When you own a pool, you have a responsibility to make sure it’s as clean and safe as possible. Routine swimming pool maintenance is a must; whether you are a complete beginner, or you have had some experience in cleaning, Pool Troopers is here to help.
Our goal is to eliminate the hard work so you can accomplish your other responsibilities. Some pool owners may want to maintain their pool more frequently, without the help of a professional. Even if you are in this category, Pool Troopers can assist you.
We have devised a way, so you need not forget a thing. This Pool Troopers maintenance checklist will help you cover everything you need to do, whether it is daily, weekly or monthly maintenance.
The Checklist
This list is designed to serve as your guide in caring for your pool. You can contact Pool Troopers to set up a schedule so our professionals can inspect your pool. We can provide you with services and care instructions that are specific to the requirements of your pool.
That said, here are our recommendations on how you can keep your pool in its best condition:
Daily Maintenance
- Check the level of water.
The first step toward maintaining your pool is to make sure the water is at the optimal level. It should never be too high or too low. Water levels that are too high, may cause the skimmer to stop skimming. On the other hand, if the water is too low, the skimmers will also stop functioning because they will start sucking air in.
If it has been raining, you can lower the water in many ways:
- Locate the “Waste” setting on the multi-port valve and use it. This setting will divert water from your pool so that it goes directly to the backwash hose instead.
- Use a submersible pump. Follow the instructions that the equipment provides. You will usually have to connect a garden or sump hose first before you start using it. When lowering the water level of your pool using the pump, we recommend dropping it off the edge on the deeper end of the pool.
Another option is to start a siphon hose, which is a common way of draining the pool.
Note: Never leave the pool unattended when draining water as removing too much is worse than not draining it at all. Halfway up the skimmer is the target. When in doubt leave it too high its way better than too low.
- Check the filter and pump.
Examine the filter pressure gauge, which should be in normal pressure to indicate that water flows normally through the filter. If it is showing lower pressure than normal, something is wrong. Low water levels and closed valves could be causing this problem. It may also mean that your baskets are full.
Meanwhile, if the pressure is higher than normal, the problem is after the impeller. It is an indication that you may have a dirty filter or a valve may be partially closed.
Note, the pressure can fluctuate based on the position of the valve after the filter. For instance, if you run the return water using in-floor cleaners, it will create back-pressure; therefore, the filter pressure will increase. If the pump lid is clear, look inside to see if the water is flowing properly through the pump.
- Inspect the pool cleaner.
Pressure cleaners can operate every day in a two- to three-hour cycle. Simply check daily if the bag is full and empty it if needed.
If you have a suction or robotic cleaner, there is no need to run the cleaner every day. An exception would be if you have an existing pool circulation problem. Preferably, you should only run the cleaner a maximum of three times weekly to prevent excess wear and tear.
- Check the baskets.
Pump baskets typically have a clear lid, so you can quickly see if they are full. Skimmer lids can also be clear, but they are quite uncommon. When the pool is clean, chances are you have clean skimmer baskets too. Whenever required, you should empty the skimmer baskets so the suction will remain strong and effective. Also, take the time to ensure the skimmer flap is in the right place and functioning.
Aside from these four maintenance tasks, here are things to accomplish daily:
- Remove leaves and debris using a leaf rake.
- If the water appears cloudy or “off,” check the filter and the chemistry. It may need some cleaning.
- Check the filtration system. Make sure the water circulates properly.
You may also want to inspect the pool area to see whether there is algae growing on the deck or other potential problems. It is essential to check the pool and deck to make sure there are no broken tiles or issues on the deck.
Weekly Maintenance
- Check the chemical levels.
You don’t always need to test your pool’s pH and chlorine every day. For routine upkeep, two to three times a week may be enough, though heavy use or changing conditions can call for more frequent checks.
The goal is to keep your water chemistry steady. Avoid big swings in chlorine, and keep pH from drifting too high or too low. Aim for a pH between 7.4 and 7.8, with 7.5 as a good target, and a chlorine level around 2–4 ppm. Your free and total chlorine readings should ideally be close; a noticeable gap can mean the water needs attention.
It may sound complicated, which is why you may want to give this job to Pool Troopers. Our chemical services will give you as much freedom as you want and we provide weekly and biweekly services.
