An inground pool is a wonderful investment in your home’s value, beauty, and enjoyment—but like any other major investment, it requires regular care to stay in prime condition. Whether you’ve just installed a brand-new pool or want to make sure your existing pool remains sparkling and swim-ready, here’s a guide to the essentials of how to maintain an inground pool:

1. Skim, Brush, and Vacuum Weekly

Debris such as leaves, dirt, and insects can quickly accumulate in your pool. To keep the water clean and inviting, be sure to do the following on a regular basis:

• Skim the surface daily or as needed to remove floating debris.
• Brush the pool walls, floors, and steps at least once a week to prevent algae and buildup.
• Vacuum the pool weekly to pick up any debris that has settled at the bottom.

2. Test and Balance Water Chemistry

Keeping your pool’s chemical levels balanced is crucial for water clarity, swimmer comfort, and the longevity of your pool surfaces and equipment. We recommend testing your water at least two to three times per week and adjusting as needed. Key chemical levels include:

• pH – keep levels between 7.2–7.6 to prevent corrosion or scaling.
• Total alkalinity – the ideal range is 80-120 ppm, which can help prevent pH fluctuations.
• Calcium hardness – maintain a range of about 180-220 ppm in order to prevent surface erosion or scaling.
• Chlorine – maintaining chlorine levels of 2-4 ppm will help ward off algae growth and ensure that the water is sanitary for swimming.

At Aqua Pool & Patio, we are pleased to offer free water testing—just bring a sample to our East Windsor, CT location! In addition to your at-home testing, pool stores like ours that offer Free Computerized Water Testing should be part of your monthly routine—year-round.

3. Clean and Inspect the Filter

Your pool filter plays a crucial role in trapping dirt, oils, and other impurities. There are three main types of filters—sand, cartridge, and DE (diatomaceous earth)—and each has its own cleaning schedule:

• Sand filters – backwash every 1–4 weeks and change the sand every 5–7 years.
• Cartridge filters – clean cartridges every 2–6 weeks and replace every 1–2 years.
• DE filters – backwash as needed and recharge with fresh DE powder.

*Read owners’ manuals for specific instructions for detailed instructions.

Check the manufacturer’s recommendations (read the owners’ manuals) or consult with the experts at Aqua Pool for filter-specific advice.

4. Monitor the Water Level

Your pool’s water level should be around the midpoint of your skimmer opening. However, factors such as evaporation, splashing, and backwashing may cause the water level to drop—and if it falls too low, the pump may become damaged. Therefore, it’s important to top off the water as needed and keep an eye out for any signs of leaks.

5. Shock the Pool Periodically

Even well-maintained pools can develop issues from time to time, such as cloudy water or algae blooms. The process of shocking—or adding a high dose of chlorine—helps kill contaminants and keep the water crystal-clear. As a general rule, you should consider shocking your pool under the following circumstances:

• After heavy use
• After a rainstorm
• If the water appears cloudy
• Every few weeks during peak season
• After high bather load events (like a party!)

Always follow product instructions carefully when shocking the pool.

6. Maintain Equipment and Inspect for Problems

Regularly check your pool’s equipment—such as pumps, heaters, filters, and lights—for signs of wear and tear, leaks, or other issues. Addressing minor repairs early can prevent costly problems down the line. We suggest scheduling professional pool inspections at least annually to identify any hidden issues.

7. Winterize Your Pool Properly

In regions like the Northeast that experience cold winters, closing your pool properly in advance of the season is crucial for preventing damage. This process involves several steps, such as:

• Thoroughly cleaning the pool
• Balancing the water chemistry
• Lowering the water level
• Blowing out the plumbing lines
• Adding winterizing chemicals
• Installing a safety cover

Need Help Maintaining Your Pool?

At Aqua Pool & Patio, our team of APSP-trained and licensed maintenance professionals are available to help keep your pool in prime condition year-round. We offer maintenance plans customized to your needs, whether you’d prefer to arrange weekly, monthly, or bimonthly visits, or you’d simply like assistance with pool openings and closings or other sizable tasks.

Visit us online or call us today at (860) 623-9886 to learn more!