8 Common Pool Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

By Clark Rubber | 17th October, 2019

Installing your new swimming pool and learning how to put chemicals in a pool for the first time is just the beginning. Pools require ongoing maintenance to keep them clean, safe and hygienic for your family and friends, even in the colder months of the year when you're not using them.

Pools aren't especially high maintenance, but it's important to get it right. Learning some of the common mistakes other pool owners have made means you won't have to make the same mistakes yourself. These include:

1. Not cleaning the filter

Pool filters help to keep your pool free from dirt and debris – until they get clogged with dirt themselves and won't work any more. Running a clogged filter puts strain on the equipment and could involve repairs or replacements.

2. Cleaning the filter too often

Sometimes, over-maintenance can be as bad as under-maintenance. If you use your pool regularly, the filter should be backwashed about once a week. Washing it too frequently can prevent the pressure from reaching its optimal cleaning level, not to mention wasting water.

3. Not cleaning the pool walls

Algae that builds up on pool walls and floors can be tough to remove. Running a pool cleaner every few weeks to remove surface dirt should prevent most algae build-up. Climbing pool cleaners can every scrub the walls.

4. Not running pumps for long enough

Good circulation is essential for a healthy swimming pool. Pool pumps should even be run in the winter when you're not using the pool. Even if you do switch on your pumps regularly, you might not be leaving them on for long enough. They should be run for around 8 hours a day in the summer and 4 hours in the winter, although this depends on a number of factors.

5. Not checking the chemical balance

Good chemistry is important in your swimming pool. Even if you made sure the balance was correct when you learned how to put chemicals in the pool for the first time, this needs to be checked twice weekly in the summer and once a week in the winter. Leaving it for too long could mean you need to shock the pool to correct it.

6. Not shocking the pool after heavy use

If you're throwing a pool party or there are a lot of people in your swimming pool at the same time, this can use up the chlorine and throw off the balance. Shocking your pool by adding a large helping of chlorine and running the filter for a few hours can be the best way to restore equilibrium.

7. Adding chemicals when it's hot

When you're adding pool chemicals, timing is important. Adding chlorine and other chemicals when the sun is high can cause some to evaporate, which will affect the balance. Ideally, chemicals should be added at night.

8. Not maintaining the water level

Even if you're doing your best to maintain your pool, you may not notice the water level dropping over time. If your pumps are exposed to the air, this can lead to damage and expensive repairs. Check your water level at least once a month to avoid problems.

Regular maintenance keeps your pool in great condition and saves you money. If you're looking for pool maintenance equipment and accessories or a new Sydney, Melbourne or Perth swimming pool.