)
Your swimming pool would remain relatively unused during the winters. To protect your pool from getting unwanted stains and debris, it is best to get a pool cover. It not only keeps the pool clean but also protects the swimming pool from algae growth. It helps in maintaining proper water balance as well.
By blocking debris and sunlight, pool covers can also help safeguard the pool surfaces, reduce how quickly your skimmer fills up, and minimise the chance of your chemical levels being thrown out.
6. Toolbox
It is always advisable to keep your toolbox handy to fix any last-minute problems. A wrench and screwdriver are especially useful for tightening drain plugs, ladders, and other such items. Nut drivers and pliers are also common tools.
Pool Maintenance Routine
Once you have equipped yourself with all the necessary supplies, you can begin the swimming pool maintenance routine. Some basic tasks that you need to perform are:
1. Skimming Off Leaves And Debris
Skimming is a part of the daily pool maintenance routine. You can skim off the leaves and debris using a long-handled leaf skimmer. The skimmer collects all the leaves, insects, and other objects that may be floating in the pool water. If the material is not skimmed for an extended period, it sinks to the bottom of the pool, leaving stains that are difficult to remove. Skimming the pool water regularly also keeps the filtration system from becoming clogged.
2. Brushing The Sediment From Pool Walls
Algae and debris may accumulate on the walls of your swimming pool as well as in other areas like slides and ladders. To prevent the growth of algae and remove all the dirt and debris, you must brush the pool walls and other pool fixtures using a brush.
3. Vacuum The Swimming Pool
Once you have skimmed the pool water and brushed the walls, you can vacuum the pool surface to remove any dirt that might have sunk to the bottom. You can either use an automatic vacuum or a manual one depending on your requirements.
4. Empty The Skimmer Basket (And Keep The Skimmer Clean)
Your skimmer basket is where most of the floating debris and leaves will end up. They can fill up fast, especially if there has been a lot of wind or a storm. Make sure you are emptying your skimmer basket out once a week (or more when needed). Once you have emptied your skimmer, give it a good rinse with a hose to loosen any particles that may be stuck in the holes and return when done.
When the skimmer is clean, its efficiency in catching trash and leaves improves, saving you time, money, and effort.
5. Checking The Pump
The pump in your swimming pool is one of the most important components of its circulation system, along with the skimmer, pump strainer, and filter. These components are critical to the proper operation of the chemicals and pool water filtration.
Run your pump long enough every day to ensure that the water is adequately filtered and that every item in the pool circulation system is in good order.
6. Checking And Cleaning The Filter
Your pool filters play an integral role in maintaining clear and clean water. Their objective is to collect the smaller particles that escape through the skimmer basket holes. There are several different types of filters used for pools, and the cleaning technique varies for each. Always follow the cleaning instructions as outlined in your pool user manual and the directions of the manufacturer.
7. Testing Pool Water And Adding Chemicals
Depending on use, test the water in your swimming pool regularly and add chemicals as needed to maintain a suitable balance. Pool chemicals serve as sanitisers and disinfectants. These are essential for limiting the growth of germs and algae in pool water.
8. Shock The Pool (When Needed)
If you’re unfamiliar with the term pool shock, it essentially means adding a high dose of chlorine to the water. It’s a good idea to shock the pool weekly during summer or when the pool is getting used a lot. Pool shock should be added at night, and the pump should be run overnight to ensure you get the best result.
Shock shouldn’t be added during the day, and the pool shouldn’t be swum in for at least 24 hours after shocking. Ensure you are using the correct dose for your pool before attempting to shock. This will protect your equipment and the pool itself. Always wear adequate PPE.
9. Tidy Up The Pool Area After Use
Leaving pool toys around and in the pool after a swimming session not only looks messy, but they can get blown away in the wind or caught in your pool cleaner or equipment. Having a designated area for toys can make packing away easy. Check the pool area to see if it needs a rinse down or sweep—this can help prevent dirt, grass, and leaves from ending up in the pool.
Conclusion
Follow these easy steps, and you will no longer have any trouble maintaining your swimming pool. Dedicating a little time each week can help you stay on top of maintenance and keep your pool gleaming year-round.
Want expert help or advice specific to your pool? Whether you’ve got a question about water balance, maintenance routines, equipment upgrades, or you’re planning a brand new fibreglass pool, our team is here to help. Get in touch with Barrier Reef Pools today for expert guidance and a fast, no-obligation quote.
