Owning a pool is a fantastic investment, providing a private space for relaxation, exercise, and socialising. But as a first-time pool owner, you might find yourself navigating unfamiliar territory when it comes to cleaning your pool, maintaining pool equipment, and balancing chlorine levels.
Issues like algae growth, murky water, and equipment malfunctions can occur without proper upkeep, leading to unexpected costs and unnecessary stress. To help you keep your swimming pool in top condition, this guide covers five key aspects of pool ownership, ensuring your pool stays clean, safe, and well-maintained all year round.
1. Regular Maintenance is Essential
Regular pool maintenance is crucial for keeping your pool clean and preventing common issues like cloudy water and algae. While you can opt for professional servicing, you can handle many tasks yourself with the right tools and knowledge.
Regular Pool Maintenance Checklist:
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Skim the Surface: Remove leaves, insects, and debris daily to prevent their effects on water levels and chemical balance.
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Brush and Vacuum: Algae and dirt cling to pool walls and steps, so regular brushing and vacuuming help maintain clean pool surfaces.
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Empty Skimmer and Pump Baskets: Clogged baskets reduce circulation, making the filtration system less effective.
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Check the Pool Filter: Whether you have a sand, cartridge, or DE filter, regular cleaning or backwashing is essential for proper filtration.
A consistent maintenance routine prevents chemical imbalances and reduces the likelihood of costly repairs.
2. Understanding Water Chemistry
Balancing your pool chemicals is essential for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. When chemical imbalances occur, they can cause skin irritation, cloudy water, and even damage to your pool equipment.
Key Pool Chemicals and Their Roles:
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pH (7.2 – 7.6): Measures acidity/alkalinity. If too low, water can corrode pool surfaces; if too high, it can become cloudy and cause scaling.
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Chlorine (1-3 ppm): The primary sanitiser, keeping bacteria, viruses, and algae at bay. Too little can result in unsafe water, while too much may irritate.
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Total Alkalinity (80-120 ppm): Helps stabilise pH levels. Low alkalinity leads to pH fluctuations, making balancing more difficult.
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Calcium Hardness (200-400 ppm): Prevents scaling and erosion of pool surfaces. Imbalances can cause cloudy water or surface damage.
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Cyanuric Acid (30-50 ppm): Acts as a chlorine stabiliser, preventing chlorine from breaking down too quickly in sunlight.
Please note the numbers in brackets are a guide only and the exact targeted range depends on a wide range of factors including your pool surface, your sanitisation system and where you are in Australia.
Testing and Adjusting Pool Chemicals:
It’s important to test your pool water at least twice a week, or once a week in the swimming season using a test strip or liquid test kit. Adjust the chemical balance as needed:
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To raise pH levels, add sodium carbonate (soda ash) or use sodium bicarbonate (buffer).
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To lower pH levels, use liquid or dry acid.
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To increase chlorine levels, adjust the settings on your sanitisation system or add liquid, granular, or tablet chlorine.
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To reduce high chlorine levels, allow sunlight to naturally break down excess chlorine or use a chlorine neutraliser.
By keeping your chemical balance in check, you’ll avoid water problems and enjoy a cleaner, healthier swimming pool.
3. Keeping Your Pool Equipment in Good Shape
Your pool equipment plays a crucial role in keeping water clean and circulating properly. Neglecting maintenance can lead to inefficient operation, higher energy costs, and equipment breakdowns.
Essential Pool Equipment:
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Pool Pump: The pool pump is the heart of your system, circulating water through the filtration system and evenly distributing pool chemicals. Depending on the size of your pool and the region you live in Australia, it might need to run 3-6 hours in cooler months and up to 10 hours during summer.
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Pool Filter: Removes dirt and contaminants.
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Sand filters need backwashing every 4-6 weeks.
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Clean cartridge filters every 4-8 weeks and replace them every 1-2 years.
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Heater (if applicable): Regular servicing ensures efficiency. Look for signs of scale build-up or corrosion, especially in gas and electric heaters.
Tips for Extending Equipment Lifespan:
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Keep the pool pump and filter clean to prevent clogging.
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Maintain balanced pH levels to avoid scaling and corrosion.
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Regularly inspect and replace worn-out parts to prevent major system failures.
Proactive maintenance helps your pool equipment last longer and reduces the risk of costly repairs.
4. Seasonal Maintenance
Your swimming pool requires different levels of care throughout the year. Warmer months demand more frequent cleaning, while winter maintenance ensures your pool stays in good condition when not in use.
Summer Pool Care:
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Run the pool pump longer due to higher temperatures and increased use.
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Test and adjust chlorine levels and pH levels more frequently.
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You may need to shock the pool every few weeks depending on usage to eliminate contaminants.
Winter Pool Care:
If you live in a colder climate, winterising your pool is essential:
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Balance pH levels and other pool chemicals.
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Use a winter cover to keep out debris.
In regions with mild winters, like in Western Australia, pools can remain in use but require reduced maintenance. Running the pool pump for 2-4 hours daily and checking chlorine levels and pH levels every few weeks will keep things in check.
5. Pool Safety Should Always Be a Priority
Owning a swimming pool comes with safety responsibilities. Taking preventive measures helps create a secure environment for family and guests.
Essential Pool Safety Tips:
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Install a Compliant Pool Fence: Check local regulations—most require fences to be at least 1.2 metres high with a self-latching gate.
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Use a Secure Pool Cover: A safety cover helps prevent accidental falls.
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Set Clear Pool Rules: Establish rules for children and guests, such as no running near the pool and no unsupervised swimming.
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Keep Emergency Equipment Nearby: Have a first-aid kit, reaching pole, and flotation device within easy reach.
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Take a CPR Course: Knowing CPR can be lifesaving in an emergency. Consider taking a certified course.
By prioritising safety, you can create a secure and enjoyable pool environment for everyone.
Pool Care Has Never Been Easier with Pool Assist
As a first-time pool owner, you don’t have to navigate maintenance, water chemistry, and equipment care alone. We offer expert advice, professional servicing, and tailored solutions to keep your pool in top condition.
Whether you need help balancing chemicals, troubleshooting equipment, or preparing for seasonal changes, our team is ready to assist.
Take the guesswork out of pool care—contact Pool Assist today for expert support and reliable service, or come visit us in-store and see what we have to offer!