Your backyard pool is more than just a water feature—it’s the centerpiece of your personal oasis. But even the most beautiful pool can quickly become a headache if not properly maintained. Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or a seasoned swimmer, these are the five most common pool maintenance mistakes people make—and how to steer clear of them.
1. Ignoring Water Chemistry
The Mistake:
Many pool owners assume that if the water looks clean, it is clean. Unfortunately, that’s not always true.
The Fix:
Test your water at least once a week using a reliable test kit or strips. Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.8, chlorine between 1.0–3.0 ppm, and don’t forget alkalinity and calcium hardness. Balanced water prevents corrosion, algae growth, and cloudy water.
Pro Tip: Consider a smart pool monitor that alerts you in real-time when levels go off.
2. Overusing Chemicals
The Mistake:
Trying to “shock” your pool back into shape by dumping in chlorine or algaecide without measuring. This can lead to skin irritation, damaged equipment, and even discoloration of surfaces.
The Fix:
Always follow manufacturer guidelines and measure carefully. More isn’t always better—it’s about balance.
3. Not Running the Pump Long Enough
The Mistake:
Trying to save money by only running the pump for a few hours a day. This allows debris and algae to build up.
The Fix:
Aim to run your pump 8–12 hours a day during swim season. If you have a variable-speed pump, you can run it longer at lower speeds for better circulation and efficiency.
Rule of Thumb: Run your pump one hour for every 10°F of outside temperature.
4. Skipping Regular Cleaning
The Mistake:
Assuming the filter will take care of everything. Leaves, bugs, and sunscreen build up quickly.
The Fix:
Skim the surface daily, brush the walls weekly, and vacuum as needed. Clean out your skimmer and pump baskets regularly, and backwash or rinse your filter per manufacturer recommendations.
5. Neglecting Your Pool Filter
The Mistake:
Forgetting to clean or replace your filter leads to poor circulation, cloudy water, and strain on the pump.
The Fix:
Know your filter type (sand, cartridge, or DE) and maintain it accordingly. Cartridges should be cleaned every few weeks, sand filters backwashed as needed, and DE filters recharged regularly.
Wrapping It Up
A well-maintained pool doesn’t require a ton of work—it just requires consistency. Avoiding these common mistakes will keep your water clear, your equipment happy, and your backyard vibe strong.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t worry—we’re here to help.
Need help maintaining your pool?
Let Prestige Pool and Patio keep it sparkling year-round. Contact us today for a free estimate!
Prestige Pool and Patio
www.PrestigePP.com/estimate
☎️ 469-644-7665
📧 info@prestigepp.com
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