Creating a Pool Maintenance Schedule

A schedule for regular pool maintenance

One of the challenges of owning a swimming pool is the maintenance required to make sure your water remains crystal clear, but it may not be as daunting a task as you think. By following this simple guide you can enjoy your pool all summer long without worrying about bacteria or organic growth building up.

Daily

Adjust the pH and Chlorine Levels

Healthy pH ranges vary slightly for each type of pool.
Vinyl or tile: 7.4 – 7.7
Gunite (concrete): 7.4 – 7.6
Fiberglass: 7.3 – 7.5

If you’re throwing a pool party, we suggest you adjust the levels both before and after as chemicals in lotions, deodorant or laundry detergent can affect the balance. Maintaining a healthy pH and chlorine level will keep your swimmers comfortable and healthy.

Empty the Pump Basket

Your location will determine how often you have to clean out your pump baskets. If you’re in a rural area, you may find that daily cleaning is necessary to ensure that frogs and other small animals don’t remain in the basket for long periods of time. On windy days (or if like us, you live in the state known for the “wind sweeping down the plains”) you may find leaves and debris collect much faster.

Weekly

Shock

Shocking,” also referred to as over chlorinating, is the process of adding 3 to 5 times the normal amount of chlorine or other sanitizer to the water to kill unwanted bacteria and organic growth. Shocking should be done in the evening to prevent UV rays from lowering the effectiveness of the process.

Treat and Destroy Algae

If you’ve owned a pool, you know that it is much easier to prevent algae growth out than it is to remove it after your pool is green. We offer an array of algaecides to keep your pool beautiful!

Vacuum and Brush

These two steps sound tedious, but both are necessary to remove the debris from your pool. Scrubbing the walls with a brush first will knock loose any debris that may cling to the sides while the vacuum will suck up the mess.

Monthly

Clean the Filter

You can replace your filter monthly, but cleaning it will save money and reduce waste. The process is simple. All it takes is water, a brush, the right cleaner and a bucket.

Test your Water

Checking your pH and chlorine levels daily is essential, but there are other factors that affect your swimming pool water, such as calcium hardness and total alkalinity. Because of these various factors, it’s best to have your water tested by a professional once a month to make sure everything is balanced.

If you’re in Oklahoma, Blue Haven has locations in TulsaOklahoma City and Norman.

If you’re outside of Oklahoma, use our location finder to locate the store closest to you!