Owning a swimming pool is one of the great joys of living on the Gold Coast, but it also comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance. A well-maintained pool not only enhances your swimming experience but also ensures the longevity of your pool equipment and prevents costly repairs down the line. At Pacific Pool and Spa, we specialise in swimming pool maintenance and equipment, helping pool owners like you keep their pools in pristine condition year-round.
In this blog, we’ll provide a comprehensive pool maintenance checklist to help you stay on top of your pool care routine, ensuring your pool remains safe, clean, and ready to use no matter the season.
1. Skim and Clean the Pool Surface Daily
Debris such as leaves, insects, and dirt can accumulate on the surface of your pool. Skimming the water’s surface daily is an easy way to prevent this debris from sinking and affecting water quality. Regular skimming also helps keep your pool filters from clogging and reduces the strain on your pool equipment. At Pacific Pool and Spa, we recommend using a fine mesh skimmer net for optimal results.
2. Vacuum the Pool Weekly
Vacuuming your pool is essential to remove any dirt and debris that sinks to the bottom. Depending on your pool’s usage and environment, vacuuming should be done at least once a week. You can either opt for an automatic pool cleaner or manual vacuuming. A high-quality pool vacuum ensures your pool floor is free from dirt, sand, and algae buildup, keeping your pool looking immaculate.
3. Brush Pool Walls and Tiles
Algae and calcium deposits can form along the walls and tiles of your pool. To prevent this, brushing the pool’s surfaces is crucial. Use a brush designed for your pool’s material, whether it’s concrete, vinyl, or fibreglass. Brushing once a week ensures that algae don’t have the chance to take root, especially in hard-to-reach corners.
4. Maintain Water Levels
Water levels in your pool should be maintained at a consistent level, roughly halfway up the skimmer. Factors such as weather and pool usage can cause water levels to fluctuate. Too much or too little water can impact the efficiency of your pool’s filtration system. Be sure to check your water level regularly, especially after heavy rain or extended periods of swimming.
5. Test and Balance Water Chemistry
One of the most critical aspects of pool maintenance is ensuring your pool’s water chemistry is balanced. Testing your pool water at least once a week ensures that pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels are within the recommended ranges. For best results, invest in a quality test kit or bring a water sample to Pacific Pool and Spa for professional testing. Balanced water prevents irritation to swimmers and prolongs the life of your pool equipment.
The key chemical levels to monitor are:
- pH level (7.2 to 7.6)
- Chlorine level (1 to 3 ppm)
- Alkalinity (80 to 120 ppm)
- Calcium hardness (200 to 400 ppm)
Our professional team can assist with adjusting your chemical levels and provide expert advice on keeping your pool safe and clean.
6. Clean the Skimmer and Pump Baskets
Your pool’s skimmer and pump baskets are designed to catch larger debris that makes its way into the system. Emptying these baskets regularly (weekly or more frequently if needed) ensures that your pool’s filtration system operates efficiently. Clogged baskets reduce water flow, strain the pump, and can lead to expensive equipment damage.
7. Inspect and Clean Filters
Your pool’s filter plays a vital role in keeping your water clear and free from contaminants. Whether you have a sand, cartridge, or DE (diatomaceous earth) filter, it’s essential to clean and backwash your filter regularly. Filters should be checked every few weeks, but how often you clean or replace them depends on how much your pool is used. At Pacific Pool and Spa, we offer professional filter cleaning services to ensure your equipment runs smoothly.
8. Maintain Pool Equipment
Pool pumps, filters, chlorinators, and heaters need regular inspection to ensure they’re operating effectively. Catching minor issues early on can save you from major repairs later. Our mobile service includes a thorough check of all pool equipment to ensure everything is in proper working order.
By following this comprehensive pool maintenance checklist, you’ll keep your swimming pool in top condition throughout the year. Regular skimming, vacuuming, and brushing are essential for maintaining a clean pool, while water testing and equipment inspections will prevent long-term damage. And if you ever need assistance with your pool care, our experienced team at Pacific Pool and Spa is here to help.
Contact Us Today
For expert advice, equipment upgrades, or pool maintenance services, visit us at Shop 3, 1 Strathaird Road, Bundall, call us at 07 5538 3200, or browse our range of services online here. Let us help you enjoy a pristine pool, year-round!