- Check alkalinity.
Check total alkalinity as part of your water testing routine. It helps keep your pool’s pH steady, so getting it right can save you hours of frustration. Too high, and it can be tough to bring down, but too low, and your pH can bounce around.
Acid can lower total alkalinity, while sodium bicarbonate can raise it. Follow your pool’s recommended range and the product directions when making adjustments. The optimal alkalinity level is around 80 to 150 PPM.
- Add chemicals.
Use your water test results to decide which chemicals your pool needs, whether you’re adjusting sanitizer levels, balancing pH, or correcting alkalinity. Depending on your water conditions, you may also need a product to help prevent stains, so always follow the label directions.
- Clean the pool deck.
A leaf blower makes quick work of loose leaves and dirt on your pool deck. Prefer to skip the blower? Using a garden hose and broom together is another great method to help clear things up. Just be sure to keep debris moving away from the pool so it doesn’t end up back in the water.
If leaves keep piling up, trim nearby plants or consider replacing overgrown ones with smaller varieties. A little landscaping now can mean less cleanup later.
Other weekly tasks include:
- Shocking the pool (only when necessary)
- Scrubbing the tile line to remove scum
- Checking the filter
- Lubricating and O-rings you accessed
If necessary, you may also have to shock the pool anytime the total chlorine is higher than the free chlorine.
Pool Shocking Every One to Two Weeks
Shocking can be part of your regular pool care routine, but how often you need it depends on your pool and the product you use. Every one to two weeks may work if it fits the product directions and your maintenance plan. Some products recommend weekly treatment, with extra applications after heavy use.
Hosting a pool party? More swimmers mean more sweat, sunscreen, and other contaminants in the water. Check your water readings and the pool’s condition afterward to see whether it needs another treatment.
Adjusting chlorine during routine maintenance helps keep the disinfectant level where it should be. Shocking addresses certain contaminants or water-quality issues, following the product label, whereas simply adding a little extra chlorine doesn’t necessarily do the same job.
Follow the product directions for how much to add, how long to run the circulation system, and when it’s safe to swim again. But don’t rely on the clock alone, check the required water readings before anyone jumps in. Keep a record of the product, amount used, treatment time, and follow-up readings so you can track how your pool responds.
Monthly Maintenance
- Check calcium and CYA levels.
Most of the time, calcium, as well as Cyanuric Acid, tend to stay stable every month. However, you do need to test it so you can make adjustments whenever necessary. Keep calcium hardness around 200 to 400 PPM, while Cyanuric Acid should be around 40 to 80 PPM. If you use Tri-Chlor tablets as your sanitizer, they already have CYA in them, so you don’t need to add more.
- Test Salt Levels.
If you have a saltwater pool, you should also test the salt levels. You can do it yourself or take a sample of the water to pool expert Pool Troopers to have it analyzed. Have it tested for metals, total dissolved solids, Cyanuric Acid, and others. This way, you can adjust the levels accordingly.
Yearly Maintenance
- Clean slide surfaces.
Busy pools require cleaning more frequently, however, you typically only need to clean the diving board and slides once to twice a year. Use the right cleanser and make sure you don’t get the chemical into the pool.
- Tighten bolts.
Safety should be a pool owner’s top priority. So, ensure the diving board bolts or the ladder tread bolts on the slides are not loose.
- Disassemble and thoroughly clean the filter, replace cartridge elements.
DE filters need to be disassembled and cleaned internally at least once per year according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Cartridge filters should have their elements replaced at least every 12-18 months.
Annual tuning up of pool cleaners and lubricating the O-rings can also keep the pool running smoothly.
Ready to hand off the entire checklist?
Pool Troopers offers all these tune-ups and yearly maintenance tasks as part of our spring special, and we can do it year-round on your startup anniversary for you if you sign up.
If keeping up with weekly chemistry, monthly equipment checks, and seasonal adjustments sounds like more than you want to tackle on your own, Pool Troopers can help. Our technicians handle every item on this list – from daily skimming to salt cell cleaning to storm-season prep – so you can start enjoying your pool instead of worrying about it.
Aim to follow this pool maintenance checklist to make sure your pool stays clean, safe, and function all year round. Contact Pool Troopers for any additional tips on maintaining your swimming pool, today!
