A great pool is a handful of small habits done regularly. This guide keeps things simple so your water stays clear, equipment lasts longer, and weekends aren’t swallowed by chores. Whether you’re caring for a backyard pool or a strata/hospitality lap pool, the fundamentals of DIY Pool Maintenance are the same.
The 6-step weekly routine (that actually works)
- Skim + empty baskets (5–10 mins)
Scoop leaves/insects, then empty skimmer and pump baskets so flow stays strong. - Brush walls, steps, waterline (10–15 mins)
Lifts fine biofilm and sunscreen so the filter can trap it. Focus on corners, ladders and grout. - Vacuum the floor (15–30 mins)
Manual head or robots go slow. Robots are great but still brush weekly; they miss steps and the waterline. - Test & balance (10–15 mins)
- Adjust pH first (small moves).
- Maintain free chlorine in range for season/bather load.
- Check alkalinity weekly; stabiliser (CYA) monthly outdoors.
- Filter care (5–15 mins)
- Cartridge: hose top-down; soak if clogged.
- Sand/DE: backwash till clear; set to rinse; then filter.
- Circulation
Run the pump long enough to turn over the full volume daily (often 6–10 hours in summer, split AM/PM).
Short on time? Book an aquatic cleaning tune-up. We’ll balance the water, service the filter and leave you with a tailored DIY swimming Pool Maintenance plan you can actually keep up with.
Book a pool tune-up
Cleaning Vs Deep Cleaning: the practical differences
Tools you’ll actually use
- Leaf rake, pool brush (nylon for most surfaces)
- Manual vacuum or robot
- Quality test kit or strips, measuring jug and a clean bucket
- Sanitiser (liquid chlorine or approved alternative), pH/alkalinity adjusters
- Filter bits: spare cartridges or backwash hose; silicone lube for O-rings
Seasonal tweaks
- After storms: Scoop debris fast, check pH/chlorine, shock if water looks dull.
- Heatwaves: Test more often, lengthen pump run times; pH tends to drift up.
- Winter mode: Shorter circulation hours, weekly brush, keep chemistry in range.
- Leafy sites: A net over autumn saves hours of vacuuming.
Troubleshooting (quick wins)
Cloudy water
- Clean/backwash the filter; brush thoroughly.
- Balance pH; extend pump run time for full turnover.
- Use clarifier only after the basics are right.
Algae (green tinge/slippery feel)
- Brush every surface; shock as per label; run the pump continuously until clear.
- If it returns quickly, check stabiliser, circulation and chlorine residuals.
Scale or brown marks
- Scale = pH/hardness too high → adjust and scrub with pool-safe cleaner.
- Metals = use a specific stain remover; test a patch first.
“Chlorine” smell
- Usually combined chlorines from heavy use → shock and improve circulation.
Safety you’ll be glad you followed
- Never mix chemicals; add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals.
- Wear gloves and eye protection; ventilate pump rooms.
- Store acids and chlorines well apart; keep labels legible.
- Follow re-entry times after shocking.
- For commercial/strata pools, keep a simple log (date, readings, actions).
DIY or call a pro?
Stick with DIY Pool Maintenance if water clears quickly, chemistry holds and equipment behaves. Bring in aquatic cleaning / commercial cleaning support when:
- Algae returns within days or water won’t clear after correct steps
- Filters, heaters or salt cells throw faults
- You manage a strata/hospitality pool and need predictable service windows and compliance records
- You’ve inherited a neglected pool and want a clean slate
Quick “Do & Don’t” table
At-a-glance checklist
- Skim debris; empty baskets
- Brush walls, steps, waterline
- Vacuum (manual or robot)
- Test pH/chlorine; adjust in small doses
- Clean/backwash filter; check pressure baseline
- Run pump to achieve daily turnover
- Shock after heavy use or storms
- Record readings weekly (especially commercial)
Want crystal-clear water without the weekend workload? Our aquatic cleaning specialists can balance your pool, service filters and set you up with a tailored DIY Pool Maintenance plan or handle it end-to-end on a schedule through our commercial cleaning programs.
Book a pool service or handover
FAQs
1. How long should I run the pump each day?
A. Long enough to turn the pool over once, often 6–10 hours in summer, less in winter if chemistry stays stable.
2. Do salt pools need chlorine checks?
A. Yes, salt systems make chlorine. You still test free chlorine, pH and alkalinity, and clean the salt cell when required.
3. Can I swim right after shocking?
A. No. Wait until free chlorine and pH are back in range and the water is clear. Follow the product’s re-entry guidance.
4. Quickest fix for cloudy water?
A. Clean/backwash the filter, brush, balance pH, run the pump longer. Use a clarifier only after those steps.
5. How do I stop algae returning?
A. Keep free chlorine in range, brush weekly, improve circulation (aim returns to create flow), and keep stabiliser in the 30–50 ppm band outdoors.
6. When should cartridges be replaced?
A. When fibres stay matted after a proper clean or when pressure rises quickly post-cleaning.
7. Can I use household cleaners on the waterline?
A. Stick to pool-safe products household cleaners can foam, upset chemistry and damage finishes.
8. Do I need professional help for a strata/hotel pool?
A. Yes scheduled aquatic cleaning with simple logs, dosing checks and service windows keeps things compliant and predictable.
