When temperatures and humidity levels soar, nothing beats a refreshing dip in your backyard pool. However, hot summer weather can also take a toll on your pool’s water chemistry, cleanliness, and equipment—especially if it’s not properly maintained. Whether you’re a new pool owner or a seasoned pro, here are key tips to help keep your pool in prime condition all summer long:

• Frequently Test and Balance the Water Chemistry. Warm temperatures and increased swimmer activity can throw off your pool’s chemical balance more quickly than usual. During the hottest months, test your water at least two to three times per week—or more often during heatwaves or after a pool party. Aim to keep chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer levels in check to prevent problems such as cloudy water, algae growth, and irritation. Want to have your pool water professionally tested? Just bring a sample to our East Windsor, CT location and we’ll perform the testing for free! Our support staff will also make recommendations on how to rectify any issues if needed.
• Shock the Pool Regularly. High heat and sunlight may cause chlorine to dissipate quickly, making it harder to keep bacteria and algae at bay. Shocking the pool—which involves adding a high dose of chlorine—once a week or as needed will help destroy contaminants and keep your water sparkling clean.
• Monitor Water Levels. Water tends to evaporate more rapidly when the weather is hot—particularly when there has been lots of splashing and swimming. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that the water level remains high enough to keep the skimmer and pump working properly. If it drops too low, your equipment can become damaged or inefficient.
• Run Your Pool Pump Longer. During the summer months, your pump may need to run for MORE THAN 8–12 hours a day in order to keep the water circulating and properly filtered. Already have the filter running for 12 hours? Seriously consider adding another program in the middle of the 12 hours of non-filtration. Good circulation is essential for distributing chemicals evenly and preventing the growth of algae and bacteria.
• Brush and Vacuum on a Weekly Basis. Algae and debris can accumulate quickly in warm, sunny conditions. Therefore, be sure to brush your pool walls and floor at least once a week to prevent buildup, and vacuum or use an automatic cleaner regularly to keep debris from affecting water clarity and filtration. Watch for algae growth, which may appear as green, yellow, or black discoloration on the pool surface, and act quickly with algaecide or a shock treatment if you notice any signs.
• Clean the Skimmer and Pump Baskets Often. Leaves, bugs, and other debris can accumulate quickly in the summer, so clean out your skimmer and pump baskets at least once a week to help your pool system run efficiently.
• Schedule a Mid-Summer Professional Service. Even with diligent care, it’s wise to have your pool inspected by a professional during peak season. At Aqua Pool & Patio, our trained and licensed maintenance professionals can check your water balance, equipment, and overall system performance to ensure that everything is running smoothly.

Enjoy a Worry-Free Summer with Aqua Pool

Staying on top of maintenance during the summer will help keep your pool clean, clear, and safe—so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your backyard oasis. Whether you’re in need of supplies, equipment upgrades, or professional service, Aqua Pool & Patio is here to help. Contact us today to schedule service or learn more about our customizable maintenance programs!