Over 130 million swimming pools grace homes across the country.

There is nothing like jumping into a pool in the height of summer -- hot or cold. And there is nothing like the frustration of having to take hours out of your busy schedule to clean up your pool.

But what if it was as easy to keep your pool clean as to use it?
Read on! Here are a few common mistakes in swimming pool maintenance that many people make. Avoid them and learn how to keep your pool clean easily.

1. Neglecting Water Chemistry

A chemical balance must be achieved to keep swim water safe and maintain a healthy pool environment. Poor water chemistry can lead to cloudy water, calcareous deposits, and even eye and skin irritations. Properly balancing chlorine, pH, and alkalinity is essential and can be done with a combination of test strips, a pool test kit, and the addition of water treatment chemicals.
Neglecting water chemistry in swimming pool maintenance can lead to several issues that may compromise the safety and enjoyment of your swimming pool. Here are some key points to consider:
  • Maintaining Water Chemistry: Keeping a delicate balance of your pool’s water chemistry is essential. Overlooking this can result in the growth of harmful bacteria and compromise a safe swimming environment1.
  • Regular Testing: To maintain a healthy pool condition, you should regularly test the water and adjust the levels of pH, chlorine, and alkalinity as necessary1.
  • Robotic Pool Cleaners: Using robotic pool cleaners can significantly reduce the need for manual cleaning and help maintain a cleaner pool with minimal effort1.
  • Shock Treatments: Proper and regular shock treatments are vital for eliminating organic contaminants and maintaining clear water. Inadequate shock treatments can lead to algae growth and water balance issues1.
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s recommended to integrate a consistent maintenance routine that includes regular testing and adjustments of water chemistry, proper filter care, and the use of efficient cleaning tools like robotic pool cleaners. This will ensure your pool remains a healthy and inviting oasis.

2. Overlooking Filter Maintenance

An untended filter can lead to several other issues with your pool maintenance routine, including clogged pipes and cloudy water. The filter should be cleaned thoroughly every few weeks, and you should check it regularly to ensure it is running correctly.

You should also invest in Stainless Steel Jumbo Housings for your filtering system. This makes a quick visual inspection easy, which helps reveal any clogs. And if you do notice something unusual, you can troubleshoot the problem immediately.
  • Filter Maintenance: The filtration system is crucial for keeping the water clean. Neglecting filter maintenance can lead to cloudy or dirty water and strain on the pump1.

3. Over-Chlorinating

Over-chlorinating occurs when too much chlorine is in the pool, damaging our skin. To avoid this, always check the chlorine level in the pool with a test strip before adding chlorine. If the chlorine level is too high, use a chemical-reducing agent to return the stories to an appropriate range.
Over-chlorinating a swimming pool can lead to several problems for swimmers and the pool itself. Here are some important points to consider:
  • Health Risks: Excessive chlorine can cause skin and eye irritation; in more severe cases, it can lead to respiratory issues or other health problems1.
  • Damage to Pool Equipment: High chlorine levels can corrode pool equipment, fittings, and even the pool surfaces, leading to costly repairs or replacements1.
  • Chlorine Levels: The ideal chlorine level in a pool should be between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm). Levels exceeding 5 ppm are considered dangerous and can cause discomfort to swimmers2.
  • Correcting Over-Chlorination: To reduce high chlorine levels, you can partially drain and refill the pool, use a chemical neutralizer, or simply wait for the levels to drop naturally over time with exposure to sunlight2.
  • Prevention: To prevent over-chlorination, it’s crucial to follow chlorine dosage guidelines, regularly test your pool water, and adjust chemical levels gradually. If needed, seek professional help to maintain proper water chemistry1.
Maintaining a balanced water chemistry is critical to ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. Regular testing and careful chemical adjustment will help you avoid the pitfalls of over-chlorination.

4. Skipping Regular Skimming

Skimming the pool is necessary maintenance to remove floating debris that can clog the filter. Failing to skim the surface of a swimming pool regularly can cause many problems and lead to more pool maintenance costs. It’s recommended that the collection be flipped daily or at least weekly if you don’t use it often.

