Expert Pool Care Guide

Pool Maintenance 101

Your complete guide to keeping your swimming pool crystal clear, safe, and ready for fun. Learn expert tips and techniques from the pros at Brick City Pools.

6
Essential Steps
15+
Pro Tips
2hrs
Weekly Time
20+
Years Experience
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What You'll Learn

Jump to any section or read through our complete guide to become a pool maintenance expert.

Section 1

Water Chemistry Basics

Understanding water chemistry is the foundation of pool maintenance. Here's what you need to know.

pH
7.2 - 7.6

pH Level

Measures acidity/alkalinity. Too high causes scale buildup; too low causes corrosion and skin irritation.

Low (<7.2) Add pH Increaser
High (>7.6) Add pH Decreaser
Cl
1 - 3 ppm

Free Chlorine

Sanitizes water and kills bacteria. Essential for safe swimming water.

Low (<1 ppm) Add Chlorine
High (>5 ppm) Wait or Reduce
TA
80-120 ppm

Total Alkalinity

Buffers pH and prevents rapid pH changes. Always adjust alkalinity before pH.

Low (<80 ppm) Add Baking Soda
High (>120 ppm) Add Muriatic Acid

Pro Tips for Water Testing

  • Test water 2-3 times per week during swimming season, daily during heavy use
  • Always test after rain, parties, or adding chemicals — wait 4 hours after adding chemicals
  • Take water samples from elbow-depth, away from jets and skimmers
  • Adjust alkalinity first, then pH, then sanitizer for best results
Section 2

Pool Cleaning Routine

Consistent cleaning prevents problems before they start. Follow this schedule for a pristine pool.

Daily Tasks

5-10 minutes

  • Skim the Surface

    Remove leaves, bugs, and floating debris with a skimmer net

  • Check Water Level

    Should be at mid-skimmer level for proper circulation

  • Empty Skimmer Baskets

    Prevent clogs and maintain water flow

  • Visual Inspection

    Check for any unusual water color or algae growth

Weekly Tasks

1-2 hours

  • Test & Balance Water

    Check pH, chlorine, and alkalinity; adjust as needed

  • Brush Walls & Floor

    Prevents algae buildup and calcium deposits

  • Vacuum the Pool

    Remove settled debris from floor and steps

  • Clean Tile Line

    Remove oils and buildup at the waterline

  • Add Shock Treatment

    Super-chlorinate to eliminate bacteria and contaminants

Monthly Tasks

2-3 hours

  • Deep Clean Filter

    Chemically clean or replace filter media

  • Test Calcium Hardness

    Maintain 200-400 ppm to prevent scaling

  • Check CYA Levels

    Cyanuric acid protects chlorine from sunlight

  • Inspect Equipment

    Check pump, motor, and all connections

  • Add Algaecide

    Preventive treatment to stop algae growth

Section 3

Equipment Care Guide

Well-maintained equipment runs efficiently and lasts longer. Here's how to care for your pool's essential components.

Pool Pump

The heart of your circulation system

Run 8-12 hours daily

Ensures complete water turnover every 24 hours

Clean pump basket weekly

Remove debris to prevent clogs and strain

Check for leaks monthly

Inspect seals, gaskets, and connections

Listen for unusual sounds

Grinding or humming may indicate motor issues

Warning Signs: Loud noise, vibration, air bubbles in pump, loss of prime

Pool Filter

Keeps water crystal clear

Backwash when PSI rises 8-10

Usually every 1-2 weeks for sand/DE filters

Clean cartridges monthly

Rinse with hose; deep clean with filter cleaner

Replace media as needed

Sand: 5-7 years; Cartridge: 1-2 years; DE: annually

Check pressure gauge

Note your "clean" baseline PSI reading

Tip: Keep a spare cartridge to rotate during cleaning

Pool Heater

Extends your swimming season

Keep area clear

Remove leaves and debris around unit

Maintain water chemistry

Imbalanced water damages heat exchangers

Annual professional service

Have a tech inspect and tune yearly

Salt Cell

For saltwater pool systems

Inspect every 3 months

Check for calcium buildup on plates

Clean with acid wash

Use diluted muriatic acid to remove scale

Monitor salt levels

Maintain 2700-3400 ppm for optimal performance

Section 4

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Mississippi weather brings unique challenges. Here's how to care for your pool through every season.

