Weekly Maintenance

Follow a regular maintenance program:

  1. Vacuum the pool or use a robot to remove dirt and debris that has accumulated on the bottom. More frequent vacuuming can be beneficial but it should not be done less than once each week.
  2. Check the pressure or vacuum gauges on a sand or Diatomaceous Earth filter to determine if the filter requires backwashing. Backwash following the filter manufacturer’s directions. At a minimum, it is recommended to backwash twice monthly for a short period of time. Note: Some manufacturers produce a product that helps remove deeply-set dirt during the backwash process. Such products may help in improving filter performance during the season. If the pool has a cartridge filter, the cartridge should be inspected to determine if cleaning beyond a simple rinsing is required. Regardless of filter type, if the media is unusually dirty, it should be cleaned with a quality filter cleaner made for pool filters.
  3. Add water as needed. There should be plenty of water to prevent the skimmer from vortexing and sucking in air. Check and adjust pH and total alkalinity. Test sanitizer residual, adjust as needed and refill feeders as required.
  4. Add a sequestering agent every week. Even if metals are not detected in the water tests they can contaminate when least expected and calcium can precipitate to form scale or cloudy water. The small amount of sequestering agent used weekly will be far less costly than the expense incurred in acid washing or stain removal.
  5. Add a maintenance dose of clarifier or products like c-pool to help the filter in removing even the smallest particles that can otherwise lead to hazy water conditions.
  6. Shock oxidize the water once a month using a non-chlorine shock oxidizer. Regular shock oxidation will help prevent the formation of combined chlorine, red eyes, odors and skin irritation. The shock treatment will also help the sanitizer work better.
  7. Add a maintenance dose of algaecide or all-in-one products like c-pool. The algaecide will prevent algae growth even if the sanitizer system were to fail or in the event of heavy bather loads or rainfall.
  8. Add an enzyme oil and grease digester or products like c-spa to help break up scum lines and reduce filter clogs.
  9. Clean along tile lines, surrounding pool areas and patio furniture.