To maintain crystal-clear water and prolong your pool's lifespan, establish a regular cleaning schedule. Skim the pool for debris and clean the wall tiles every week. Test the pH level every week or every other week to maintain a balanced level of 7. Additionally, vacuum the pool, inspect the equipment, empty the pump baskets, and check the filters every month. Following this routine helps protect your pool’s surface and maintains a consistently healthy swimming environment.
If you've added too much chlorine to your pool, it's important to act quickly. Expose the water to direct sunlight to help break down the excess chlorine, heat the water to accelerate the chemical reaction, and add fresh water to dilute the concentration. You can also apply a chlorine-neutralizing product to bring the chlorine level back to the safe range. These actions maintain water quality and protect both your pool surfaces and swimmers.
One of the easiest ways to save on pool maintenance is to start completing some regular pool maintenance tasks yourself. While more serious repairs should be left to the professionals, routine tasks like skimming your pool to remove debris or checking the pH are tasks that can be accomplished on your own.
The lifespan of your pool is determined by its construction and materials. In-ground concrete pools offer a lifespan of 50 years. Fiberglass pools deliver over 30 years of service. Vinyl-lined pools have a 20-year lifespan with a required liner replacement every six to 12 years. Above-ground pools typically offer a lifespan of eight to 15 years.
It’s best practice to drain and refill the pool every three to five years to maintain the water's purity and flush out accumulated solids. Avoid draining the pool completely, as this can damage the structure. If you're not experienced in pool drainage, it's best to have a pool professional handle the process to protect both your pool and its surroundings.