Owning a pool in Northern Utah is a great way to enjoy summer, but it comes with responsibility. With the proper routine and supplies, you can keep your water clean, safe, and ready for fun all season long.
Materials Needed:
- Test strips or a liquid test kit
- Chlorine
- pH increaser or decreaser
- Pool shock
- Skimmer net
- Pool brush
- Pool vacuum
- Filter cleaner (for cartridges)
- Garden hose
Step 1: In-Depth Pool Care Steps
Step 1: Test Your Pool Chemistry
Testing your pool water weekly helps keep it safe and balanced. Use test strips or a liquid test to check chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels. Ideal ranges: chlorine 1-3 ppm, pH 7.4-7.6, alkalinity 80-120 ppm. Add chlorine if it's low, use a pH increaser or decreaser as needed, and shock your pool after heavy use or when chlorine drips quickly.
Step 2: Clean Your Pool Consistently
Daily and weekly cleaning make pool care easier in the long term. Skim the surface every day to remove leaves, bugs, and debris. Once a week, brush the walls and floor to prevent algae buildup. Vacuum weekly to remove dirt and sediment. Empty skimmer baskets regularly and check the waterline for dirt and oils. Consistent cleaning keeps your water clear and your pool looking great.
Step 3: Maintain Your Pool Filter
Your filter is crucial for maintaining clean water. Check the pressure gauge weekly. When it reads 8-10 psi above your pool's normal level, it's time to clean it. For cartridge filters, remove and rinse with a hose, then soak in filter cleaner every few months. For sand or DE filters, backwash according to your manufacturer's instructions.
Step 1:
Test weekly for chlorine, pH, and alkalinity. Adjust the chemicals to maintain a balanced and clear water supply.
Step 2:
Skim daily, brush and vacuum weekly. Keep baskets empty and the waterline clean.
Step 3:
Watch the filter pressure. Clean the cartridge or backwash when the PSI rises 8-10 points above the normal range.
Doug Varney is the owner of Utah Pool Pros, serving Northern Utah with expert pool maintenance, repair, and installation services. With over two decades of experience in the pool industry, Doug is passionate about helping homeowners keep their pools safe, clean, and ready for fun!