Owning a pool can feel like having your private oasis. But to keep your swimming area in top condition, regular maintenance is essential. Weekly pool care keeps your water safe, pristine, and inviting, while ensuring your equipment performs efficiently and lasts longer. If you’re unsure where to begin, this guide will walk you through the key steps for weekly pool maintenance, helping you maintain a sparkling and trouble-free pool. 

1. Test the Water Chemistry 

The first step to pool upkeep is testing your water chemistry weekly. Check crucial parameters like pH levels, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness using a reliable pool test kit or test strips. 

• Ideal ranges: Your pH should fall between 7.4 and 7.6, with chlorine levels around 1-3 ppm and total alkalinity between 80-120 ppm. 
• Why it matters: Balanced water chemistry ensures safe swimming and prevents issues like skin irritation, algae build-up, and equipment corrosion. 

If levels are off, adjust accordingly. Use pool chemicals like chlorine stabilizers or pH increasers/decreasers as recommended on the packaging. 

2. Skim Debris from the Surface 

Falling leaves, bugs, and other debris can accumulate quickly in your pool, especially if it’s outdoors. Use a pool skimmer net to remove any floating debris. 

• Frequency: Ideally, this should be done every day, but a thorough weekly skim is necessary. 
• Why it matters: Skimming prevents debris from sinking to the bottom and clogging your filtration system, keeping your pool water cleaner. 

Pro tip: Invest in a good-quality skimmer with a long handle to reach every corner of your pool. 

3. Brush Pool Walls and Floors 

Algae, dirt, and grime love to cling to the surfaces of your pool. Brushing the walls, floors, and steps prevents them from becoming breeding grounds for bacteria. 

• Best method: Use a pool brush with soft or nylon bristles for tiles, steps, and the waterline. For concrete or plaster pools, a stainless steel brush works brilliantly. 
• Why it matters: Regular brushing helps maintain a pristine pool appearance and avoids excessive algae growth. 

For stubborn spots, apply a chlorine solution directly to problem areas using the brush. 

4. Vacuum the Pool 

Once you’ve brushed and stirred up the gunk, vacuum your pool to pick up debris from the bottom. 

• Options: Choose between manual vacuums, automatic pool cleaners, or robotic cleaners, depending on your budget and preferences. 
• Why it matters: Vacuuming improves water clarity and prevents debris from clogging your filter system. 

If debris accumulates heavily in your pool, consider vacuuming more frequently to ease the strain on other cleaning systems. 

5. Check and Clean the Pool Filter 

Your pool’s filtration system is critical for keeping the water clean, so don’t skip filter maintenance. Inspect your pool’s filter weekly and clear out any debris or dirt. The three most common filter types are cartridge, sand, and diatomaceous earth (DE). 

• How to clean:
  • For cartridge filters, rinse with a hose. 
  • Backwash sand and DE filters when the pressure gauge rises 8-10 psi above the normal range. 
• Why it matters: A dirty filter reduces water circulation, increasing the risk of cloudy or contaminated water. 

6. Empty Skimmer and Pump Baskets 

Your skimmer and pump baskets collect leaves, twigs, and other larger debris. Emptying these baskets regularly improves water flow and system efficiency. 

• Frequency: Weekly, or more often in pool-heavy seasons like summer. 
• Why it matters: Full baskets can restrict water circulation, putting extra stress on your pump and filter. 

7. Check for Wear and Tear 

While cleaning your pool, inspect your pool equipment for wear and tear. Check the pool pump, filter system, and pool cover (if any). 

• Why it matters: Catching small issues early can save you from larger (and more expensive) repairs down the line. 

Make sure your pool pump is circulating water effectively, as this helps distribute chemicals evenly and prevents stagnation. 

Keep Your Pool in Prime Condition 

Weekly maintenance may take a bit of effort, but the payoff is a beautiful, sparkling pool and a worry-free swim. By staying consistent with skimming, brushing, vacuuming, and checking water chemistry, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your pool ready for use anytime. 

Looking for professional help or additional tips? Contact our pool care experts to get personalized advice and keep your pool in mint condition all year round!