How to Do Pool Maintenance

A crystal clear pool is not an accident. It is routine, balance, and a few simple habits. The easiest way to keep it that way is to hire a professional like The Pool Service Co. We service Sydney’s Northern Beaches, North Shore and Eastern Suburbs, use digital water testing for precise dosing, and leave a clear record after every visit. It saves time, prevents costly repairs, and keeps your water safer for your family.

Prefer to understand the basics or do it yourself between services? Here is a simple, proven routine.

Every pool is different. Size, surface type, sunlight, trees nearby, and equipment all change how your pool behaves. These steps are a general guide based on Sydney conditions and will help you find your rhythm. Over time, you’ll learn how your pool responds just like our technicians at The Pool Service Co., who service the same pools each week and truly understand how each one works.

The 8 Easy Steps to Clean Your Pool

1) Skim, brush, and vacuum

• Skim leaves and debris from the surface and steps.
• Brush walls, floors and the waterline to stop algae from taking hold.
• Vacuum the floor or run your robotic cleaner. Empty the cleaner canister after each run.

Tip: brushing is the cheapest anti‑algae treatment there is. Do it weekly.

2) Empty baskets and tidy the surrounds

• Empty the skimmer and pump baskets. Check the skimmer weir moves freely.
• Clear debris around the pool so it does not blow straight back in.

3) Set and keep the right water level

• Water should sit about halfway up the skimmer opening.
• Top up after hot or windy days. Lower the level a little before heavy rain if flooding is a risk.
• A low level can make the pump suck air. A high level reduces skimming.

4) Test the water weekly

• Use a reliable test kit or digital testing. Record your readings.
• pH: 7.2 to 7.6
• Free chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm (2 to 4 ppm common in summer)
• Total alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
• Calcium hardness: 200 to 400 ppm (fibreglass lower end, plaster higher)
• Stabiliser (CYA): 30 to 50 ppm for liquid/dose pools; 50 to 70 ppm for salt pools

Salt level: as specified by your chlorinator, commonly 3000 to 4000 ppm

5) Balance and dose in the right order

• Adjust one thing at a time and retest.
• pH and alkalinity with acid or bicarb.
• Sanitiser with chlorine or your salt system.
• Calcium hardness if needed.
• Stabiliser last if levels are low.

Safety: never mix chemicals. Add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals. Wear gloves and eye protection. Keep products sealed and dry.

6) Run the pump and filter long enough

• Aim for at least one full turnover of the pool volume each day. In practice this is often 8 to 12 hours in summer and 4 to 6 hours in winter in Sydney.
• If you have a variable speed pump, run it longer on low for better efficiency.
• Watch the filter pressure. Backwash sand or glass filters when pressure rises about 50 to 70 kPa above the clean reading (roughly 8 to 10 psi). For cartridge filters, hose them off when dirty and deep clean periodically.

7) Look, listen, and service equipment

• Check for leaks, air in the pump lid, unusual noises, and vibration.
• Inspect the salt cell. Clean only when scaled, using a mild 1:10 acid rinse. Over‑cleaning shortens its life.
• Confirm timers and chlorinator output match the season.

8) Shock, prevent, and plan for seasons

• Shock or oxidise after big swim days, storms, or when water looks dull.
• Consider a phosphate remover if you struggle with persistent algae.

Through winter: reduce run time, keep chemistry in range, and keep skimming and brushing.

Weekly quick checklist

1. Skim surface and empty all baskets
2. Brush walls and waterline
3. Vacuum or run robot
4. Test water and record results
5. Adjust pH, chlorine, alkalinity as needed
6. Check filter pressure and pump operation
7. Monthly quick checklist
8. Deep clean cartridge or backwash media filter
9. Inspect salt cell and clean if scaled
10. Check o‑rings, lids, clamps and any small leaks
11. Rinse pool surrounds to reduce dust and phosphates

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Adding chemicals without testing first
2. Ignoring stabiliser (CYA) levels
3. Running the pump too little in hot weather
4. Letting the water level drift too high or too low
5. Forgetting to brush

DIY or done‑for‑you

If you want hands‑off maintenance with digital test reports and precision dosing, book The Pool Service Co. We will keep the chemistry right, the equipment healthy, and the water safe, while you enjoy the swim.

Need help right now? Ask for a once‑off clean and balance, or set up a regular service plan.