A sparkling, clear pool is everyone’s dream during the summer. Keeping your pool clean and free of algae is essential whenever you’re planning to host pool parties, enjoy relaxing swims, or simply maintain a beautiful backyard oasis. However, warm temperatures, increased usage, and environmental factors can make pool maintenance a challenge.
To help you enjoy a pristine swimming experience, here are the best strategies on how to keep pool water clear.
Skim And Remove Debris Daily
Floating debris like leaves, bugs, and dirt can quickly turn a clean pool into a murky mess. Regular skimming helps prevent these contaminants from sinking to the bottom, where they become harder to remove.
Tips For Daily Skimming
- Use a long-handled skimmer net to remove surface debris every morning.
- Empty the skimmer basket regularly to ensure proper filtration.
- If your pool is surrounded by trees, consider installing a pool cover when it’s not in use.
Brush And Vacuum Your Pool Weekly
Even with proper filtration, dirt, algae, and bacteria can cling to the pool walls and floor. Brushing and vacuuming are essential steps in maintaining a crystal-clear pool.
Brushing Tips
- Brush the pool walls, tiles, and steps at least once a week to prevent algae buildup.
- Use a pool brush designed for your pool’s surface, with soft bristles for vinyl and stiff bristles for concrete.
Vacuuming Tips
- Use a manual vacuum or automatic pool cleaner to remove dirt and debris from the floor.
- Vacuum at least once a week or more often if you notice visible dirt accumulation.
Monitor And Maintain Proper Water Levels
Water levels fluctuate due to evaporation, splashing, and backwashing. Maintaining the right water level keeps your pool equipment functioning correctly.
- Check water levels weekly and make sure they are at the midpoint of the skimmer opening.
- If the water level is too low, use a garden hose to refill it.
- If it is too high after rain, use a submersible pump to drain excess water.
Clean And Maintain Pool Filters
Filters are necessary in keeping your pool water clear by removing impurities. However, dirty filters can cause cloudy water and inefficient circulation.
- Cartridge Filters: Remove and rinse with a hose every 2-4 weeks. Deep clean with a filter cleaner every 2-3 months.
- Sand Filters: Backwash the system when the pressure gauge rises above normal. Change the sand every 3-5 years.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters: Backwash when needed, add fresh DE powder, and deep clean once a year.
Regularly cleaning pool filters ensures efficient water circulation and prevents debris buildup.
Balance Pool Chemicals For Safe Swimming
Proper water chemistry keeps your pool clean, prevents bacteria growth, and avoids irritation to swimmers. Test your water at least twice a week to maintain balanced chemical levels. Correct pool chemical levels are:
- Chlorine: 1-3 ppm (parts per million) for effective sanitation.
- pH Level: 7.2-7.6 to prevent irritation and scaling.
- Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm to stabilize pH.
Use a reliable water testing kit to check these levels and adjust chemicals as needed.
Shock Your Pool Regularly
Pool shocking, or super-chlorination, is an effective way to eliminate bacteria, algae, and organic contaminants.
When To Shock Your Pool
- After heavy pool usage or parties.
- Following rainstorms that introduce debris and contaminants.
- If the water appears cloudy or has a strong chlorine smell.
- At least once every 1-2 weeks as a preventive measure.
- Use a chlorine-based shock for regular maintenance or a non-chlorine shock for mild sanitization.
Prevent Algae Growth In Your Pool
Preventing algae in pools requires proactive steps.
- Keep chlorine levels stable to inhibit algae growth.
- Brush the pool walls and floor so that there is no buildup.
- Use an algaecide once a week to keep algae from forming.
- Maintain proper water circulation to prevent stagnant areas where algae thrive.
If your pool already has algae, use an algaecide and shock treatment to eliminate it, followed by thorough brushing and vacuuming.
Proper Water Circulation
Stagnant water encourages bacteria and algae growth. Running your pump and filter system for the right amount of time helps in even chemical distribution and prevents water from becoming cloudy.
- Run your pool pump 8-12 hours per day, depending on pool size and usage.
- Check that all return jets are positioned to create proper water flow.
- Regularly clean and maintain pool pumps and filters.
Good water circulation reduces the need for excessive chemical treatments.
Keep Pool Equipment In Good Condition
Pool equipment, including pumps, filters, heaters, and ladders, should be regularly inspected and maintained.
- Lubricate O-rings and moving parts as needed.
- Check for leaks, cracks, or damage to pool components.
- Replace worn-out pool vacuum bags, filter cartridges, and hoses.
Well-maintained equipment provides long-lasting performance and prevents unexpected breakdowns.
Plan For Extended Time Away
If you’re going on vacation or won’t be using the pool for a while, take steps to maintain water clarity in your absence.
- Shock the pool before leaving.
- Use a pool cover to prevent anything from entering.
- Set a timer for the pool pump to run a few hours each day.
- Ask a neighbor or hire a pool service to check the water chemistry.
Proper preparation ensures your pool remains in excellent condition even when you’re away.
Bottom Line
Keeping your pool crystal clear all summer requires consistent maintenance, from skimming and vacuuming to cleaning pool filters and balancing water chemistry. If you follow these essential tips, you can enjoy a sparkling, algae-free pool that’s always ready for a refreshing swim. Invest time in preventive care, and you’ll spend less time troubleshooting pool problems. With proper circulation, filtration, and sanitation, your pool will remain the perfect summer retreat.
If you’re looking for expert advice on how to keep pool water clear or want to upgrade your cleaning routine, consult with a professional pool service like Outdoor Living LLC. We are one of the leading swimming pool contractors in Omaha, NE, and we will make sure your pool stays in top condition all season long. You can also shop for Artesian South Seas spas, Island spas, and much more from our collection.