Spring Opening

March - April

  • Remove and clean pool cover thoroughly
  • Reconnect pump, filter, and all equipment
  • Fill pool to proper level and prime pump
  • Test and balance all chemical levels
  • Shock treat and add algaecide
  • Inspect all equipment for winter damage

Summer Peak Season

May - August

  • Test water chemistry 3x per week minimum
  • Run pump 10-12 hours daily in heat
  • Shock weekly or after heavy use/storms
  • Keep chlorine stabilizer (CYA) at 30-50 ppm
  • Clean filter more frequently
  • Watch for and treat algae immediately

Fall Transition

September - November

  • Skim leaves daily to prevent staining
  • Reduce pump run time as temps drop
  • Clean filter and inspect equipment
  • Consider a leaf net cover
  • Begin planning for winterization
  • Maintain chemical balance until closing

Winter Closing

December - February

  • Balance water chemistry before closing
  • Lower water level below skimmer
  • Drain all equipment and lines
  • Add winterizing chemicals
  • Install winter cover securely
  • Check cover periodically for damage

Mississippi Climate Considerations

Our hot, humid summers mean more aggressive algae growth and faster chlorine consumption. Many Jackson-area pool owners keep pools open year-round with reduced maintenance in winter. Consider a pool cover to reduce cleaning and chemical costs during off-season months.

Section 5

Common Problems & Solutions

Even well-maintained pools can have issues. Here's how to identify and fix the most common problems.

Cloudy Water

Water appears hazy, milky, or dull instead of crystal clear

Possible Causes

  • Improper pH or alkalinity levels
  • Low chlorine / sanitizer level
  • Dirty or clogged filter
  • Early stage algae growth

Solutions

  • Test and balance water chemistry
  • Shock treat the pool
  • Clean or backwash filter
  • Run pump 24hrs; add clarifier

Green Algae

Pool has green tint, slimy walls, or visible algae blooms

Possible Causes

  • Insufficient chlorine levels
  • Poor circulation / dead spots
  • High phosphate levels
  • Warm weather + sunlight

Solutions

  • Brush all surfaces thoroughly
  • Triple shock (3 lbs per 10k gal)
  • Run filter 24/7 until clear
  • Vacuum to waste, add algaecide

Eye/Skin Irritation

Swimmers experience burning eyes, itchy skin, or rashes

Possible Causes

  • pH too high or too low
  • High chloramine (combined chlorine)
  • Excessive chlorine levels
  • Low total alkalinity

Solutions

  • Balance pH to 7.2-7.6
  • Shock to eliminate chloramines
  • Wait for chlorine to drop below 5ppm
  • Adjust alkalinity first, then pH

Pool Stains

Brown, green, or rust-colored stains on pool surfaces

Possible Causes

  • Metals (iron, copper, manganese)
  • Organic debris (leaves, berries)
  • Algae that's been killed in place
  • Mineral scaling / calcium deposits

Solutions

  • Identify stain type (vitamin C test)
  • Use appropriate stain remover
  • Add metal sequestrant regularly
  • Balance calcium hardness

When to Call a Professional

Some problems are best left to the experts. Call Brick City Pools if you experience:

Equipment failure Persistent algae Structural cracks Major leaks Black algae
Contact Us
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common pool maintenance questions from our experts.

Need Professional Help?

Pool maintenance can be time-consuming and complex. Let Brick City Pools handle it for you so you can simply enjoy your pool!

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