So, you finally take a day off, grab your floatie, and dive into your backyard pool, only to find it looking more like a swamp than a crystal-clear oasis. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many pool owners make the same rookie mistakes: forgetting to check chemicals, letting filters get lazy, or adding chlorine like it’s a magic potion.
Avoid these blunders, and your pool will stay sparkling, stress-free, and way more Instagram-worthy.
1. Not Testing the Water Regularly
Test, test, and test again! Water chemistry is critical for keeping your pool clean and safe. Regular water testing helps you identify imbalances in pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Neglecting this task can lead to murky water or even damage to your equipment. Make it a habit to test your pool water at least once a week, and after heavy use or rainfall.
There are plenty of handy test kits available, or you can pop by your local pool store for professional testing.
2. Ignoring the Filter
Think of your pool filter as your pool’s kidneys. It’s responsible for removing impurities and keeping the water clean. A clogged filter means trouble! Ignoring regular maintenance can lead to poor circulation and even algae growth.
Clean your filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and don’t forget to backwash if you have a sand or DE filter. A little TLC goes a long way in keeping your pool filter running smoothly.
3. Skipping Skimming and Brushing
Leaves, bugs, and other debris are bound to find their way into your pool. Skipping skimming sessions may result in an unsightly mess and a breeding ground for bacteria. Make it a daily routine to skim the surface of your pool. While you’re at it, grab a brush and scrub the walls and floor to prevent algae buildup.
This quick chore can save you from dealing with a bigger mess down the road.
4. Overlooking the Pool Pump
Your pool pump is the heart of your pool’s circulation system. Running it too little can result in stagnation, while overworking it can wear it out prematurely. Be sure to follow the guidelines for your specific pool size and pump model, and adjust the run time based on the season and usage.
You don’t want to end up with a hefty energy bill or a broken pump!
5. Neglecting Shock Treatments
Regular shocking keeps your pool water fresh and clear by eliminating contaminants and chlorine odors. Skipping or underestimating shock treatments can lead to cloudy or smelly water.
Add shock to your pool every couple of weeks, or more frequently during periods of heavy use or extreme temperatures.
6. Forgetting to Check for Leaks
Water loss is normal due to evaporation, but excessive leaking indicates a problem. Neglecting leaks can lead to costly repairs down the line. If you suspect a leak, perform a simple bucket test to see if water levels are dropping faster than they should. Here’s how you can do it
If so, it’s time to call in a professional to fix the issue before it gets worse.
7. Using Too Much or Too Little Chlorine
Chlorine is your pool’s best friend, but it’s a balancing act. Too much can irritate skin and eyes, while too little can lead to bacterial growth. Follow the recommended guidelines for your pool size and type, and adjust as needed.
Keep in mind that chlorine levels can fluctuate based on weather, usage, and other factors, so be vigilant!
8. Ignoring Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness affects the longevity of your pool’s surfaces and equipment. High levels can lead to scaling, while low levels can cause corrosion. Test and adjust calcium hardness levels periodically to keep your pool in good condition.
Your plaster, tile, and equipment will thank you for it!
9. Poor Pool Cover Maintenance
A pool cover is a valuable tool for keeping debris out and reducing evaporation. However, neglecting to maintain your cover can lead to damage or even accidents. Make sure your cover is clean, secure, and free of tears or holes. Regular inspections can extend its lifespan and protect your pool investment.
Plus: salt water pool maintenance mistakes
Think a saltwater pool means “set it and forget it”? Think again! Just because you’re skipping some chemicals doesn’t mean your pool takes care of itself
1. Overlooking Regular Testing
Even though saltwater pools generate chlorine through electrolysis, it’s still crucial to test your chlorine and pH levels regularly. Also notes that skipping these checks can quickly lead to algae growth, cloudy water, and skin irritation.
2. Neglecting Salt Cell Maintenance
Your salt cell can build up calcium and scale over time, reducing efficiency. According to Orenda Tech, inspecting and cleaning your cell every 3–6 months with a diluted muriatic acid solution is essential
3. Skipping Regular Shocking
Even a saltwater system needs occasional shocking to destroy contaminants and keep water clear. According to Swim University, pool owners should shock every 1–2 weeks, or after heavy use or storms.
Trust Amenity Pool Services for common pool repairs
Owning a pool is a wonderful luxury, but it does require some effort to keep it in prime condition. By avoiding these common maintenance mistakes, you can enjoy a sparkling pool all season long.
If you need a helping hand, Amenity Pool Services is just a call away. With over 50 years of experience and a reputation trusted in over 10,000 backyards, our team is ready to assist homeowners in Phoenix, Tucson, Dallas/Ft Worth, Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville with all their pool care needs.
FAQ’s - Common pool maintenance mistakes
You will need some basics to get your pool to stay pure: a good water test kit, plus chlorine or salt tablets, a pool brush, filtrating basket or skimmer net, and a filter maintenance kit. As Amenity Pool Services notes, the idea is to avoid letting small problems like algae or cloudy water, become into big headaches.
Water evaporation and chemical imbalance occur more rapidly in Arizona’s hot, dry environment. When weekly tests and basic care are neglected, it can create scale, algae or cause damage to the equipment. Routine care maintains safe water, extends equipment life and keeps the pool ready for fun in the sun.
An above ground pool will need careful maintenance and care for filtering, the chemistry of the water, and cleaning at different times of the year. Begin by testing for chlorine, pH and alkalinity weekly, and don’t neglect skimming, brushing and backwashing the filter on a regular basis.
Simple measures prevent expensive repairs, and keep the pool water safe for swimming. Even simple steps can prevent costly repairs and ensure the water is safe for swimming.
Absolutely not! Even brand-new pools require maintenance. When you neglect testing the water, maintaining the filters, and making sure that shocks are administered as they should be, having cloudy water, algae, & stains on new surfaces can happen faster.
Preventative maintenance will protect the investment you have made in your pool and keep it fun to use all year.
Saltwater pools are not without testing and maintenance. It’s usually caused by skipping chlorine and pH checks, failing to clean the salt cell every 3–6 months, or by not doing regular shock treatments.
If you encounter problems or would just like some peace of mind, Amenity Pool Services is a reliable choice. With more than 50 years in the industry, the team in Phoenix, Tucson, Dallas/Ft.Worth, Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville should be able to provide homeowners everything from regular maintenance to extensive repair.
