If you’re on the fence about purchasing a home with a pool because you’re not sure how to take care of a pool, keep reading. A well-maintained pool will bring your family years of enjoyment plus can become a hub for family-gatherings and making memories.

To keep your pool in good condition takes dedication to the upkeep throughout the summer and the rest of the year. With a bit of know-how, you can handle many of these pool maintenance projects. Begin here:  

Tip 1. Routinely check the water quality and water level.

A pool without the right chemical balance can harbor bacteria which can make swimmer’s sick and be dangerous to swim in. If the water quality is poor, the water won’t look clear. When the pH balance is off this may lead to calcium build-up around the sides of the pool and filter. Be intentional about checking the pH level of the water weekly during the hot summer months and when the temperatures dip in the cooler winter months, check the pH levels every 1-2 weeks. An optimal pH range is between 7.4 and 7.6.

Should the water level become too low it can lead to problems with the pump—causing the pump to run dry or burn up. Water levels too high can cause the skimmer door to not work as it should.

Tip 2. Clean the filter every 3-6 months.

Get in the habit of regularly cleaning the pool’s filter. During bad weather and depending on your pool’s condition, the filter may require more frequent cleanings.

Tip 3. Clean the various baskets and collection pots.

While you’re cleaning the filter also check the other various baskets and collection pots to remove lint, hair, and other debris. Remember to turn off the pool’s pump and release the system pressure before beginning. It’s important to follow safety practices. Based on your findings and pool usage, you may need to clean these items as often as every two weeks.   

Tip 4. Scrubbing and skimming the pool.

Scrubbing the pool to remove and reduce algae growth could be done every other week. Skimming the leaves and other debris off the surface of your pool is one of the most common maintenance tasks for pool owners. Depending your surrounding landscape, this task could be performed daily.

Tip 5. Schedule annual professional service.

Commit to scheduling a professional pool service to perform a preventative maintenance check annually. While there are numerous things you can do to maintain and clean your pool, the professionals will evaluate the equipment to ensure it’s operating at peak performance.  

Adopting a pool maintenance and cleaning routine will cut-down on the amount of time needed to tackle these tasks from month-to-month plus help your pool last for many years. If you’d like to live in a home with a pool, please reach out. I’d be happy to check the home listings and show you some homes that check this box on your wish list.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.