How to Keep Your Pool Crystal Clear All Summer Long

With summer in full swing, keeping your pool sparkling clean may feel like a chore. But with some simple maintenance and the right pool care products, you can easily keep your pool crystal clear all season long.

Here are 10 tips to maintain a pristine pool that will be the envy of your neighbors.

Test and Balance the Water Weekly

Test your pool's pH and sanitizer levels at least once a week. pH indicates whether the water is too acidic or basic. The ideal range is 7.4-7.6. Chlorine sanitizer should test between 1-3 ppm. Too little sanitizer causes cloudy water, while too much creates strong chemical odors and irritation. Use test strips or a digital tester to check levels and balance accordingly with pH increaser or decreaser and chlorine shock treatments.

Shock the Pool Regularly

Shocking raises the chlorine level to get rid of contaminants and should be done at least once a week. For best results, shock at night when the sun won't burn off the chlorine too quickly. Alternate between calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite shock treatments for maximum effectiveness. After shocking, run the filter for 8-12 hours allowing the chlorine to fully circulate.

Maintain Proper Filtration

Effective filtration is crucial for keeping water clear of particles and debris. Make sure your pump and filter can cycle all the water at least twice a day. Check and clean cartridge filters monthly or as needed. Backwash DE and sand filters when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI above normal levels. Performing this routine maintenance prevents filter clogging and ensures the system runs efficiently.

Clean the Pool Regularly

Use a skimmer net daily to remove leaves, bugs, and other debris from the water’s surface. Brush pool walls and floor weekly to prevent algae growth and dislodge particulates before they settle into the plaster. Use a vacuum to deep clean the entire pool from top to bottom every 2 weeks or as needed. Doing so keeps particles from accumulating and clouding the water.

Add Chemicals Carefully

Add pool chemicals like chlorine, shock treatments, algaecides and clarifiers carefully per the manufacturer’s directions. Never pre-mix chemicals together as this can cause dangerous chemical reactions. Broadcast solid treatments around the pool’s perimeter to prevent “hot spots” and allow even dissolution. Let each chemical fully circulate before adding a new one.

Maintain Proper Water Levels

Evaporation causes water levels to drop over time. Monitor and top off regularly to keep levels optimal. Low water reduces filtration effectiveness and chemical concentrations. Top off with fresh water only after checking sanitizer levels – never top off with chlorinated water as this throws levels off balance.

Control Algae Proactively

Phosphates and nitrates in the water provide food for algae growth. Use an enzyme-based product weekly to break down these contaminants and prevent algae from establishing itself. If you do get an algae bloom, treat immediately with a high-strength algaecide per label directions before it gets out of hand.

Clean the Pool Deck and Filters

Keep pool decks spotless so dirt and grass don’t get tracked into the water. Use a stiff broom or pressure washer as needed to remove debris and prevent slick algae from growing. Routinely rinse cartridge filters with a hose to prevent mineral and oil buildup. Soak DE and sand filters in filter cleaner to dissolve accumulated gunk and restore maximum performance.

Shock After Heavy Rainfalls

Rainwater carries dirt, lawn chemicals, and other contaminants into your pool. After a heavy storm, add extra shock and run the pump overnight to adequately treat the added influx. This preventative measure keeps water crystal clear after environmental exposure.

Use a Pool Cover

Using a solar cover or liquid blanket when the pool is not in use reduces contaminants from getting in. Covers also retain heat, reducing water evaporation, chemical loss, and reheating costs. Just be sure to temporarily remove the cover when adding chemicals to allow even water diffusion.

With these 10 tips, you can spend more time enjoying your pool and less time fretting over maintenance. Test water a few times weekly, brush regularly, shock liberally, clean filters and keep covers on when possible.

Employing these simple methods consistently allows you to achieve clean, sparkling pool water all season long. With proper care, you can avoid frustrating algae blooms and enjoy the oasis in your backyard. Before you know it, summer will be over and your pool will still be crystal clear!

However, if you find yourself too busy to keep up with the maintenance yourself, don't worry! Let Krevco keep your pool sparkling clean this summer! Our range of pool maintenance services can take care of everything from cleaning and maintenance to repairs and upgrades.

Anything else your pool needs! Contact us today to learn more about our convenient service plans. Krevco is your one-stop solution for crystal-clear pool water all season long!