Owning an outdoor pool is one of those little luxuries in life, right? Whether you’re taking a dip to cool off on a hot day or hosting a pool party with friends, your pool can be the centerpiece of your backyard. But let’s be real — keeping it in top condition takes a bit of effort. The good news? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming! All it takes to keep it sparkling is a few useful tips that don’t require much work. Ready to dive in? Let’s plunge into some ways you can keep your outdoor pool in the best shape this season.
1. Monitor Water Chemistry
You’ve probably been told this a thousand times, but the water chemistry of your pool needs to be kept in proper balance. When was the last time you checked the pH of your pool? If you are frowning, well, don’t sweat it — you’re not alone. Too many pool owners do not realize how essential it is to keep the right balance of chemicals.
Here’s the deal: if your pool’s pH, chlorine, and alkalinity are off, it can lead to a host of problems, from cloudy water to algae growth to skin irritations for swimmers. Get a testing kit — they’re easy to use — and try to check the water at least once a week. Seriously, it’s such a small task that makes all the difference. Consider it your pool’s quick health check.
You will also want to pay attention to levels of calcium hardness and cyanuric acid, as these, too, have a bearing on the general quality of your pool water. If the levels of calcium are too high, that may create scaling; if too low, corrosion may set in — and neither of those is something you want to happen. Testing the water does sound like a nuisance, but it just becomes second nature after a while. Furthermore, balancing your water chemistry minimizes the need for more ‘aggressive’ and usually expensive chemical treatments later on. A well-balanced pool is one that looks great, feels great, and makes the swimming experience much more pleasurable for everyone.
2. Clean Like a Pro, Without the Stress
Cleaning the pool? Not exactly the most enjoyable activity of the weekend, if not avoided altogether. If you allow leaves, bugs, and any junk to float around, it will make your water look disgusting, apart from unbalancing the water.
Skimming the surface with a net every couple of days is a quick fix. But don’t stop there! Brushing the walls and vacuuming the floor prevents dirt accumulation and algae growth. If you want it even easier, get an automatic pool cleaner — the little robot taking care of the dirty work while you are relaxing by the pool.
Missing regular cleanings will only lead to bigger problems, such as clogged filters or algae outbreaks, which by then may be much more difficult to handle. Even just ten minutes a few times a week can keep things under control. And if you are having a hard time keeping up with cleaning, automated pool cleaners are complete game changers — they can scrub, vacuum, and filter for you. Be certain to also clean your skimmer baskets regularly and backwash your filter, as these become clogged with debris. A clean pool is not just pretty; it is actually what keeps the whole system running more smoothly and economically.
3. Don’t Forget the Pool Cover
Ever notice how your pool gets dirty a lot faster when it’s uncovered? Or how the water level seems to drop even though you haven’t been splashing around in it? Pool covers are your best friend. They help block dirt and other debris from getting in, and they also reduce water evaporation. Quite simply, a good pool cover saves you time and money.
There are so many options available, from solar covers to safety covers, each boasting different benefits. Whether you need something for daily use or just for the off-season, there is a cover that will match your needs. Find one that fits your pool and your climate, and you’ll be set. Solar covers can retain heat — perfect when you want to extend your swimming season. On the other hand, safety covers provide peace of mind if you have kids or pets running around. Whichever type you decide to go with, a cover will reduce your workload for cleaning and cut down on the number of chemicals that need to be added.
Not only that, but it greatly reduces water evaporation, which means you will spend much less time refilling it. It’s a pretty straightforward addition that can make a big difference, especially if you live in a place with windy and hot climates. And if you want more convenience, there are automatic covers too, which add even more comfort: just press a button, and it opens or closes on its own.
4. Regular Equipment Check
Your pool filter, pump, and heater do much of the heavy lifting, so it only stands to reason that giving them a little TLC is key to a healthy pool. Regular equipment checkups can find problems before they become large, costly issues. And trust me, you don’t want to be dealing with a broken filter in the middle of summer!
If you’re not sure how your equipment is holding up, it never hurts to ask a professional swimming pool builder for advice. They can help you find those hidden problems with the structure and systems that you might not see. Staying on top of maintenance saves you from headaches down the line — and from some hefty repair bills, too.
A change in water quality is usually one of the first signs of trouble with the equipment. When your pool suddenly gets cloudy or green, you’re getting the signal that something could be wrong with your pump or filter. Another telltale sign will be strange sounds — pumps that are too loud or filters that gurgle are usually indicative of parts wearing out. It’s also a good practice to keep the equipment manual on hand, so you will know when each component is due for a checkup. You can replace small parts before they fail, which will extend your equipment’s life and save you from a complete system overhaul. Not only that, keeping your equipment running efficiently helps lower your energy costs.
Conclusion
There you have it — four simple tips that can make a world of difference when it comes to keeping your outdoor pool in top condition. Just take a few extra steps to balance the water chemistry, clean regularly, throw a pool cover over, and check the equipment periodically. The reward? A lovely, clear pool all season long.
Why not make it a routine while you’re at it? Your future self will thank you when you’re out there relaxing by the water instead of trying to fix an algae problem or a broken pump. Now, go enjoy your pool!
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