Skipping regular skimming in swimming pool maintenance can lead to various issues that affect both the cleanliness of the pool and the efficiency of the pool’s filtration system. Here’s why regular skimming is important:
  • Surface Debris: Leaves, insects, and other debris can accumulate on the water’s surface. If not removed, they can sink and become harder to clean, leading to potential staining and deterioration of the pool liner or surface.
  • Water Circulation: Skimming helps improve water circulation. Poor circulation can lead to “dead spots” where algae and bacteria grow.
  • Filter Strain: Unskimmed debris can clog the filter, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan. This puts additional strain on the pool pump and can lead to costly repairs.
  • Chemical Balance: Debris in the pool can affect the chemical balance, requiring more chemicals to maintain clean water, which can be both costly and harmful to swimmers.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: A clean, debris-free pool is more inviting. Regular skimming maintains the pool’s aesthetic appeal and ensures it’s always ready for use.
It’s best to incorporate skimming into your daily pool maintenance routine to avoid these issues. It’s a simple task that can be done with a hand-held net and takes only a few minutes, but it significantly impacts the overall health and appearance of your pool. Remember, consistent care is the key to a pristine swimming environment.

5. Ignoring Pool Water Level

While pool water levels are often neglected, they should be at least halfway up the skimmer. Low water levels can stress the water pump and filter system, leading to broken or damaged parts. This can make cleaning and maintaining the pool difficult and costly, but waterway pool filters show immense calibre for pool maintenance. 

To avoid these issues, check the water levels regularly and adjust them accordingly as needed. If evaporation is causing the water level to drop, consider installing an automatic or solar pool cover to help keep the water warm and constant.

Ignoring the pool water level is a common oversight in swimming pool maintenance that can lead to several problems:
  • Proper Filtration: The water level is crucial for the proper operation of the filtration system. If the water level is too low, the pump may run dry and get damaged. Conversely, the skimmer may not function effectively if the water level is too high.
  • Structural Damage: Fluctuations in water level can cause structural damage to the pool. A low water level can lead to liner tears or damage to the pool walls, while a high water level can put undue pressure on the pool structure.
  • Chemical Imbalance: The water level affects the concentration of chemicals. A low water level means higher chemical concentration, which can be harsh on swimmers’ skin and eyes.
  • Safety Hazards: An incorrect water level can create safety hazards. A high water level can increase the risk of small children or pets accidentally falling in.

To maintain the correct water level:

  • Monitor Regularly: Check the water level frequently, especially after heavy rain or intense usage.
  • Adjust Accordingly: Use a hose to add water or a pump to remove excess water, keeping the level at about the midpoint of the pool skimmer for optimal operation.
  • Automatic Fill Devices: Consider installing an automatic fill device to maintain the water level without manual intervention.
By paying attention to the water level, you can ensure the longevity of your pool equipment, the effectiveness of your pool chemicals, and the safety and enjoyment of your swimming pool.


6. Neglecting to Shock the Pool

Shocking the pool kills bacteria and helps maintain proper water chemistry. It is essential to shock regularly during hot months when weather and swimmers can increase the chances of bacteria. Have a shocking schedule based on local weather and pool use to avoid this mistake.
Neglecting to shock your swimming pool is a significant oversight in pool maintenance that can lead to various problems:
  • Water Quality: Without regular shocking, your pool water can become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and algae, which can cause health issues and make the pool unsafe for swimming1.
  • Chloramines: Chloramines form when chlorine binds with contaminants like sweat, oils, and urine. They can cause skin and eye irritation and give off a strong chlorine smell. Shocking breaks these bonds, restoring chlorine’s effectiveness1.
  • Algae Prevention: Regularly shocking the pool helps prevent algae blooms, which can turn the water green and create slippery surfaces that are hazardous and difficult to clean1.
  • Equipment Longevity: Proper chemical balance, achieved through shocking, can extend the life of your pool equipment by preventing corrosion and scaling1.
  • Clear Water: Regular shocking helps keep the water clear and cloudy-free, ensuring an inviting swimming environment1.
To maintain a healthy pool, it’s recommended to shock the pool regularly, typically once a week or biweekly, and more often if it is heavily used or after events like storms or parties introducing more contaminants. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the type of shock you use and ensure proper safety measures, like gloves and goggles, when handling pool chemicals. Remember, a well-maintained pool is a safe and enjoyable pool.

Avoid These Common Mistakes in Swimming Pool Maintenance

Common mistakes in swimming pool maintenance can be avoided by following simple tips. Follow these basic steps to keep your pool clean and sparkling, and enjoy a safe and refreshing swimming experience! If you have more questions or need more help, consult your local pool specialist.