December 12, 2025

Pool Care 101: The First-Time Owner’s Guide

Taking care of your own pool is a fantastic way to save money and truly understand how your investment works. It doesn't have to be overwhelming. This guide covers the essential steps to keep your pool sparkling, clean, and ready for a swim all year long.

1. Run Your Pool Pump Daily

Think of the pump as the heart of your pool. It circulates the water to keep it fresh, clean, and inviting. Running your pump daily isn’t just a recommendation—it’s the cornerstone of proper pool care. Without circulation, especially in the mid-summer heat, stagnant water allows algae to grow rapidly.

How long should it run? Circulation removes debris through the filter and ensures chemicals are mixed evenly. Aim for these run times:

  • Standard Pumps: 8–10 hours a day during peak summer usage (4–6 hours is usually fine in cooler weather).

  • Variable-Speed Pumps: Because they run at lower speeds, aim for longer cycles—up to 12–18 hours in hot climates.

Pro Pool Tip: Worried about the electric bill? Invest in a variable-speed pump. By reducing the RPMs when full power isn't needed, you can cut energy costs by 75% or more.

2. Keep Your Chemicals Balanced

Balancing pool chemistry can feel challenging at first, but with a little attention, you will get the science down. Maintaining the right levels is crucial to prevent your pool from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria or irritating swimmers' skin and eyes.

Aim for these ideal levels:

  • pH: 7.4–7.6

  • Alkalinity: 100–150 ppm (parts per million)

  • Chlorine: 1–3 ppm

Test your water at least once a week. This helps you stay ahead of imbalances. When adding chemicals, adjust levels gradually; it is easier to add a little more later than to fix an over-correction.

3. Maintain a Weekly Cleaning Schedule

A consistent cleaning routine is essential for your pool’s health. Set aside time every single week to perform these three tasks:

  • Skimming: Removes leaves and floating debris before they sink and decay.

  • Brushing: Prevents algae buildup and residues from accumulating on walls, ladders, and tiles.

  • Vacuuming: Captures dirt that has settled on the bottom that the main drain and skimmer missed.

Finally, check and clean your filter system regularly. An efficient filter minimizes the manual labor needed to maintain your pool and prevents costly repairs down the line.

4. Know Your Equipment: Heaters and Filters

Selecting the right equipment is crucial for ensuring comfort and cleanliness. Weigh your budget against your desired outcome to choose what is right for your situation.

Pool Heaters The heater you choose should align with your usage habits.

  • Gas heaters have immense heating power but can be costly to operate.

  • Electric heat pumps are efficient with lower operating costs, but they heat the pool slowly.

  • Solar heaters require an upfront investment but offer significant savings over time.

Pool Filters There are three common types of filtration systems.

  • Sand filters are low maintenance but are the least effective at trapping small particles.

  • Cartridge filters capture finer debris than sand and are generally easier to maintain than DE filters.

  • Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters provide the best possible filtration and water clarity but are the most difficult to maintain.

Remember, your pool isn’t just an outdoor feature or another chore—it is a backyard oasis for making cherished memories for years to come.