While having a pool can be tons of fun, it also requires continuous maintenance. The secret to keeping your pool looking pristine is regular, routine care. We asked Chris Piazza from Signature Outdoor Structures to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions that come along with pool maintenance.

1. How/when do you know that it’s time to clean your pool?

Getting on a regular cleaning schedule is critical in preventing build-up and dirtiness in your pool. Without a good maintenance routine, you may begin to notice things like a strong chemical smell or abnormal odor, decreased pool clarity, visual debris, red or burning eyes after swimming, or scale deposits of calcium on the wall. A quick daily examination of your pool is recommended, which may include skimming debris off the top of the pool or balancing the chlorine and other chemicals. A deep clean is recommended on a weekly basis.

2. How often, and for how long, should I run my pool filter?

Ideally, you would want to run your pool’s filter system 24 hours a day to avoid issues such as algae build-up. However, running the filtration system 24/7 can be expensive. Experts recommend running all the water in your pool through the filtration system at least once a day, which, depending on your system, can take anywhere from 4-12 hours. If you’re concerned about costs, the best time to run your filter is between 9:00 PM and 9:00 AM – this is when people are consuming the least amount of energy and rates are at their lowest.

3. What does it mean to balance your pool?

We understand that balancing your pool can seem like a daunting task. On the contrary, it is a fairly simple and straightforward way of ensuring the different chemical elements in your pool water are at their proper levels, which is crucial in keeping your pool looking clean and sparkling clear. Properly balanced pool water must have the right amount of pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. This will keep your metal equipment from corroding, plaster surfaces from etching, and prevent scale formation that can stain surfaces and cloud your water.

4. When should I shock my pool and can I do this on my own, or do I need a professional?

Shocking a pool, otherwise known as super chlorination, is necessary in maintaining your pool water’s clarity and balance. In order to maintain perfect pool water, it is best to shock your pool weekly. It becomes especially necessary after a heavy rain or when you have a lot of active swimmers in the pool, which cause an increase in bacteria and algae spores. Shocking the pool will quickly raise the chlorine level, which will rid the pool of contaminants without lowering the water’s pH levels. Although we recommend hiring a professional to handle chemicals, it can also be done yourself by diluting the shock in a bucket with water and safely pouring it in the pool.  If you are maintaining your pool care, always remember to keep the chemicals out of the sun.