There are a variety of factors that impact your total pool cleaning time, including the size of your pool; how heavy the staining or contamination is and whether the water needs to be balanced or shocked. One of the best things about vinyl and fiberglass pools is that if you’re keeping them clean on a regular basis (running your pool pump and having your pool dealer check on things), they require less maintenance than other pool types. Make it a part of your weekly pool season routine to tend to pool maintenance. The more frequently you test, balance and clean your pool, the less work you’ll have to do each time. This means less time scrubbing steps and more time swimming or lounging poolside.

For truly effortless cleaning, you can also consider hiring a professional. In fact, there are certain situations where we actually recommend it, such as opening your pool for spring.

The more often you clean your pool, the less opportunity there will be for staining and contamination. That means more time enjoying your pool, and less time maintaining it.

For best results, we recommend following our step-by-step cleaning routine once per week. Just remember that you don’t need to shock your pool on a weekly basis. Additionally, there may be times when you need to clean your pool more frequently, such as after a windstorm or inclement weather.

Also, remember to balance your pool’s chemistry regularly. A pool may look clean but it may not be safe to swim if the water isn’t balanced properly. Most dealerships can provide or recommend professional pool cleaning services. Contact us to learn more about the services in your area.

You step out onto your lawn, ready for a refreshing dip in your pool — only to find that the once-turquoise water is nearly as green as your grass! Shocking your pool or adding algaecides can help you restore water quality.

Typically caused by the growth of algae, green water is common in hotter climates, where these fast-growing organisms can thrive.

Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to fix it at home. For DIY solutions to murky or green pool water, check out our step-by-step guide on how to get rid of pool algae.

Reopening your pool takes more effort than regular maintenance once it’s open. Once you remove your cover and reconnect your filtration systems, you’ll need to add a pool solution to prevent staining due to metals that may have occurred while your pool was closed. You’ll also need to test your water’s pH and balance it to the appropriate levels – starting with total alkalinity. Then, give your pool a thorough cleaning, using a vacuum and brush. Run your filtration system for a minimum of 10 hours to allow water to circulate and remove any remaining dirt from your pool. Lastly, you’ll want to shock your pool to kill any lingering bacteria.

With this type of heavy-duty project on your hands, it’s usually a good idea to call in expert help.

Most pool dealerships will be happy to provide you with trustworthy recommendations, or even provide you with their own pool cleaning services. Either way, you get peace of mind knowing your pool is in the hands of an experienced professional.

Failing to test (and balance) your pool water regularly can lead to a host of problems, making it more difficult to maintain proper water chemistry. Some common water balancing issues include:

• Excessive chlorination, which can lead to skin rashes
• High pH or alkaline levels that contribute to cloudy water
• “pH bounce” or fluctuating pH levels due to low alkalinity
• Low calcium hardness can corrode your valuable pool equipment and accessories

Regularly testing and adjusting your water can help you avoid these common water balancing issues.