Pool Care Guide

Weekly Checklist

• Check water level daily, add or remove water as necessary
• Check skimmer basket daily, clean as needed
• Observe lint pot in pump daily, clean as needed
• Brush pool walls and floor
• Vacuum pool
• Check pressure on filter
• Clean filter if necessary

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Twice a Week

• Use test strips or a test kit to check and maintain your pool water balance. Keep your pH levels between 7.4-7.6.
• Test and maintain the free available chlorine level at 1.0-3.0 parts per million (ppm).
• Empty the skimmer basket and skim leaves, insects, and other floating debris from the pool surface.

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Once a Week

• Shock the pool by adding the amount of product recommended by your pool professional. Additional shock may be needed after a rainstorm, heavy bather load or exceptionally hot water.
• Add a maintenance dose of an algae preventer to prevent algae growth. Clarifiers and metal control products should be used on a regular basis.
• Brush walls and use a pool vacuum to clean floors. Clean tile at water line with tile cleaner.

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Monthly

• Take a water sample to your professional Water Testing Service for a complete Swimming Pool Chemical analysis.

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Twice a Year

• Clean your filter with a filter cleaner to remove any oils and grease that may have accumulated on your filter.

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After Rainy or Windy Days

• Always test your pool water.

• Start the winterizing process when the temperature consistently drops to 18 degrees C or lower.
• Starting too early may lead to problems with algae, which thrives in warmer temperatures.
• Hire a professional:
  • If your pool is not winterized correctly, you could do more harm than good.
  • A professional will ensure no damage occurs to your pool during the winter.

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1 Week Prior to Closing the Pool

Step 1: Remove Pool Accessories

• Remove skimmer baskets, cleaners, ladders, steps, and solar blankets from the pool.
• Hose the accessories clean of dirt and algae, let them dry, and then store them in a safe place for the winter.

Step 2: Deep Clean the Pool

Ensure your pool is as clean as possible, which will make it easier to balance the water chemistry and prevent mold and algae growth.

• Use skim nets to clean the pool's surface removing leaves, silt, and other debris.
• Use a pool vacuum to remove debris from the bottom of the pool.
• Thoroughly brush the pool's floor and sides.

Step 3: Balance the Water Chemistry

Test the water chemistry and ensure:

• Alkalinity is at 80-150 parts per million (ppm).
• pH level is between 7.2-7.6.
• Calcium hardness level is between 175-225 ppm.
• Chlorine level is between 1 ppm and 3 ppm.

*Keep in mind if any adjustments need to be made to the water chemistry, this step could take a day or two to complete.

Step 4: Lower the Water Level

• If you have a mesh pool cover - lower the water 1 foot below the skimmer.
• If you have a solid cover - lower the water to 1.5 feet below the skimmer.

*Keep in mind depending on how you are removing water from the pool, this step could take a day or two to complete.

Step 5: Drain, Clean and Store Equipment

Drain all equipment so the water won't expand and cause damage when temperatures fall below freezing. This includes filters, pump, and heater.
Most equipment will have drain plugs. If possible after cleaning the pump and filter, store both indoors for the winter.
*Consider adding pool antifreeze to prevent pipes from bursting.

Step 6: Add Shock and Algaecide

• Add shock to kill bacteria.
• Add algaecide to kill algae.

*If you're using chlorine shock, do not add it at the same time as the algaecide. Always follow the package directions and distribute the chemicals around the pool evenly.

Step 7: Cover the Pool

There are two types of covers you can use; safety covers or winter covers:

• Safety covers: must be anchored down. Provide the greatest protection from debris, and prevent people or animals from accidentally falling in.
• Winter covers: do not need to be anchored down. Provide less protection but are more user-friendly.

Regardless of the type of cover you use, make sure it is tight-fitting and doesn't have any holes or tears.

Pool Care by Pool Type

Different types of pools require different care to maintain their longevity and appearance. For detailed instructions tailored to the type of pool, check out our instruction pages:

1. Fiberglass Pool Care Instructions
2. Steel Vinyl Pool Care Instructions

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